Meet Nesrine Brikci

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Nesrine Brikci. Nesrine was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Marily Vaillancourt.

Hi Nesrine, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
From an early age, I held a strong aspiration to pursue a career in photography—a decision that continues to impress me, considering the difficulty of choosing a lifelong path. However, being behind the camera felt like a natural fit for me, as if I truly belonged there. After completing high school, I enrolled in a professional photography program at Dawson College, which provided me with the necessary technical knowledge to understand the nuances of lighting and other essential aspects.

A few years later, I made the decision to move to London and pursue a Master’s degree in Fashion Photography at the renowned London College of Fashion. It was in the vibrant atmosphere of the city that I truly blossomed as an artist, undergoing significant personal and creative growth. Initially, I dreamt of becoming a fashion photographer for prestigious publications like Vogue, craving the glamorous lifestyle associated with the fashion industry. However, as I delved deeper into the field, I realised that my true passion lay elsewhere.

Travel photography gradually became an integral part of my daily life, particularly as I went on more frequent journeys. Along the way, I had my fair share of ventures in e-commerce, each one providing valuable lessons despite not reaching great heights of success. Finally, a year ago, I established L’escale Voyage—a project close to my heart. It is a media company that not only supports independent businesses in the hospitality industry but also offers downloadable travel guides, curates a boutique collection, and serves as a curated platform for embracing the wonders of slow travel.

L’escale Voyage has become my passion project, it really inspires me. In this short span of time, I have been fortunate to encounter some incredible opportunities. Admittedly, it hasn’t always been an easy journey, and challenges still lie ahead. However, I firmly believe that hard work and perseverance pave the way to success. As I continue to learn and grow, I am beginning to see a glimmer of hope on the horizon (haha!)

Please talk to us about your creative work and career. What should we know?
I consider my art to embody the concept of the “perfect imperfect,” as I often like to describe it. Working solely with natural light, I sometimes feel like I have the easiest job in the world. Honestly speaking, photography requires patience. Even capturing something as simple as a wall can be utterly dull, but when you patiently await that golden, perfect moment, that very wall can transform into something extraordinary and distinct. It’s all about timing, about seizing the right opportunity. And, naturally, a touch of artistic vision comes into play. In essence, my work is characterised by simplicity. I find myself drawn to the effects of natural light, the interplay of shadows, and the evocative ambiance of moody compositions. Yet, I always strive to infuse a hint of romanticism into my creations. And like countless other photographers, the golden hours—the magical periods of dawn and dusk—hold a special place in my heart, breathing life into my artistry. Throughout my career, I have always been self-employed. I must say that I lack the capacity to work under someone else’s direction. I am, at my core, a dreamer—always have been, always will be. The thought of someone dictating how I should capture a subject fills me with anxiety. Before L’escale, my most significant projects were the two books I photographed, both of which became bestsellers in Québec: “L’Apéro au Québec” and “Boire le Québec” – Cocktail books with recipes and exploring the unique terroir and slow travel of the region. These projects proved to be great experiences, teaching me about the essence of a place, the value of quality over quantity, and the appreciation of its diverse offerings. Over the years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable hotels, some larger in scale than others. However, my current focus lies squarely on privately owned hotels and singular destinations—places that exude character and offer distinctive experiences.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Marily Vaillancourt and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Marily.
Marily is not just one of my closest friends; our bond has endured the test of time. Over the years, I have witnessed her navigate through various phases of life, and where she stands now feels incredibly right. Fearless and unafraid, she’s the kind of person who will pack her bags and disappear for four years without hesitation – she really did that. Marily embodies the epitome of coolness, with a delightful sense of humor and a laid-back attitude that resonates through her artistry. Her art is very colourful and fun which is something I’ve always loved.

What sets Marily apart is her unparalleled openness to everything and everyone. She effortlessly collaborates with individuals from all walks of life, skillfully adapting herself to each unique project and bringing it to life from its very core. Her iconic Ice cream cone painting stands as a testament to her artistic journey and serves as her best-selling masterpiece to this day. I can still vividly recall the moment she surprised me on my birthday, knocking on my door with a flawless lavender ice cream cone painting destined for my room. It’s truly remarkable to have an artist like her as a friend—a person who invests so much time and care into each stroke of her brush.

Recently, we’ve embarked on discussions about a joint collaboration, a collection that intertwines her incredible work with the undeniable theme of travel. While I can’t divulge much at this moment, I am confident that our collaboration will capture the essence of her artistry and the spirit of exploration that binds us together.

Website: www.lescale-voyage.com

Instagram: @tempsduncafe @lescalevoyage (please mention both)

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nesrine-brikci-8a710a5b

Image Credits
By Nesrine Brikci for L’escale Voyage