In Dijon, the thrift store “Les Nomades” is definitely lowering its curtain. This store was launched 10 months ago in the city center, very close to the Place du Théâtre. It offered second-hand, but quality clothing for women and children. At 31, Marion Lonjaret, the young woman who launched this project, is closing her shop without losing any money. She prefers to stop everything because running a business alone is not an easy adventure. It is this experience that she shares with us today
France Bleu Bourgogne: Why give up running a shop?
Marion Lonjaret : In fact, I realized that what I really liked was everything that revolved around creation. Having a shop imposes schedules. I realized that I lacked freedom and that I needed to be outside and be able to do things, to meet people, to make partnerships. I was commercial for a long time before (Marion was an insurance agent Ed.) and suddenly, I missed it a little bit.
Concretely, what are the constraints of a store?
At the beginning, I had chosen to open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., so all day long, which makes for a good time slot. Afterwards, I tried Monday to Friday, so a little more flexibility for the weekends. But once again, I realized that what I liked was going to meet people directly
What doesn’t fit? The economic model or the choice of life?
I cannot say that the economic model did not work since the adventure lasted less than a year. I think it’s something that can work over time. For me, it’s really a matter of lifestyle choices. It’s the most important thing for me, it’s to be in agreement with myself, to listen to myself and since I don’t find myself there. I made the decision to quit
– Olivier Estran
Running a shop alone, is it an impossible bet?
It’s not an impossible bet, I don’t think. On the other hand, you also have to realize that being an entrepreneur can bring loneliness. Me, I felt it. I was lucky enough to have a few trainees who accompanied me, so it was really cool to be able to exchange. But yes, being a business leader sometimes means making decisions on your own and it can be complicated.
Many of us are thinking about a conversion. To find another way of life. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started?
You have to take the time to really position yourself, to be well supported. I think that’s super important. There are free organizations in Côte d’Or, in Burgundy, which can accompany you (The Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the BGE –Editor’s note). Afterwards, for accounting, I really invite you to be accompanied by an accountant, it’s super important. And then to be well surrounded too. It’s important to be surrounded by friends and loved ones, to have good discussions with them, to get advice from them because sometimes you have your head in the grindstone.
Will you hold a trade again or will you say to yourself “never again!” ?
No, I’m not saying never again and I don’t regret anything: to those who would like to get started, I say that you really have to ask yourself, think about a complete plan. Already, communication is really something very important. Choose your location well. I had chosen a room upstairs. Maybe that hurt me a little, I think. Yet I made incredible efforts on this in terms of radio, press, dynamism, partnerships. You have to use social networks for help. You have organizations that can support you once again in accounting. It’s really a great experience. To end on a positive note, I loved entrepreneurship. It really allowed me to gain confidence in myself on many things. So I say frankly “Go ahead, dare!”. And then, at worst, we fall back on our feet!”