Cécile Reinaud, bold entrepreneur and founder of the iconic brand Séraphine, embodies an exemplary success in the world of maternity fashion. A true pioneer, she has been able to transform a niche segment into a global market, dressing stars like Kate Middleton and millions of pregnant women worldwide.
This year, she assumes the role of godmother of the Business O Female Awards 2025, an initiative that celebrates the exceptional courses of women entrepreneurs. Through this exclusive interview, Cécile shares her vision of female entrepreneurship, the challenges she has overcome and her advice for those who wish to make their voices heard in the business world. Apply until April 15 at the Business O Female Awards!
You are the founder of Séraphine (sold in 2023), the clothing brand for pregnant women who conquered the world and personalities like Kate Middleton, Kate Winslet and many others … What were the “ingredients” of success according to you ?
Cécile Reinaud: The globalization of e-commerce has enabled us to distribute our products in more than 30 countries, thus expanding our international scope. The global attraction of celebrities that brought Seraphine offered us exceptional media visibility, strengthening the brand’s notoriety on an international scale. Our clothes are distinguished by an excellent value for money and an ingenious design, designed to accompany pregnant and lactating women with elegance and practicality. We rely on impeccable logistics and excellence customer service, guaranteeing optimal experience to our customers. Finally, our corporate culture is based on a dynamic team spirit and a resolutely entrepreneurial approach, highlighting meritocracy.
How was the entrepreneurial adventure born? What was the click to get started?
Cécile Reinaud: After 6 years in major advertising agencies the desire to be my own boss and to work in a sector that fascinates me. I made the lack of offer for pregnant women thanks to my friends who were pregnant and complained. However, in the United States, this sector was much more developed and that made me trust that there was a market to take in Europe.
You work with the Chérie Blair Foundation For the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, what are your actions within this organization?
Cécile Reinaud: This organization supports women entrepreneurs in low -income countries; mainly in Africa and recently in India. The principle is to offer mentors who will support each woman individually entrepreneurs and support them for a year in their start-up project. In addition, the Foundation also offers a free application to learn all the fundamentals to manage a business.
What advice do you give to women entrepreneurs who come to see you?
Cécile Reinaud:
- Make a 3 -year plan to set its growth goals with possible scenarios to have a roadmap. Entrepreneurs tend to put all their efforts in the short term and lose sight of the strategy necessary to achieve maximum growth in the medium term.
- Find a mentor who has inexperience to have a neutral person who makes you think about your key decisions.
- Join a club of entrepreneurs so as not to be lonely in entrepreneurship and to exchange with people who also live this challenge.
- Never rush for the choice of their employees and be sure that they adhere to the culture of your business, because bad recruitment can cost a start-up very expensive.
- Stay very in fact of competition and how you will stand out with your unique positioning.
- And finally, learn something new every day on available technological developments that can be implemented in your company.
You are godmother of the 8th edition of the Business O Female Awards, what message do you want to give to future candidates?
Cécile Reinaud: Be bold and inspire the audacity to your teams by very clearly communicating the objectives of your start-up. Create a strong corporate culture that reflects your values and your passion; And stand out clearly from the competition.
You will also like:
