Article: Episode 6: One Month Later, the Review - Part One

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Épisode 6 : Un mois plus tard, le bilan - Part One

Aug 14, 2025BOUTIQUE PROJECT

Episode 6: One Month Later, the Review - Part One

Bet won?

In the last newsletter dedicated to the store, I told you about its development, from the concept to the choice of materials to the smooth running of the work until the opening! As I write to you, more than a month has passed and I have more perspective to be able to make an initial assessment. Here are 3 elements that confirm my choice...

The location

When I discovered the premises, I felt that 8 rue Charlot seemed perfect for several reasons: proximity to the Passage de Retz, art galleries, cutting-edge fashion brands nearby, trendy restaurants, a yoga room, a coworking space, a daycare...

A steady stream of Parisians and tourists in this part of the street, which isn't the most exposed. I was surprised to realize that in addition to the strollers, there were quite a few guided tours and even... bachelorette parties!

A boutique display that attracts attention...

Fittings in store!

Investing in a tailor-made setting

Uncertainty and doubt are not our best allies. This thought regularly visited me during the progress of the work: "Am I delusional enough to take out a loan to renovate this premises in rather good condition?"

Yet, when I see the result, I no longer doubt for a single second. The ultra-smooth collaboration with my architectural firm F8 and the almost flawless execution ( those damn transformers ) resulted in a setting that corresponds in every way to my vision.

It allows ŌKAN to gain legitimacy, to assert its codes and its brand image. It reassures people who are just discovering the brand. ŌKAN is a respectable brand that makes you want to buy it :)

A customer even told me that at first glance, she thought it wasn't a boutique but... a spa! I really like this idea because for me, entering the ŌKAN boutique is coming to take care of yourself.

welcome to the ŌKAN spa ^^

The trigger I needed to dare more

To give myself the best possible chance, I chose to surround myself with experts, particularly in communications. F. allowed me to broaden my range of tools and gave me the confidence to try new things.

Together, we put together a beautiful and successful launch plan that allowed me to gain visibility and credibility. ŌKAN is now on the map for a number of people I've long wanted to meet, such as journalist Philippine D'Arblay and even Léo & Violette, the founders of the eponymous leather goods brand.

I also had the chance to collaborate with the Yoga & Pilates studio that I love: Riise. #lifegoal

Bet won?

The month of July allows us to reach new levels: a record turnover in 6 years and growth that continues steadily.

In just a few weeks, the store has allowed us to reach new customers, both French and international. I'm about to buy a world map and some small flags... The goal: to pin as many countries as possible by the end of the year!

I am also surprised by the number of people who have known the brand for a very long time and who are only now deciding to take the plunge. The boutique allows for identification and reassurance about the quality of the jewelry, the affinity with a style or the personality of each person... The shy people who did not dare to make an appointment at the studio are now having a blast!

So I feel reassured about my bet, but I'm not resting on my laurels! New challenges are already looming... I'll tell you about them in my next newsletter, which will be published next week. See you soon and have a great summer!

Written by Margaux Gripon

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