"Secrets of Shining Women" is an interview series showcasing women who excel in various fields, including work and home. For the 14th installment, we visited Paris with Fany Pechiodat, founder and CEO of "MY LITTLE PARIS," one of France's most successful websites, and illustrator Kanako.

MY LITTLE PARIS began in 2008 as a newsletter introducing recommended shops and restaurants in Paris. It spread by word of mouth and now has 1.8 million subscribers. It's also known as "Fashionistas' Favorite Website" (Madame Figaro). At the end of 2011, the company launched "My Little Box," a surprise box service in France and Belgium that delivers cosmetics, accessories, mini magazines, and other items based on a different theme each month. It has since become a popular service, with over 80,000 subscribers. In 2013, the MY LITTLE BOX service was launched in Japan, where many women eagerly await the monthly surprise box delivered from Paris. MY LITTLE BOX's office is located in a building near the 9th arrondissement train station. Entering the office through a beautiful green courtyard, you'll find a shared atrium at the center, with rooms for each department—including the editorial team, customer service, and engineering team. Each room has a kitchen, and mugs feature illustrations of their owners' faces. Apparently, new staff members are presented with mugs upon joining. The walls are decorated with illustrations by Kanako, staff photos, messages from users, and vintage furniture. Fanny greeted me in a room on the top floor of this stylish office, with a view of the Sacré-Coeur. "What a wonderful office! I'd love to work somewhere like this." At MY LITTLE PARIS, we always strive to ensure all our staff are creative. I believe people aren't born creative; they become creative. To that end, we value our workplaces. The interior was also created by us all, and some of the vintage items I bought at flea markets.

For example, all staff members can purchase any books related to creation, without limit. We also have a budget called creative money to encourage creative activities, such as purchasing design materials or kitchen tools. We also have a system in place where anyone with a new idea can share it online at any time. Creativity involves many processes, and I believe that these processes should be organized.

--All departments are located in one building.

We handle all MY LITTLE PARIS creations, including graphics and editorials, ourselves. This is because we want complete control over the image we want. That's how we create the MY LITTLE PARIS worldview.

--You started your business with just three people, but now you have a staff of 85, and this office you moved into in 2011 originally had just one floor but has now expanded to five floors. What's the secret behind your business's expansion?

The biggest thing was being able to gather talented people. Even now, I search through various networks, including friends. All of my staff members who share the same aspirations are like family. Every year, we create a book of everyone's memories. I hope to continue to make this a company that attracts even more talented people.

--Why did you start a lifestyle-themed business?

Before starting my own business, I worked on Agnes B. cosmetics and Jean Paul Gaultier perfumes at Shiseido. I learned beauty marketing there and also loved fashion and art, so MY LITTLE PARS became a lifestyle business that incorporates all of that. I also love discovering new things, and I love Paris.

--Did you expect it to be this successful?

No, it exceeded my expectations. I started because I thought there was an opportunity where no one else was paying attention, but when I started, I didn't know anything about the internet or anything. I didn't have any money. I think that's why I was able to notice things and be innovative. My fearlessness is my strength.

--In 2013, we began expanding into Japan.

Thanks to that, business in Japan is booming. Kanako is Japanese, and Japanese bloggers were interested in us (even before we entered the Japanese market), so we thought there was an opportunity. I knew Japanese women loved Paris, but when I went to Japan, I really felt that. Japanese and Parisian women have a lot in common, such as their attention to detail and sense of style.

--What do you think of Japanese women?

Japanese women are creative, too, so they should get more involved and start their own businesses! They know a lot about fashion and beauty. I'm sure many of them will be successful.

--But starting a business is very risky, and Japanese women are shy.

With an internet business, you can hide behind your computer (laughs). I'm joking, but there are so many things you can do easily on the internet. Believe in yourself and take on new challenges.

--What are your future aspirations?

In 2014, we expanded into London. I hope to expand into other countries in the future. My dream is to continue delivering Magic Moments to many people.

--Finally, is this picture (on your desk) Kanako's handwriting?

Kanako gave it to me for my birthday the other day! It depicts the scene of our first meeting. I was a career woman at the time, so I'm wearing a suit. Kanako has really helped me out.

In the second part, we'll introduce Kanako, who has continued to support the world view of MY LITTLE PARIS.


[Profile of Fanny Peshoda]
Founder and CEO of My Little Paris. MY LITTLE PARIS began in 2008 when she sent a newsletter to 50 friends while working in marketing for Jean Paul Gaultier at Shiseido France. Later, driven by her desire to "inject emotion and sparkle into the cold world of the Internet," she left Shiseido to launch a new Internet business. She has been praised as the woman who runs "the most successful review site in the history of the French Internet." In 2012, she was also selected as one of France's leading businesswomen.