Meeting with Adeline, Founder of Socool: Passion, Creativity and Authenticity

I am Adeline, 32 years old, founder of Socool, photographer and jewelry designer. I come from an artistic background, having always been immersed in creativity thanks to my mother, who is a painter and photographer. My background is rather original. I first dove into the world of marketing before moving towards luxury hotels. I had the chance to work in two prestigious establishments: Le Fouquets in Paris, where I held a position in communication and recruitment for the reopening of the hotel, and then at the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux.

My creations started as a personal hobby before growing, little by little, thanks to a website and events. Today, we have two boutiques on the Arcachon basin. I have been creating jewelry with passion for almost seven years!

Tell us about your brand! What do you create, for how long, what made you want to start…

I may be repeating myself, but I launched this brand seven years ago. Initially, I started with eyeglass chains, then a door opened: we had access to a real treasure from a 70s-80s drugstore, where we found an incredible stock. This allowed us to develop unique jewelry. Each piece is a bit like a work of art: I assemble materials with the same passion that an artist paints his picture. I give a second life to long-forgotten pearls, by associating them with stones from our suppliers, often from dormant stocks. I am passionate about assembling colors, and I create jewelry that I love to wear. My brand evolves with my inspirations and desires.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

My main source of inspiration comes from everything around me: a painting, architecture, old films, vintage magazines or my grandparents' photo albums. I also draw inspiration from my travels, unforgettable sunsets, or a woman in the street wearing a colorful dress and a mix of shades that makes me vibrate. I relentlessly draw from everyday life, finding inspiration on every street corner.

What do you like most about entrepreneurship today?

What I appreciate most is the freedom to be myself and to be able to express myself fully. Sharing my know-how and creativity is a real source of joy, although it can sometimes be overwhelming. Entrepreneurship requires a lot of time and energy, and our minds are constantly in turmoil. It is both stimulating and exhausting!

During your adventure, have you had fears or hard knocks that sometimes made you doubt? How did you overcome this and find the strength to continue?

Of course, doubts and fears are always present. I have often been afraid of no longer being liked or of being out of step with the times. What helps me move forward is the confidence I have in myself as well as the support of my family and loved ones. But above all, my customers, who have always believed in me, allow me to live from my passion. It is thanks to them that I find the strength to continue in difficult times.

The challenges are real: the time spent on business can be exhausting, leaving little time for yourself or your family. What motivates me is to transform our events into family moments and bring everyone together around Socool!

Do you have a mantra or positive thoughts that help you on a daily basis to boost yourself?

I try to keep a positive attitude. Nothing is a big deal, and it is essential to take the time to admire the beauty of the world (my lover constantly reminds me of this), whether it is by going to the beach or contemplating a sunset. It reminds me that we are a small speck in the vastness and that the magic of life is all around us. Ultimately, nothing is insurmountable and everything deserves to be celebrated.

What do you think are the elements that make a brand successful today?

For me, authenticity is the key word. It is important to stay true to yourself and never try to be someone else. The important thing is to distinguish yourself by being yourself and sharing your own vision.

What is your biggest dream for your brand?

My ambitions have evolved over time. The older I get, the more I realize that I'm looking for simple things. My dream would be to open a shop in Biarritz, to live fully and be happy there. That's all I want today.

Is there anything else you would like to share with future creators who will read this e-book?

I would like to tell them to follow that little flame that drives them, whether as creators, entrepreneurs or artists. You must always believe in yourself, trust yourself and, above all, be yourself. Never try to be someone else, because for me, that is the secret to success.