Can you introduce yourself?
I am a lover of sharing and the good things in life... a good recipe, a good shared meal, know-how, great care, a good address, friends with whom we go through the storms and joys of life, beautiful encounters... I had the privilege of growing up between two cultures and traveling around the world which increased my love of others. I am naturally positive... certainly part of my father's heritage and my years in the United States. After more than 15 years in the fashion world, at the age of 40, I stopped everything. A few months later, I began to share my love for cooking, beautiful table settings and my art of living with more and more people through Miss Maggie's Kitchen. But the part of me that I prefer is being the mother of two extraordinary boys, Gabin and Balthazar.
How would you define yourself in 3 words?
Curious, Joyful, Epicurean
What makes you feel like a woman?
The look of my lover, women's lingerie under a denim shirt, an afternoon at the hammam.
What does a day in your life look like?
Every day is different, but it always starts with family time before the boys head off to school. In spring and summer, I love taking 10 minutes outside to listen to the birdsong as the sun rises. Some days are dedicated to writing or recipe testing, others are days of shooting and filming, others are days of consulting or À Table (space on the website accessible by subscription) or developing the “parsley by mmk” collection… and then some days I have the pleasure of being able to accompany one of my sons’ class to an activity. I organize myself as I wish, which is a real freedom!
What are you most proud of?
My sons, their way of seeing the world amazes me every day! And the evolution of Miss Maggie's Kitchen, the bonds that are created day by day with this beautiful community.
An anecdote from your life that helped you move forward?
At the end of 2016, I was in the middle of a burnout after 15 years in fashion. My best friend introduced me to a woman who works with energies in Ibiza. This woman told me, "Héloïse, this isn't a dress rehearsal, life is now, go for it!" That's how I started to listen more to my inner voice and my instincts... and a few months later, Miss Maggie's Kitchen was born.
What is your relationship with your body and mind?
It depends on the day but especially on the season, I am much more fulfilled and in harmony with my body and my mind in summer. I am a girl of the sun!
What gives you a boost every day when you're not feeling well?
Little pleasures: a bath with a mask and candles, a (short) parking nap, a yoga class with my teacher Sophie @yogiso, 1 hour of swimming, drawing a sketch and painting it...
What are the beauty and wellness rituals you couldn't live without?
My mother always told me, no matter what time you get home from a party, take off your makeup and brush your teeth! She also does this with the dishes after a big dinner at home, everything is put away before jumping into bed... I do exactly the same! What a joy the next day!
If you had to keep just one beauty product in your vanity case?
Garancia's devilish crystal jelly! Super hydrating and energizing for the skin.
Your favorite Aime product and why?
The Simple Oil and Body duo, the cleansing duo, and the Pure Glow treatment at the studio! I love the textures and effects... a cocooning moment that reconnects me with myself. It all brings me a lot of well-being inside and out.
Do you have any reading recommendations?
I have several! But here are the ones I keep on my nightstand:
If in Doubt, wash your hair (Anya Hindmarch)
My 77 secrets of life (Perla Servan-Schreiber)
Big Magic – living beyond fear (Elizabeth Gilbert)
And The Oracle of Mantras (Lili Barbery-Coulon), my waking ritual
Any food/sports/lifestyle addresses?
Burnt oyster – restaurant (Honfleur)
Gonnegirls Farm – for delicious produce and delicious eggs (Gonneville-en-Auge)
Rosalie Market – concept store (Beaumont-en-Auge)
Sandrine Badarello - ceramist (Norolles)
Ambroise Alliou – antique dealer (Trouville-sur-Mer)
Sophie Tunnicliffe – YogiSo (Manerbe)
What is your guilty pleasure?
A bar of dark chocolate with almond paste and a glass of red wine!
What is your Proust madeleine?
My grandmother's green beans with garlic and shallots.
What would you say to yourself from 20 years ago?
Don't worry about appearances, listen to yourself, trust yourself and go for it! Anything is possible!
If you want it, you'll find a way to make it happen!
What is your mantra?
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain.” Seneca
Your plans for the future?
We just launched "Homemade by Miss Maggie's Kitchen," a video recipe series that you can find on our YouTube channel.
My second book will be released in May in France and in English internationally this fall… You will find recipes, pretty tables and my art of hosting.
I'm opening a pop-up store in Pont l'Évêque in the spring where you'll find the parsley collection (the art of living collection I just launched), some great collaborations, some favorites...I'll also be organizing meetings and workshops there.
