21 Nov 2022 348 0  

Jolireve Took The Gift Box Experience To A Whole New Level!

Love is all about giving and it has a very sentimental significance when expressed. Giving gifts is a language of love. The thought, care, and attention we put into every aspect of the gift in the hopes that our loved one would love it or feel something when they first open it, makes us happier with the gift and more passionate about it, maybe more than the recipient themselves! From this concept, Stephanie started her own business in Egypt, a website specializing in gift boxes. The idea is new in Egypt, making you leave the old concept of buying boring gifts, as her gift boxes contain some fun activities that keep your gift alive, making you get more memories day by day! So we had an interview with Stephanie to know more about her project & to talk about her love for Egypt. Also, she will share with us her experience as a business owner.

First, tell us more about yourself?
Name : Stéphanie
Age : 41
Degree : Bachelor + French teacher certificate
Married

How did you get the idea of Jolireve ?
I was looking for a couple’s gift. We already have this concept in France and I told myself I was missing it, that’s why I created it.

As a French person, tell us why you chose to start your business in Egypt?
I love Egypt and its positive vibes so I had this feeling that I could create something here. There was an opportunity. This concept is super developed in France but in Egypt, it’s new. Egypt offers more opportunities for startups. The mindset is more entrepreneurial and dynamic. In France, you need to have a super idea to succeed which makes it more difficult.

Does the project have a sentimental impact on you? And how?
Of course, it has a sentimental impact. It’s my fifth child! You create it from scratch. You think about it day & night. I didn’t create the concept but the branding, the boxes, the choice of partners, the website … and I have so many more ideas for the future! You can’t create a business without passion and love for your project.

What obstacles did you face when you started working on Joilreve?
I faced so many obstacles, the first one was the budget, as I invested my own money in the project so the budget was limited so i couldn’t do exactly what i planned. You have to deal with what you can invest and so it creates frustration. Second, the after launch feeling as you feel the euphoria right after the launching, you think people will buy and your business will skyrocket, it’s not exactly… and this is the hardest part. Also, I had and still have to explain the concept. It’s new and people need to understand what it is and the benefits of it and it takes time and work. Also one of the obstacles is searching for clients, the commercial part is what takes the most time and it is not always rewarding. And finally, the stress Being an entrepreneur is very exciting but also very stressful and you need to learn how to handle your stress.. I am still learning ;)

Who supported you during your journey?
My husband is my biggest supporter and my best challenger ;) He is also a cofounder. He supported my idea from the beginning and helped me in achieving my dream!

Do you have kids? How do you handle their needs alongside business needs?
I have 4 kids, 19, 17, 15 and 13. They are not babies anymore but they need to talk, to share their school life, their feelings and so much more. In my busy life, I try to spend some time with each of them. Family dinners, holidays and some weekends are compulsory to take time to talk with them and to share quality times.

How do you balance your business with your personal life?
Family is my priority even though my business takes a lot of time. I know if I don’t see my kids happy nor my husband I won’t succeed. They are my happiness, my strength and my best supporters.I try to be attentive to everyone's needs. My kids also understand that it’s important for me and I think they are proud and happy to see their mother working with passion.

What are your plans for Jolireve?
My plans for the future are :
- to obtain fundings to be able to finance a big marketing campaign
- develop more B2B sales
- develop a lot of features on my website
- to be able to finance a real charity project thanks to our sales

 What's the closest gift box to your heart and why ?    
I would say the Prestige box because it has many options and you have the opportunity to discover more of Egypt and this country has so much to offer!

Can you tell us more about each box's contents?
Each box offers more than 30 activities. We have some leisure activities: sports, adventure, lifestyle experiences. There are also some culinary activities with cooking classes and restaurants. You can also find wellness activities, massage, facials, yoga .. In the Prestige box we have the escape topic with nights in hotels, getaways, and the sorts.

How do you help women through your business?
I help women save time in their busy lives. Most of us are working women & mothers and it can become really stressful when you are looking for a gift and you just don’t have time. Jolireve is the easiest solution. You order online and you get your box within 48 hours. And what a better gift than an experience?

How does Jolireve help women express themselves?
About 30% of my partners are women. So I really want to help them in their business and I want my Jolireve customers to get the opportunity to know them because they are amazing women, hard workers and who love their business.

Tell us more about why you chose to make experience gift boxes?
I was looking for a couple’s gift and I realized this concept didn’t exist here. In France it’s very well known and everybody buys this. It’s the gift everybody likes. Who doesn’t like a massage, a restaurant, or a fun activity? Experiences are also a great way to keep memories, most of our experiences can also be shared. And last thing it’s not material. A lot of material gifts will be kept somewhere and not used. Experiences are lived.

 

How do we choose the perfect experience gift for our loved ones?
I would say the budget will guide you towards the perfect experience gift box!