Lifestyle 360: a boosted and vitaminized company

With the summer season just around the corner, I scoured the Signé Local member directory to find a refreshing company. By its values ​​(and not only nutritional) and its vibrant color (I'm not just talking about the juices), I prepared to meet virtually Anne-Marie Roy, president and founder of the company Mode de vie 360 ​​. During our discussion, I identified three entrepreneurial qualities next to which the businesswoman's name could appear in the dictionary definition.

Initiative: having the naivety to get started

As the path leading to entrepreneurship takes shape step by step, Anne-Marie navigated without GPS before founding the company which markets cold-pressed raw juices made from local ingredients. Following her university studies in film studies, she worked in this field on her own for several years, in addition to teaching there. Then, my interlocutor told me “that after becoming a mother, for various reasons, I chose to launch my first company in the world of events. I learned a lot there, but I was alone and I missed teamwork a lot. It's part of me, I'm a team girl! »

" I always knew. I was convinced that I was an entrepreneur. But for me, doing my classes in big business was a must. I had the job everyone dreams of, with stimulating challenges, a big salary, business travel opportunities. The founder, who is motivated by the development of people's full potential, found her business idea in those around her: "At that time, someone in my circle was experiencing health problems and she made the choice to change her food and was an enthusiastic success. The fruit and vegetable juice without chemical agents and without added sugar then presented itself to the entrepreneur as an opportunity to seize that responded well to the need to simply take care of oneself.

Resilience: pivoting to evolve

After several months of research and development, Anne-Marie developed the recipes for the juices that are now made in the factory in Saint-Hyacinthe using local fruits and vegetables. In addition to maximizing vitamin and nutrient content, local sourcing is also about values. It was with the help of a business partner that the entrepreneur chose to start this business. “My first idea was to open a juice bar, but I had an associate with me who had incredible experience in sales and merchandising. We therefore chose to launch into the marketing of bottled juices. Distributing a refrigerated perishable product involves a lot of challenges and I always had in mind my desire to have a storefront. Thus, the differences in vision in the development of the company naturally encourage businesswomen to disassociate themselves.

The founder has carefully studied different business models that would allow the sustainability of her company. It was after reading about the American and English models that the choice of omnichannel was made. “The diversification of distribution channels is a business strategy that I really like. By combining online sales, retail sales and storefronts, Mode de vie 360 ​​is a complete, lively company that allows me to be close to my clients. To nurture the bond between consumers and her, Anne-Marie posts blog articles and videos related to diet, physical activity and well-being.

Creativity: questioning yourself constantly

“Basically, the company name was chosen to be generic. I see Mode de vie 360 ​​as an umbrella that oversees various initiatives related to healthy lifestyles and balance. I am ambitious! The creativity combined with the resilience of the entrepreneur results in agile management within Mode de vie 360. To help her stay on course towards her goals, Anne-Marie receives the support of a mentor and friends who know how to listen and advise her. “I am well surrounded, there is no doubt. When you start, you shouldn't be afraid to look for resources, to ask questions. »

“After ending my first associate contract, I had the opportunity to unite with a complementary person. Together, we made the decision to launch a healthy pub, the Black and Blond , which will open very soon at 2015 boulevard Rosemont. It will be a place that promotes balance. We will serve healthy meals and snacks, but it will also be possible to have a drink there. There will be products without alcohol, others low in calories and sugars. It will be unheard of. »

The desire to create new juices and to diversify the products online and in the twenty points of sale is very present in the founder. “We'll be launching a new recipe very soon, something we haven't done yet. It will be a protein smoothie. We will also have snacks and other non-perishable items in the short/medium term. No doubt, the growth of this company will be supported by an entrepreneur whose sense of initiative, resilience and creativity will not run out of energy!

Reviewed by Marie-Pascale