Les Emmaillées: a tightly knit team

Having attended the same primary school when we were little, I have known Vahiné Lefebvre, co-founder of Les Emmaillées, for several years. It is with curiosity and interest that I follow the evolution of the young company since its launch and that I like to introduce it when the opportunity arises.

Les Emmaillées specializes in the manufacture of eco-responsible woolen tuques and scarves. Founded in 2015 by two best friends, Stéphanie Joyal-Bussières and Vahiné Lefebvre, the company manufactures all of its products by hand.

A story of circumstances...

It is without foreseeing it that Les Emmaillées was born. The two friends had been considering the idea of ​​going into business together for some time. They exchanged many ideas, but the financial resources to implement them were lacking.

It was in the winter of 2015, when Stéphanie lost her job, that he had the idea of ​​knitting toques for his family and giving them as a Christmas present. She immediately presents the results of her work to Vahinee. Amazed by the quality of the product, the latter decided to post it for sale on Facebook to see people's reactions: “In 20 minutes, we had already received 40 orders! That's when we decided to go into business and create what would become Les Emmaillées,” Vahiné explains to me. "Contrary to our beliefs that it took significant financial resources to realize our business ideas, it was ultimately the lack of money that pushed us to start a business," she told me with a laugh in her voice. .

Eco-responsible products

Since the creation of the company, it has been of paramount importance for entrepreneurs to bring an ecological side to their products. “The fur used in making the tuques is entirely recycled from old coats that we salvage here and there. We also use packaging, as well as business cards made from recycled cardboard”. The pompoms of the tuques are also interchangeable, allowing customers to vary the looks as they wish. Environmental protection is important to both entrepreneurs in everyday life, so it was only natural to integrate this element into the company's values.

In addition to toques, headbands and scarves, Les Emmaillées offers an assortment of soy wax candles with gourmet aromas. “The idea for candles came from customer requests,” the co-founder explains to me. “We decided to include it in our offer, since it is a product that fits well with our company's mission: to offer products that are affordable for the consumer and that are good as gifts. »

Grandmothers behind the production

Behind the making of each Les Emmaillées tuque, there is a caring grandmother. There are currently six grandmothers who knit for the company. “The idea of ​​the grandmothers came when the demand increased. Alone, we were not able to provide, because all the products are hand knitted, so long to make. Our two grandmothers decided to help us, and then their friends joined in,” Vahinee tells me. “It's probably one of the best things we've done. Every time we go to see them, they tell us how much they like to participate in the project; that they feel useful and motivated”. The entrepreneur points out to me that, of course, grandmothers are paid for the work they do.

In addition to managing Les Emmaillées together, Vahiné and Stéphanie both work for the same company in the field of aviation. Despite their very busy schedules, the two entrepreneurs are well aware of their strengths and weaknesses and know how to complement each other perfectly. Stéphanie has a bachelor's degree in communication, while Vahiné has a bachelor's degree in management. The perfect mix for their business.

Despite the difficulties of entrepreneurship, the two founders are proud of the work accomplished so far and the progress of the company since its creation. They are currently working on a website for the company and have several other projects in development.

To find out more about Les Emmaillées, visitits member profile.

Reviewed By Melanie