Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Prigent.
Marie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I study in fashion school and got my degree, worked for Balenciaga in Paris at the workshop. I apply then for Hermes in 2002, got through all the tests and after 18 months of training at the Hermes workshop school got hired in 2003. I start my career at the Hermes workshop in Lyon as a leather craft person. I was basically making new bags from A to Z. Kelly bag was the first bag that I learned, then the Birkin bag and Bolide bag. After that with years, I learn how to make other types of bags as the Constance bag and also learn how to work with precious skin as crocodile, lizard, and ostrich.
After 11 years at the factory, Hermes sent me for four years at the Beverly Hills store in Los Angeles to take care of the aftersales department at the leather repair workshop located on the 4th floor of the rodeo drive store. Prior to that, I was sent for 1 year at the Paris main repair workshop where all the Hermes bags from around the world are sent for repair.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not! It’s never easy to start a small business on your own, specially when your business was found a few months before Covid! It takes a lot of perseverance and a little bit of chance!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 2019, we decided to create Mademoiselle M Atelier. (Jack and I) We are offering repair and cleaning service in any bags (specializing in Hermes bag). We also have a contract with YSL store in Orange County at the south coast plaza mall and Ysl store at the Bloomingdale’s south coast plaza mall. Hawai boutique are also sending us some repairs!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Never give up on your dream, keep going even if the path is rough, keep believing in your business and the efforts that you put in it!
Pricing:
- Our cleaning fees in regular skin bags are usually 450$ +Shipping fees
- Our cleaning fees on precious skin bags are 550$+ shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: Mlle-m.com
