Discover Epi'Boujou, a company founded by a Kedger so you can consume better!

To begin, tell us about your educational background. What did you study, both before and at KEDGE?

I got a business and administration management degree from the Faculty of Economics and Management in Rouen, in 2008. After that, I was then admitted to KEDGE’s Grande Ecole Programme through the Ecricome competitive exam. I went to the Marseille campus with a focus on marketing and communication. I didn’t take a gap year and finished my courses at the Marrakech campus which had opened the same year.

While I was at KEDGE, I worked for the Alumni Association. We carried out an audit of good practices so we could implement concrete actions to give more weight to our network of graduates. One of the measures we took was to introduce a lifetime membership!

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Tell us what you did after your studies were finished. What positions have you held? What did you learn in those positions?

I worked as a project manager for a sports event agency in Paris for three years, which meant that I was able to develop my skills around an exciting sport, golf, and also to work for major accounts and partners of the French golf industry. It was very rewarding, but even though mixing work and passion is often a good idea, it can also be a hindrance... Then, I went to live in South Africa for a little over a year where I worked for the online gambling industry. When I came back, I wanted to move back to my hometown (Le Havre) to set up a Food Market project. This project did not see the light of day and I bounced back with different experiences in different environments. In particular, I worked for a Parisian start-up (now bought by Doctolib) as a business developer and then I joined an association based in Le Havre as a coordinator.

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What are you doing today? What gave you the idea and the desire to do what you’re doing today? 

Currently, I co-manage a cooperative company: Epi'Boujou. The desire to be an entrepreneur had always been strong in me and a conversation with a few friends got us started on this project. I've always wanted to make waves and contribute ( in a small way ) to making the world a better place. We have an incredible mission to help popularise the concept of "better consumption". The cooperative structure we have created is a great means of carrying out many projects that make a difference. We currently carry out four activities (a bulk grocery shop that travels to markets, a zero-waste drive, awareness-raising activities, and furniture made from pallets and other reclaimed materials).

EPIBOUJOU.FR

There are many ways we can develop, but before we can expand, we have to establish ourselves and make sure our jobs are secure. Any expansions will take place in our own region. There are various avenues of development in which we can contribute to consumerism which is more respectful to man and the environment.

If you were to give advice to any KEDGE graduate who wants to do something similar, what would it be?

Mixing work and what you love is a good idea, but be aware that passion has a tendency to dissipate. In any case, you have to follow your dreams. Find a job that is meaningful to you and that makes you want to get up in the morning.

My courses at KEDGE gave me the skills and methodology to work in project mode in different fields. From sports to e-commerce via community involvement, I’ve been able to build my career with peace of mind and carry out my responsibilities with expertise and less stress.

Anything you’d like to add? A message to pass on?

As we grow, we are going to need more staff to take on the many responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead. 

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Follow Epi'Boujou on social networks:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epiboujou 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiboujou/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epi-boujou/ 
• Youtube: https://bit.ly/3h7dF60