Let's discover... Cyrielle from Ma Petite Box Couture

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have discovered my collaboration with Ma Petite Box Couture at the end of May.

A lovely box which includes the Enea blouse pattern in PDF format, fabric selected by Cyrielle (white plumetis (100% cotton fabric)), haberdashery (8 mother-of-pearl buttons) and a beginner-level embroidery kit including the printed design (bee or heart motif), embroidery hoop, thread, needle, and step-by-step embroidery instructions.

The original idea for Lou and me, 10 years ago, was to offer sewing patterns and sewing kits.

Sewing kits require very specific logistics: space to store fabric and haberdashery, preparation and shipping of boxes, searching for original and quality fabrics, etc. I eventually put this second idea aside, as it's hard to do everything when you're running a small business on your own. But you can imagine that when Cyrielle contacted me to propose this partnership, the answer was immediately positive!

Cyrielle, creator of Ma Petite Box Couture, kindly agreed to answer a few questions to present her journey as a female entrepreneur in the world of sewing and to introduce her very young company.

I'll let you discover!

Hello Cyrielle, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?

I'm Cyrielle, a 32-year-old mother with a passion for sewing for several years. I recently created my self-employment business "Ma Petite Box Couture."

I live in the south, near Toulouse, and in my everyday life, I'm a consultant in aeronautics.

Sewing and I have had a long-lasting relationship. When I was given my first sewing machine, a Singer Decorative, I taught myself to sew and to have fun with fabrics. I started by creating accessories. Then, after the birth of my daughter, I started making clothes.

Finally, with other moms from her daycare, for Christmas, we made socks for each child. This moment of camaraderie led us to create our small association of sewing mothers and to meet one evening a week to sew together.

From that moment on, I never stopped.

Tell us about Ma Petite Box Couture: how did this idea come about? What is currently offered on the site? And what are your plans?

Ma Petite Box Couture was officially born in December 2020, but the idea and organization of this small business started to mature in my head during lockdown, I had time to think.

I wanted to create my own sewing project and I find the concept of a box really nice. The idea of receiving everything you need and only what you need at home, without having to go anywhere, is a real plus.

I don't create patterns, so I surround myself with talented designers who already offer great patterns. For me, it's an enriching experience, I meet a lot of people with their own unique worlds, and I learn a lot. And for people who buy the box, some discover brands they didn't know.

Currently, on the site, you can still find all the boxes available in stock, as well as the blog which I try to update as much as possible.

And I can already announce that the next box will be a special "back to school" box.

Do you sew or practice other DIY activities? If so, what do you particularly enjoy? What would you like to learn?

Yes, I sew and I love it; I wish I could sew more often, in fact.

I also enjoy embroidery, and I did a bit of knitting in my youth and during my pregnancy.

Recently, I've also started watercolor painting, which I find very soothing.

There's one activity I've always dreamed of learning, and that's pottery, but I've never had the opportunity.

I like the idea of creating something with my hands that will last.

What's your pet peeve in sewing/DIY?

I think it's gathers. I always struggle to make beautiful gathers; I like them to be even, but I often rack my brains over them.

Do you have any pattern/sewing/DIY tips or tricks to share with us?

I'd say English embroidery for the finishes. You need to allow a bit more seam allowance, but the result is really satisfying.

I recently bought a sewing gauge for buttons, so practical. I don't know how I managed without it for so long.

Can you describe a typical day/week for a creative entrepreneur running a sewing box website? Any advice for women who want to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure?

I don't really have a typical day or week.

For now, Ma Petite Box Couture doesn't take up that much of my time. I have another activity on the side, so I limit myself to one monthly box to manage my time as best as possible in the evenings and on weekends.

I spend much more time on the computer managing the website and blog, presence and advertising on social media, email exchanges with creators or clients, than on creative sewing/project work or even creating the boxes.

At first, I was a little scared to start my own business; all the administrative side was a hindrance for me, but once that step was passed, it's much simpler.

Thank you Cyrielle!

Find Cyrielle on the Ma Petite Box Couture website, on Instagram, and Facebook

See you soon!

Lydie