Frédérique Monceau is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success and creative vision in the beauty, fashion, and design industries. As the founder of several successful businesses, including Coolbay beauty salon, So Gent barbershop, Beachwear store, and Ekle agency, Frédérique’s journey from a passion-driven startup to a multi-venture enterprise has been nothing short of inspiring.  In this interview, Frédérique Monceau shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she’s overcome, her unique business philosophy, and her vision for the future. 

What sparked your entrepreneurial journey, and what inspired the creation/implementation of Coolbay beauty salon, So Gent barbershop, Beachwear store, and Ekle agency?

My journey as an entrepreneur began with a passion for creativity and a desire to make a positive impact. Each of my businesses, including Coolbay beauty salon, So Gent barbershop, Beachwear store, and Ekle agency, was inspired by different aspects of the beauty, fashion, and design industries, and a vision to offer unique experiences to customers. The first project, Beachwear store, sparked the initial flame of my entrepreneurial journey, leading to the creation and implementation of subsequent ventures.

Could you share the inaugural projects that set the tone for each of your businesses and shaped their future direction?

The first project for each of my businesses was focused on creating a strong brand identity and delivering exceptional service to our clients. These initial projects helped shape our vision for the future by setting the standard for quality and innovation in our respective industries.

As a multi-business owner, do you have a succession plan in place? If so, who do you envision as your successor?

As the owner of multiple businesses, I have a succession plan in place that involves grooming talented individuals within each organization to take on leadership roles when the time comes for me to step back. I envision passionate and dedicated individuals who share our values and vision for the future to lead each business forward.

What were the biggest challenges in owning Coolbay beauty salon over 18 years, and how did you overcome them?

Over the past 18 years of owning Coolbay beauty salon in Monaco, some of the biggest challenges we’ve faced include fierce competition, evolving customer preferences, and economic downturns. However, we’ve overcome these challenges by staying agile, adapting to change, and focusing on delivering exceptional service and experiences to our clients.

In addition to these challenges, maintaining a strong management team has been crucial. Francesca, our dedicated manager who has been with Coolbay beauty salon since its inception, was a very young but determined and strong young girl who expressed a desire to grow. Her dedication and drive have been invaluable in upholding our brand standards and fostering a positive work culture within our establishment.

We’ve heard about Zinedine Zidane’s visit to So Gent barbershop. Can you elaborate on that experience and its impact?

Zinedine Zidane’s visit to So Gent barbershop was an exciting experience for us and had a significant impact on our business. His endorsement helped elevate our brand and attract new clients, reinforcing our reputation for excellence in grooming services.

Coolbay beauty salon caters to celebrities. Can you share any standout moments while working with high-profile clients?

Working with high-profile clients at Coolbay beauty salon has been both exciting and rewarding. From preparing celebrities for red carpet events to collaborating on creative photo shoots, each experience has been memorable and has helped solidify our reputation as a premier destination for luxury beauty services.

How does your personal life influence your business approach, and what key lessons have you learned?

My personal life, particularly my friendships with strong women like Alexandra Fissore, who is also my business partner and co-owner of our ventures, and Sara Sgarbi, the main interior architect of Ekle agency, deeply influences my business approach. Their support, insight, and resilience inspire me to lead with empathy, determination, and a collaborative spirit. Through their influence, I’ve learned the importance of fostering meaningful connections, embracing diversity of thought, and prioritizing integrity and authenticity in all aspects of my business endeavors.

Can you tell us about your business partner Alexandra, and what unites you with her?

Alexandra is an integral part of my business ventures. Alexandra, my friend and partner for 38 years, is also the mother of my Goddaughter Salome. Together, we share a deep understanding and mutual respect, driving the success of our shared businesses.

Can you tell us about the philosophy behind Ekle agency and its integration with your other ventures?

The philosophy behind Ekle agency is centered around creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It serves as a platform for bringing together talented individuals and brands to create impactful experiences and campaigns that resonate with audiences across various industries. Ekle integrates with my other businesses by providing marketing and branding support to help them reach their full potential.

As a key member of the Ekle team, Alexandra’s vision and leadership drive its success, seamlessly integrating with our other ventures to enhance our overall business strategy.

Can you share more about your partnership with Elodie Raheria and her Augmented Beauty brand, SeeMyCosmetics?

Partnering with Elodie Raheria and her brand, SeeMyCosmetics, enhances our offerings with top-tier beauty solutions. Exclusively featuring her products alongside Ruby Cell at Coolbay Beauty Salon, So Gent Barbershop, and Beachwear Store elevates our reputation as a premier destination for luxury skincare and grooming essentials.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs in beauty, fashion, or design industries?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the beauty, fashion, or design industries is to stay true to your passion, embrace creativity, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with talented individuals, stay agile, and be open to new opportunities and challenges.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of your businesses?

Looking ahead, my goals for the future of my businesses include continued growth, innovation, and expansion into new markets. I’m committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our clients and making a positive impact in the beauty, fashion, and design industries. Furthermore, the close bond between my son Alexandre and Goddaughter Salome is a driving force behind my business approach. Their shared upbringing and close friendship unite us in our common goals for the future. I have high hopes that they will continue and scale what we’ve created, fostering a legacy of strong friendship and partnership for many years to come.

What distinguishes Coolbay beauty salon, So Gent barbershop, Beachwear store, and Ekle agency from competitors?

What sets Coolbay beauty salon, So Gent barbershop, Beachwear store, and Ekle agency apart from competitors is our commitment with Alexandra to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We strive to create unique experiences, offer high-quality products and services, and build lasting relationships with our clients.

Could you highlight any innovative services/products offered by your businesses?

Some innovative and unique services/products offered by our businesses include advanced skincare treatments at Coolbay, such as Hydrafacial, Dermotechnology, Jet Peel, and Ruby Cell. At So Gent barbershop, we provide personalized grooming experiences, while our Beachwear store offers exclusive beachwear collections. These offerings have garnered high praise from our clients, setting us apart from the rest.

Additionally, at Ekle agency, we pride ourselves on being the only company in Monaco to offer a wide range of services, from large-scale design projects to textiles and decor. With our in-house workshop, we can customize furniture to meet individual specifications, ensuring a truly bespoke experience for our clients.

How does customer feedback shape your business strategies?

We actively engage with our clients through social media and websites, where we receive feedback and interact with them. For over three years, we have been supported in this endeavor by the marketing company Smm Monaco (Instagram: @smm.monaco). Their expertise has been invaluable in helping us maintain strong online presence and effectively communicate with our audience.

You can find us on Instagram: Coolbay beauty salon (@coolbay.monaco), So Gent barbershop (@sogent_monaco), Beachwear store (@beachwear_monaco), and Ekle agency (@ekle_home).

How do you maintain brand consistency across diverse businesses?

Maintaining a consistent brand identity across all our businesses while catering to different clientele and industries is achieved through clear communication, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to our core values. We ensure that our branding, messaging, and customer experiences are aligned across all touchpoints to reinforce our brand identity and reputation.

Additionally, our dynamic and young staff members bring fresh perspectives and energy to our businesses, enriching our brand while staying true to our vision.

Could you share any eco-friendly initiatives implemented by your businesses?

We are committed to implementing sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices across our businesses. This includes using eco-friendly products and materials, reducing waste and energy consumption, and supporting ethical and fair trade practices. We believe in protecting the planet for future generations and are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint.

What leadership values guide your entrepreneurial journey?

As a successful entrepreneur, I prioritize values of integrity, innovation, and teamwork in my leadership style. I believe in leading by example, empowering my team members, and fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

How do you manage the demands of running multiple businesses while ensuring quality?

Balancing the demands of running multiple businesses while ensuring quality and excellence in each one requires careful planning, delegation, and time management. I surround myself with a talented team of professionals who share my vision and values and empower them to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs aiming for business success?

My advice to someone aspiring to establish their own business empire is to follow your passion, stay true to your vision, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with talented individuals, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always strive for excellence in everything you do.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the beauty, fashion, and design industries?

Finally, I hope my legacy in the beauty, fashion, and design industries will be one of innovation, creativity, and positive impact. I aspire to inspire others to pursue their dreams, make a difference in the world, and leave a lasting legacy of success and fulfillment.