Family
At the Foot of Montmartre with the Founders of Selency.
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Charlotte Cadé and Maxime Brousse
Time has flown by since we first met nearly four years ago. Then just online, Selency - the creation of Charlotte Cadé and Maxime Brousse - was not the landmark it is today. A site full of vintage furniture and accessories, allowing everyone to find authenticated unique pieces online. Such a success that the platform has just opened its first shop. In real life. At the BHV since the beginning of March, the world created by the Bordeaux couple and their team has come to life in reality. Now it is possible to immerse yourself in their aesthetic - which will change every season - in the physical market place. And now you can better understand the values that motivate the two founders, who are more than happy to sell you anything from a Persian carpet to an antique chest of drawers. Another turning point for these two proactive personalities, who love to be on the move both at work and in life. "It also goes with our entrepreneurial personalities," adds Charlotte, when we discuss with her the metamorphosis of their interior, an apartment in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Because here, as at Selency, a lot has changed. Tastes have become more refined. More assured. And even if the photographs still adorn the walls, their presence is now all the more noticeable. Set off by a perfect balance between materials and eras. An inspiring cohabitation. In their image.
Location
Paris
Author
Caroline Balvay
Photos and videos
Valerio Geraci
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TSF
Charlotte, Maxime: where are you from? Can you introduce yourselves, please?
Charlotte
We both come from Bordeaux, and we're a couple of passionate entrepreneurs. We co-founded Selency 4 years ago. Maxime loves entrepreneurship, sports and challenges of all kinds. Personally, I'm a decoration fanatic. I like to conceptualise, imagine and develop my ideas, and then take them as far as I can. We found ourselves involved in this project, which allowed us to combine our common passions, values and ambitions, and I must admit that Selency is allowing us to blossom 1000% at the moment.
TSF
For those who don't know about Selency. What is it?
Maxime
It's a website that allows everyone to find and sell second-hand furniture and decorative items. Our role is to select the most beautiful and unique pieces, authenticate them, and contribute content and decorating ideas to create a truly inspiring experience.
TSF
How has Selency evolved since we first met? How are things going today?
Charlotte et Maxime
Selency has developed quite nicely. We've changed our name. We've changed offices. And we have raised two lots of funding that have allowed us to increase in size from four to 35 employees now. We've made mistakes now and then, and we've improved. We have redesigned our site from top to bottom and added many new features (online negotiation, professional services and so on). And above all, we always strive to offer the best pieces at the best price.
TSF
Your decoration is somewhat different now. Your tastes too? Do you need to change things frequently?
Charlotte
Yes, both, clearly! My tastes have refined over time and have probably changed as a result of my discoveries. I must admit that no matter what happens, I love change too. This also goes for our entrepreneurial personalities, which are continually evolving.
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Green still my forever colour. I love it. It's soothing, comforting, and in line with Selency's green values as well.
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TSF
Do you still go bargain hunting anywhere other than on Selency? If so, can you give us your favourite addresses in France?
Charlotte
To be honest, not much, because Selency really responds to the need I had identified: to have available a wide selection of unique quality pieces and a complete range of services from purchase through to delivery. Flea markets are reserved for holidays and moments of relaxation. I love the one at the Jas des Roberts in Grimaud and the sales outlets in Lille or Amiens. And in Paris, the Porte de Vanves at weekends is still the best place in the capital to physically go bargain-hunting! I'm still convinced that the traditional flea market is a terrific complement to our activities at Selency.
TSF
And for those who like to search online, have you some advice?
Charlotte
Be proactive, think about bargaining. Dealers are often open to discussion! And above all, check the dimensions to avoid the "would I lie to you?" effect by having the unpleasant surprise of receiving a miniature product that we thought was a standard size. It's happened to me in the past, and I must say I felt a bit stupid.
TSF
Which is the item, furniture or material that your customers prefer on Selency?
Charlotte
Unsurprisingly: brass, rattan and cane are our most popular materials of the moment. And a special mention goes to the Breuer chair, which has become an increasingly difficult to find must-have. It remains to be seen what the next big thing will be... I'm pretty sure that Empire and Restoration furniture will make a comeback. Reconciling aesthetics and practicality at ultra-affordable prices. It costs less nowadays than a chest of drawers from Ikea.
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TSF
What are your latest acquisitions? The ones you've been dreaming of?
Charlotte
I reread our last interview on The Socialite Family in which I said I dreamed of a Tulip table by Eero Saarinen. We gave ourselves one as a wonderful present last year. I still love it as much as ever! It's a timeless piece that works with everything. Apart from that, we've just recently acquired a walnut buffet that I love. It sits proudly in the entrance hall and what I like most is that I've teamed it with our Atollo lamp, a classic of Italian design from the 1970s.
TSF
What's your current favourite colour, in paintings and decoration?
Charlotte
Green in all its nuances. I'm not sure if it comes out of my paintings, actually, but it's still my forever colour. I love it. It's soothing, comforting, and in line with Selency's green values as well.
TSF
What atmosphere did you want to give to your interior?
Maxime
A big mix of styles but always refined while maintaining a warm feel, with lots of wood. In short, a place where you feel good!
TSF
The Socialite Family for you is...?
Charlotte
The newsletter I love to open, after Selency's of course! And a big dose of inspiration.
TSF
What are your plans for 2019?
Charlotte et Maxime
To accelerate the BtoB side of things, and promote our tailor-made decoration service for offices, architects, decorators, restaurants and so on. It's going very well but is still too understated. We bring what no other brand can: true personality and soul! Our second challenge is to also succeed in our retail development. We are just opening our first permanent corner at BHV, and we hope it will be a great showcase for the brand and a landmark for our customers. There are other surprises are on the agenda for 2019... I can't reveal everything now!
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Be proactive, think about bargaining. Dealers are often open to discussion!
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