Anne-Claire is the mother of three children, but also co-founder and artistic director of Maison Margaret, a home linen brand with a soft and poetic universe that is reinventing the codes of direct sales.
Active mom, working woman, entrepreneur... Anne-Claire is a woman overflowing with energy and projects. She opens up about her life as a mom and the obviousness of always having wanted to become a mother.
Hello Anne-Claire, can you tell us about yourself and your lovely family?
Hello! I am a dreamy entrepreneur, fulfilled as the artistic director of the home linen and ready-to-wear brand Maison Margaret, which I co-founded with my brother. I love the idea of advancing our way of consuming responsibly yet poetically, and encouraging women to start their own business and pursue a certain freedom. For me, living my professional life in alignment with my values is also part of my role as a mother. To inspire and be inspired, those are the two words that guide me in my personal life, with Anton (8), Scarlett (6), and Albertine (three and a half), as well as in my professional life.
You breastfed your three children; how did you experience this?
I loved breastfeeding my three children, that close bond with my babies was a real revelation. It was not always easy, especially with Anton, my first, with frustrations of not having enough milk (so not feeling adequate) and having to stop too soon. Such special moments, truly some of my best memories, and they make me want to do it all over again.
Have you always wanted to be a mother or was it a desire that grew over time?
Always, it was in me, I always saw it as a priority, almost like a dream because I wanted such a big family and have always loved babies.
In your life as a busy mom, how do you manage to give time to each of your children?
They're often all together, so I spend time with them as a group. And we try, their dad and I, to spend individual time with each when their needs and little tensions suggest they could use it. And we manage to do that on weekends; I absolutely love those one-on-one moments where they open up differently than when they're with their siblings.
Was the choice of names obvious, or the result of a long reflection (and negotiation ;))?
Long negotiation, yes, and also obvious, but only to me!
Anton was a real favorite—I simply couldn't imagine calling him anything else, but that was an obvious choice not shared by everyone.
Scarlett was my dream name; I’d given up on it after negotiating “too much” for her brother’s name—which really wasn’t classic enough for their dad, who ultimately, against all odds, put it on his list. So I jumped at the opportunity.
And Albertine, a fairly obvious choice for both of us.
What kind of relationships do Anton, Scarlett, and Albertine have?
They love each other and are more often close than they bicker, but of course, disagreements happen. Overall, they get along very well, a good team. There are often duos within the trio, but the duos shift depending on the time of day or the activities, and in the end, they find their balance.
What values were passed on to you that you would like to pass on to them?
I especially want to teach them to always prioritize their freedom, individuality, and self-respect. Because it’s also by having these values that you love and respect others. I feel this is a real strength; it obviously goes hand in hand with self-confidence, an essential link in the chain to living a fulfilled life. And of what was passed on to me, I would say: to go after your dreams; anything is possible if you take action.
Are there little things you have learned to let go of in your daily life?
The children's outfits, but also many other things where I ask myself: "is this really important?" If the answer is no—which it often is—I let it go!
In a nutshell:
If you were a…
A magical power: The ability to give a healthy dose of self-confidence to those who lack it, because sometimes the road is long and discouraging, so a little boost wouldn’t hurt.
A season: All of them! Why choose? I love change and how each season shapes the year.
A book: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
An inspiring woman: Delphine de Syon @welcometosyon
A pair of shoes: A pair of Mary Jane shoes by Michel Vivien
An expression: "We're not here to mess around"
A childhood dish: Mashed potatoes and sausage made by my grandma
A dream trip: A road trip in Australia
