Florence Pronzati founder of Edith Harlay. Photos: Nancy Heslin
Before Covid took over headlines this year, it was announced that the Centre Commerical in Fontvieille would be expanded into a 4-storey glass building with a multiplex cinema, a 600-spot car park and state-owned housing on the top floor. The €300 million project is scheduled for delivery in 2027, and will see the shopping mall expand from 13,000 sqm to 14,000 sqm of retail space, growing from 38 to 70 stores.
The Centre Commerical first opened its doors in 1992 and nearly half of the original shops are still there. One of them is the independently owned perfumery Edith Harlay, created by Florence Pronzati and named as homage to her mother.
Energetic and welcoming, Florence was truly born for customer service. Not only does she have a natural ability to make people feel happy but, in her opinion, “A sale is not a sale unless you’ve spent one-on-one time with a client giving advice.”
As a child, the Monegasque was “always attracted to pretty things and makeup.” She studied to become an aesthetician and in 1987 opened the beauty institute Cristal Esthétique, which she operated for five years. She then launched Edith Harlay in 1992. “I ran the two business for a few years and then decided to concentrate on the perfumery and so I sold Cristal, which is still around today.”
It’s been a tough year for commerce having to close completely for two months during the first coronavirus confinement. “It has been hard but Christmas is coming and we are still here smiling even with a mask,” Florence assures.
And she has noticed a trend as a result of the pandemic. “Consumers are trying to shop intelligently. Before Covid, we’d have 80 people come into the store and 50 would buy something. Now we have fewer customers but out of the 50 who come in, 48 make a purchase because they need something.”
Florence emphasises, “Customers can’t touch anything in the store. We help the client and we disinfect all the time, from the debit card machine after every use to the store itself. For every one or two customers who turn around and leave because they don’t like the new measures we have in place, I have 8 others who say thank you. If one of my employees tests positive, I would have to close.”
Including Florence, the perfumery has a team of five, all aestheticians, who give lots of advice, whether a client wants to buy makeup – “we take the time to show them by example, doing one eye and then letting them do the other”– or perfume. “Whether you want to buy for yourself or as a gift, there are a number of questions we ask to match a perfume with a personality, such as are you an introvert or extrovert, do you live in a sunny climate, what is your work environment?”
The top selling perfume at the moment for women is Libre by Yves Saint Laurent. J’adore remains a hot item, as does any Chanel scent, and Idôle by Lancome, which came out last year. Florence also carries the niche perfume, Serge Lutens (€120), which is hard to find elsewhere.
I did not know this but Florence explains for many French women born in the Sixties and Seventies, Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps, with its signature dove bottle stopper, was their first fragrance. “It was my first perfume,” says Florence, “and now Les Sorbets by Nina Ricci, part of her Les Belles collection,is what young girls often wear.”
For many French women, Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps was their first perfume.
For men, Terre d’Hermès is the biggest seller at the moment along with Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million cologne, sold in what looks like a bar of gold.
On the makeup side, Florence says, “I cannot say that one brand is better than the other. Chanel, YSL, Christian Dior, Lancôme … it all depends on what you are looking for but we can help you choose.”
The boutique also has a nail bar (€32 for a simple manicure with massage and scrub) and does eyebrow waxing on site.
There are lots of Christmas gift options “for all budgets,” including gift boxes with a focus on certain brands, fun themed gifts packages starting from €19.80, hand made Acqui de Parma candles and even advent calendars for couples.
“I know I’m repeating myself,” says Florence, “but our biggest strength is that we here to explain the products to the customers and it is really satisfying to hear them say ‘Thank you so much, I really appreciate your advice’ as they leave with a purchase in hand.”
Well, when Grace Kelly, who would have been 91 today, picked up the Oscar for The Country Girl in 1955, she said on the red carpet that wearing Chateau Krigler 12 perfume was her “lucky charm.” Maybe Florence Pronzati can help you discover yours.
Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 7: 30 p.m.
Parfumerie Edith Harlay Centre Commercial Fontvieille
Looking to beat the heat in a whole new way this weekend and get a dose of culture? On Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13, the plage de l’Ange Gardien in Villefranche will be transformed into a liquid auditorium as Michel Redolfi presents “The Sea of Sound”.
Michel is the world pioneer in underwater music. “Like most free outdoor concerts, one difference is that some of the listeners will also be floating on their backs in the water,” says the French composer and sound artist.
Born in Marseille in 1951, Michel had classical training at the conservatoire before specialising in electroacoustic composition. At 18, he co-founded the Groupe de musique expérimentale de Marseille (GMEM), which today is a major studio and national centre.
Michel moved to the US in the early Seventies and for fifteen years conducted sound experiments. He was a guest composer-researcher in the studios of the University of Wisconsin, the California Institute of the Arts and Dartmouth College, where he took part in the emergence of the first digital synthesiser, the Synclavier.
The concept of underwater music in the sea and heated Olympic pools cames to him while living in San Diego, California. After a friend gave him an old underwater speaker from the navy surplus, Michel (pictured below) started experimenting.
“It was a fluke,” he says, discovering how certain timbres – what makes a musical note quality sound different from another one – work really well underwater. “The harp, flute and female voices sound wonderful” while “electric guitar and funky bass riffs do not.”
Michel became a specialist of musical cybernetics and sound design, performing large-scale underwater concerts in Europe, Brazil and Australia with his team of computer-savvy musicians and singers. “The sea is the next open space for art … We’ve already seen land art, but the ocean has yet to be explored.”
On Saturday, you can “dive in with the oceanic choirs”. Whales, dolphins and Mediterranean fish will be in dialogue with Michel’s sound textures in a large-scale marine concert: 20,000 sounds under the sea, for a planetary acoustic odyssey.
On Sunday, the voice of actor Jean-Marc Barr (best known for his role in Le Grand Bleu) will guide you through previously unpublished texts by Jean Cocteau, read on the open sea, against a backdrop of ambient soundscapes. “In front of you, the Saint-Pierre chapel, decorated by Cocteau himself. Behind you, the open sea. Inside you, words and music.”
No reservations or tickets necessary. All you need is a bathing suit; mask and snorkel are optional. As Michel says, “What makes the experience particularly tantalising is that the sounds are only audible once you put your head in the water. You don’t even have to get your ears wet, since it’s your bones and skull that vibrate and conduct the sound.
“It’s really cool – like you have earphones stuck all over your body.”
Access is free from Plage des Marinières, and times are flexible: Saturday: 1pm to 6pm and Sunday: 11am to 6pm. As parking is limited, and it’s a weekend in July, take the train or 600 bus.
Article first published July 11, 2025.Photo and video: Facebook Michel Redolfi. Feature image: Ri Butov from Pixabay.
Born in Madrid, christened in Paris, and having grown up in London, Catherine Loewe had a very European outlook from day one. “My mother was Viennese and took me to see Gustav Klimt in the Belvedere which started my life-long love of art.”
“She was my greatest influence, as a follower of Jung and Buddhism, and she was obsessed with Gustav Mahler – my father even resembled the composer!” In fact, the Adagietto from Mahler’s 5th Symphony, famously used by Lucino Visconti in his 1971 adaptation of Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice, is the piece of music most associated with her childhood.
The independent curator studied Art History when, as she says, it was not really considered an academic subject. “The Courtauld Institute of Art was the only place, but I wanted to leave my family home in London so went to the then ‘Lefty’ progressive University of East Anglia where the emphasis was on radical feminist theory.”
The newly-opened Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts designed by Lord Norman Foster (the architect of the Monaco Yacht Club) was hugely inspiring – combining African, Contemporary and Renaissance under one roof. After university she went straight to work at Waddington Galleries. “I couldn’t believe I was suddenly working with artists like Barry Flanagan, Mimmo Paladino, Elisabeth Frink, John Hoyland and Michael Craig-Martin, who introduced many of the Young British Artist’s from Goldsmiths like Ian Davenport and Fiona Rae.”
Today, she’s an international name in the world of art curators. “An art curator used to be the custodian of a museum collection, but today curators work in a variety of roles – running private or corporate collections or organising exhibitions for museums and galleries. There is a great deal of competition, but each curator has a particular focus and style – they can relate to artists in that respect and at best it is this dialogue that forms the basis of exhibitions.”
Since the pandemic, the art advisor has seen a paradigm shift towards women, African Diaspora artists and global indigenous people. “Hence the big show at Tate opening in July of renowned artist Emily Kam Kngwarray, c.1914–1996, whose powerful works reflects her extraordinary life as an Anmatyerr woman in the Northern Territory of Australia.”
She adds, “The last two Venice Biennales summed up the mood and pushed forward historically overlooked media such as textiles heavily associated with women and domestic work and therefore not deserving of high art status – this is dramatically changing now – Olga de Amaral and Sheila Hicks are superstars. It is a subject that fascinates me, and I put together an exhibition called ‘The Fabric of Life’ on this theme.”
Women closing the art investment gap Catherine shines a positive light on female artists and the future. “There’s evidence of a closing gap between prices fetched for contemporary male and female artists, and some predict women artists may soon outpace men in overall auction value. Recent years have seen record-breaking sales for women artists – both contemporary and historical. Many have reached the global Top 50, often soaring ten times above high estimates proving that work by women can perform at the top of the market. Marlene Dumas, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Cecily Brown, Julie Mehretu have all achieved multi-million-dollar sales.”
The cofounder of The Eye of the Huntress says despite the suffragettes and feminists it has taken a long time for the male-dominated art world to get here. She points out how Vasari, known for his biography Lives of the Artists on the “great male” artists of the Italian Renaissance, only named four women in his book” Most of whom were lost in the dust,” says Catherine.
Today progress is “incredible”, Catherine shares, with women running major institutions, galleries and collections. “When I started at Christie’s there were very few female directors, and no auctioneers or women artists let alone living ones. Women artists in the 20th century have been famously overshadowed by their male counterparts, only now receiving lavish posthumous retrospectives like Lee Krasner, the wife of Jackson Pollock, or Picasso and Françoise Gilot, and Leonora Carrington and Max Ernst. Many of these women are in the book Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel.”
Institutional shows have had a huge impact on women, like Joan Mitchell at the Whitney 2022 and Fondation Vuitton. Since the Zwirner Gallery has taken control of her estate, no less than 13 out of 14 lots have exceeded $10 million at auction. The artist now holds 12th place in the world, ahead of Mark Rothko and Cy Twombly.
“I am keen supporter of women artists, particularly emerging ones which does not necessarily mean young women. This is what the textile exhibition The Fabric of Life was about, many of the women who were overlooked as they worked quietly in the background for years before social media and influencers came along, like Isabella Ducrot who is 94.”
Catherine was invited to speak at the Breaking Boundaries conference at One Monte-Carlo Monaco (5pm; €40) by Alessia Corsini, who runs Maison d’Art and created the One Masters event, and Valentina Colman of the Monaco Women Forum.
“Inclusive means all women from all socio-economic backgrounds, all nationalities, religions, gender and ages,” says Catherine. Now we see women supporting other women, like Tracey Emin and her Margate studios.”
One Masters Monaco takes places at One Monte-Carlo: July 9 (2-10pm) and July 10 & 11 (2-8pm).Photos: Good News Monaco.
Svetlana Berezovsky met her husband Igor at a chess tournament in Ukraine. The couple moved to the Principality in 2013 to start a business and they have both since ranked as Monaco chess champions in their respective categories.
Svetlana teaches at the local chess club – Le Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo – which has around 100 members and their two sons and two daughters also play the game, with their youngest, 14-year-old Fiorina, once holding the distinction of Monaco’s youngest chess champion five years ago.
While the close-knit family has fully embraced nearly a decade in Monaco, they are deeply attached to their roots. Svetlana was born in Chernihiv, a city in Ukraine with a 1300 year-long history. Today the city is under a heavy bombardment. “I lost two of my relatives who were hiding at their village house not far from Chernihiv. Two more young people from my extended family were severely injured during that terrorist attack. They are in a hospital in Kyiv at the moment. Next week we want to get them to the West,” says Svetlana Berezovsky
The 50-year-old adds that her father-in-law is in Odessa. “It is his city and he will not leave regardless. And, of course, we have many young friends – mostly men – who are in Ukraine, protecting the country.”
For the Berezovskys, the nights following Russia’s invasion on Ukraine were without sleep. “We had the feeling that if we fell asleep, we would wake up to an occupied Ukraine. So we watched the news non-stop, texted and called friends and relatives all over Ukraine.”
Svetlana describes the brave Ukrainians defending their country as “an incredibly free spirit” and emphasises “it is really a fight of good and evil without any semitones. Evil will not succeed. Ukrainians will remain free.”
Concerned about their homeland, shortly after the invasion Svetlana and Igor started to organise support for refugees coming to Monaco. “The solidarity of people in Europe is mind blowing, particularly when you think that Poland has accepted more than 2 million Ukrainians. There is practically no border between Ukraine and Poland today.”
According to UNHCR, as of April 2nd, 2022, 4,176,401 refugees had fled Ukraine since February, 24th with 2,429,265 arriving in Poland.
“With other families, we do our little bit to help – like organising temporary apartments and rooms in France, Monaco and Germany for incoming people, mostly women with kids. When people are here, we are trying to support them in any possible way. We see also that while Ukrainians are very thankful, they all want to go back home after Ukraine wins the war.”
For Svetlana, “Everyone can help, be it by supporting Ukraine financially, helping with temporary accommodation, with medical supplies, food and other things.” What is especially important at the moment is accommodating people “even if just for one month.”
She articulates that it is “critically important not to do business with Russia. Every penny Russia gets on taxes, goes directly to war, directly for killing Ukrainian children. And the Kremlin’s appetite is not limited to Ukraine … they are speaking openly about that.”
Anthony Cervini, Richard Kang, Susan Feaster, Prince Albert, Arianna Lexie Ruiz Jessica Bakken and Nicholas Feaster at the Monaco Yacht Club Library. Photo: Axel Bastell.
On Wednesday, March 15, Prince Albert II met with five Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at the Monaco Yacht Club Library. The Midshipmen presented their USNA Challenge Coin to Prince Albert.
Prince Albert, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guards (the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince) in which he actively served from 1986 to 2005, returned the gesture by offering the two female and three men Midshipmen his official coin. It is tradition when military and foreign leaders meet to exchange Challenge Coins as a symbol of respect for each other’s commitment to service at a high level.
What is the Challenge Coin? USNA Midshipman Nicholas Feaster explains the history Video: Caroline Mindus.
Additionally, the Prince bestowed from Monaco to the Naval Academy a plaque of the country’s Coat of Arms, as well as a work of art from his private collection, the bronze sculpture “Oceans 11” by local artist Carol Burton, as a symbol of the importance of Ocean Sustainability.
On behalf of the USNA, the Mids had presents for 8-year-old twins Heredity Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella – USNA t-shirts and the USNA goat mascot. And, as Prince Albert celebrated turning 65 the day before, on March 14, he was surprised with a slice of cake as the group sang Happy Birthday. He was gifted a special Top Gun Maverick F-18 Lego to mark the occasion.
USNA Midshipmen wish Prince Albert Happy Birthday.
During their convivial hour together, the Mids shared stories about determination and dedication to service with His Serene Highness. The Prince recalled the time at age 17 when he took an admissions tour of the Naval Academy with his mother, Princess Grace. He chose instead to attend Amherst College in Massachusetts. (Grace Kelly’s first cousin John Lehman Jr was former Secretary of the US Navy from 1981 to 1987.)
The USNA was honourably represented by Jessica Bakken (Julian, California), Anthony Cervini (Vineland, New Jersey), Richard Kang (Columbus, Indiana), Arianna Lexie Ruiz (Greenville, Pennsylvania) and Nicholas Feaster (US residence, Arlington, Virginia).
Nicholas, 20, was educated in Monaco from a young age (Cours Saint Maur, FANB) and is the first graduate from Lycée Albert 1er to receive an appointment to the US Naval Academy. He was also a member of the choir, the Petits Chanteurs de Monaco, for five years and interned at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO).
Report on Monaco Info.
The Mids have been visiting the Principality for five days over spring break and are leaving Saturday. On Wednesday morning, they visited the IHO headquarters on quai Antoine 1er with IHO Director Admiral Luigi Sinapi. They also had the opportunity to meet Monaco resident Keith Chapman, the creator of two blockbuster animation series, Paw Patrol and Bob The Builder, and Bernard d’Alessandri, General Director of the Monaco Yacht Club.
The Challenge Coin event was organised by the US Ambassador for Yacht Club of Monaco President, Susan Feaster.
USNA and other military academies first accepted women in 1976. According to USNA’s website, of the 1,215 graduates in the Class of 2021, 27% were female (327) and 37% minority (451) midshipmen. It is worth noting that there were 16,299 total applications that year. Each USNA candidate must receive a nomination from a member of congress, who are limited to five constituents attending the Naval Academy at any time.
Prince Albert gives his Chalenge Coin to Midshipman Richard Kang. Photo: Axel Bastell.On behalf of USNA, Midshipman NIcholas Feaster accepts Monaco’s Coat of Arms from Prince Albert. Photo: Axel Bastell.Prince bestowed from Monaco to the Naval Academy a work of art from his private collection, the bronze sculpture “Oceans 11” by local artist Carol Burton (right) as a symbol of the importance of Ocean Sustainability. Photo: Axel Bastell.Richard Kang, Jessica Bakken and Arianna Lexie Ruiz present Prince Albert with USNA t-shirts and the USNA goat mascot for his 8-year-old twins Heredity Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Photo: Axel Bastell.Arianna Lexie Ruiz presents Prince Albert with a piece of birthday cake. Photo: Axel Bastell.Prince Albert is greeted by Arianna Lexie Ruiz, Jessica Bakken, Richard Kang, Anthony Cervini and Nicholas Feaster at the Monaco Yacht Club Library. Photo: Axel Bastell.
This article was first published on March 16, 2023.
Anyone who knows the benevolent Gabrielle Crump will not be surprised to learn that her childhood in Oundle, Northamptonshire, was a happy one with a “fantastic group” of school friends. “My parents sent me to a school that I loved and bought a house in the centre of town, enabling me to walk to all my lessons with my books under my arm and have an incredible level of freedom,” she says.
Gabrielle – affectionately Gabby to her friends – remembers how her mother prided herself on having a big garden full of vegetables and beautiful flowers. “She used to garden in the dark with very strong lamps. It was her way of managing the stress of running a food manufacturing business with 50 staff and loads of responsibility.”
From a young age, her mother would encourage Gabrielle to find joy in whatever she chose to do with her life. “If that meant scrubbing toilets, then Mum would be happy for me. I never felt as though I had to fit into a box.”
Clearly, she did not, as her eclectic life story shows. Bilingual Gabrielle was born in Grasse, grew up in the UK and met her husband, Russell, at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2000. He was showing the smallest boat at the show; she had just started in the industry. This was the beginning of a long journey guided by the desire to help others. Later this year they will be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the non-profit Chances 4 Children Foundation, created by the couple back in August 2014. “This is a huge moment for us considering where we started from,” Gabrielle voices. “Russell had always wanted to run aid to Africa on a truck but was unable to due to his Type 1 diabetes. When an opportunity came along, we saw it as a sign.”
Opportunity came knocking in 2013. The stepbrother of a close friend of Gabrielle’s (“and my first love at the age of 14!”) spent two weeks of his gap year volunteering in Uganda at what was then called His Mercy’s Outreach Centre. “Uganda is the world’s third poorest country and during this time James’ mother appealed for funds and we stepped in to help,” explains Gabrielle.
Chances 4 Children with Martin Male and Russell and Gabrielle Crump.
The centre was run by Martin Male, an AIDS orphan who had saved 60 children from the slums in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and it was Martin’s story that tugged at the Crumps’ emotional chords. Martin’s promiscuous father died having contracted HIV AIDS, and his mom was selling her body to ensure that Martin would be fed and attend school. After her death, young Martin hitched a ride on the back of a coal truck from his village to the city in search of an aunt. Unsuccessful, he wound up on the streets for years living and sleeping in unimaginable conditions. One day, a local businesswoman, Jayne, asked how she could help and he said he didn’t want money, but rather to attend school to honour his mother and be able to stand on his own two feet. “Mummy Jayne” – who had three daughters – took Martin in for the night and he never looked back. “Fast forward and Jayne has been behind Chances 4 Children each step of the way helping everyone find their way in life.
Martin’s humbling story – single-handedly determined to giving kids an education, hope, safety and a sense of belonging to the Chances 4 Children family (with Gabrielle and Russell’s support) – led to the Sponsor a Child Program, which has been running since 2016. “Our sponsors provide a literal lifeline for these children who went from having no hope – or underpants! – let alone speaking English, to going to school, eating three square meals a day and stepping onto a stage in front of hundreds to sing, dance and speak their truth with passion and integrity. We now have seven youths in higher education and our first ‘daughter’ will start university in January. As well, four youths are currently in Saudi Arabia for three months dancing in the Disney production of The Lion King. We are beyond proud as this is our first major step towards self-sustainability. Paying for an entire year of education with these funds allows these four young people a chance to open a bank account and save for their future.”
Gabrielle adds that six children are currently in need of a sponsor. She shares the story of a lady she came across in the slums of Kampala, the country’s largest with some 20,000 people. “She reached out to me and tried to give me her child. Clearly, she was hoping I could give this little person a better life. Walking away from them was heart-wrenching. I never knew her name but this image will stay with me until the end. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in stepping in to give these children a chance in life.”
Mother in Kampala slums offering her child to Gabrielle.
Uganda’s mud and brick homes are a world away from the pristine life in the Principality. “My biggest personal challenge living in Monaco is the way that so many people put on a brave face when the chips are down, be it financially or for family reasons. I truly feel that living in ‘Tinseltown’ it is important for those who are facing tough times to have someone to turn to and not be expected to ‘keep calm and carry on!’
“Especially on a mental wellness level, I think there is a lot of work yet to be done in Monaco especially among the thousands of expats that struggle without family support. As a coach – and as a friend – I have witnessed this first hand.”
Gabrielle recently pivoted and became a certified integrative health coach, specializing in emotional eating, nutrition and holistic stress management. “Like many during Covid lockdown, I did a little soul searching. I always dreamt of becoming an actress but as my parents had their own business while I was growing up, being an entrepreneur was very familiar to me. I had spent years involved in sales and marketing, starting my own property business when I was 21.
“When I discovered the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I instantly knew it was for me. It connected everything I was passionate about into one career –helping people and my passion for food but not as a chef.”
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition was started by Joshua Rosenthal, who first came up with the idea of health coaching 30 years ago. It combines nutrition with psychotherapy-based coaching techniques and with a functional medicine approach – identifying and treating the underlying cause of a person’s condition with a particular emphasis on the gut-brain connection. “We also studied nutritional psychiatry, the emerging field about the effect what you eat has on your mental wellbeing. I am continuing to read more on this as I am fascinated by the subject. I love understanding how people tick and helping them to overcome obstacles.”
Gabrielle admits that as a kid she was the student that was a pleasure to teach but never top of the class. She laughs, “From the get-go I was a communicator and as a small kid I would chat to strangers on the bus in London!” So, choosing to go back to school and study at Institute for Integrative Nutrition was a big decision but not a difficult one.
“Every Monday morning, opening my laptop to see what we were going to learn, it was like Christmas. I absolutely loved every minute.” The “tough part” – as she outlines – was having to work three part-time jobs – managing a large villa renovation for a Monaco family office, tutoring English, and running the admin and newsletter for the British Association, as well as running Chances 4 Children – which meant Friday afternoons and weekends were taken over with study. “I had almost no time to rest. You see the irony!
“I rarely came up for air. My husband was very tolerant and cooked most nights, as well as helping me to revise for my tests. He helped me study so much that he could have passed the course himself. My mother, in a big way, also stepped in to take the pressure off the day-to-day charity operations, which was a big task and for which I will be eternally grateful.”
Yet managing all of these things taught Gabrielle that “I am extremely focused and that with discipline and consistency, I can achieve whatever I set my mind to.” Still, her moves on the dance floor and passion for the outdoors (“Mad fact – my favourite hiking buddy is my husband’s ex-wife!”) had to take a back seat to her studies. “My social life went out of the window entirely but I accepted that it wasn’t forever.”
In February 2023, she launched Gabrielle’s Zest 4 Life under her maiden name Gabrielle Achilleos. “It has taken me to get to my early forties to know exactly what I want to do with my career but I am very proud.”
She describes herself as an integrative health coach specialised in emotional eating, nutrition, holistic stress management, but what exactly does this mean? “Emotional eating is when someone leans on food to fill an emotional void that they are not ready to face, similar to using any substance, be it alcohol or drugs. It is a way to numb or suppress negative emotions – such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness – to avoid leaning in to what’s really going on and unpacking it. This can be very uncomfortable as for many people it is a lifetime’s habit.”
Her holistic stress management approach helps develop habits that regulate the nervous system, taking it from Fight or Flight mode to Rest and Recover. “So many people wait until a big holiday or a spa weekend to finally wind down … by which time all the cumulative stress has built up that they often get sick as the body has stopped running on adrenaline. New habits can be something as simple as locking ourselves in the toilet for 10 minutes for some peace – if you have young kids! – to committing to regularly getting out into nature, exercise, journaling or doing a short meditation.”
Gabrielle’s Zest 4 Life focusses on small daily lifestyle changes combined with complementary therapies for a holistic approach to well-being. “I look at the entire person – mind, body, and spirit – by addressing underlying factors as opposed to fixating on the symptoms. I focus a lot on blood sugar management to keep energy levels stable throughout the day instead of falling into the caffeine, sugar or alcohol rollercoaster.”
She works 1-on-1 with a limited number of clients who decide what they want to achieve and the pace that suits them. “I am there to ‘hold the torch’ and help them to stay focused and committed.”
This involves an hour coaching session every seven to 14 days, either online or in person. “In between, however, is where the magic happens! I check in every day so they have constant accountability and a cheerleader. I also do pantry purges, helping clients swap out foods that may not be supporting their health, as well as meal planning for those with food intolerances. And food prep is also a big hurdle for some people so I have a bunch of tips to help make that less time consuming and more fun!”
“Since then, we sold 200 menus in six weeks and the feedback has been super. There is a new starter and main five days a week, and all ingredients are both local and seasonal. I have to be creative when it comes to using the same ingredients in a variety of different ways but Didier is very strict about this and I respect the fact that he is really walking his talk with the ethos of the place.”
Somehow, in addition to her non-profit and starting a new business, Gabrielle has found time to run “Disconnect to Reconnect” hikes. “I have partnered up with Anne Fabienne Raven for these ‘Zest and Zen’ outdoor events. The concept is that twice a month, we take a group of up to 10 people on an easy hike with no phones so that we can reconnect with nature, and each other. During the walk, we enjoy a yoga class al fresco by Anne Fabienne, as well as some breathwork and a mindfulness practice. I provide a healthy picnic and also do a wellness talk. We will be mainly focusing on tips and tools to reduce stress and ‘find our Zen’ again. It will be a safe place for people to share their challenges and support each other. What goes on the hike, stays on the hike, as they say.”
The road to here has taken sacrifice and commitment on Gabrielle’s part but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Although I enjoy lunches and going to exercise classes, this would never be enough for me. I could never imagine not working, but I would rather work crazy hours for myself and be my own boss then go to a 9-5 job that pays the same wage every month for the sake of security.
“It’s the most exciting empowering journey but you need to expect a transition period from your old life to your new one. And starting a business on your own can be a lonely journey so surround yourself with a ‘board’ of friends and like-minded people on a similar journey.”
Her tip to other women looking to rebrand themselves and start something new is not to give up your “day job” until the income from the new business can just about support you. “’If you aren’t reliant on the income in the beginning then don’t hold back. The worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work and you stop… but as my mum always says, “It’s only life!’
Gabrielle lays bare her truth. “I have had to dig deep many times to maintain my mental wellness, and I am not ashamed to share that as I think it’s important, it becomes less taboo.
“If I could give my younger self a piece of advice it would be that instead of thinking Why me?, think Why not me? It’s amazing what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves.”
If you look back on any month this year, what would you say is your biggest accomplishment? For the ever-colourful Alicia Sedgwick, the answer would be writing her second book, BEING. It was penned in less than 3 weeks.
The idea came to the best-selling author in early January at the popular Fraise et Chocolat café in Roquebrune Village. Sitting in the sunshine, Alicia and her visiting friends from England were sharing their “word for the year”. Of course, in the warmth of the winter sun, gratitude popped to mind but one in the group said: “rest”, admitting she couldn’t find a better word to convey “not feeling compelled to be doing”.
WATCH INTERVIEW ABOVE: Interview with Alicia Sedgwick on launch of BEING.
This led to a discussion on human Beings versus human Doings, which prompted Alicia to fill the first page of her 2025 diary with all the “beings” for the year, starting with gratitude and restful. “This inspired me to write the book BEING, to help everyone, young and older, to go through the weeks and months ahead with simple lessons of being. To find calm, purpose, hope, and perspective in the busyness of life. To get back to being and not doing,” the communications coach explains.
“This is not a big book because people do not have time to read a large book. It is simple and straightforward reminders of being, and how to be,” the well-known figure in Monaco says.
BEING seeks to offer guidance in all the ways that can enrich your life and quieten your mind. “It is full of my personal anecdotes and real-life experiences to give you practical help to be. There are uplifting affirmations and life lessons to support you as you find your way to being and no longer feel compelled to be doing. You can find your raison d’être through the guidance contained in every chapter.”
Chapters include BEING: Kind; Loved; Confident; Well; Grateful; and Playful. For the chapter about BEING Brave, Alicia writes about a time when she lost her work as a lawyer. “My Partner let me down considerably, and in deciding whether to set up my own firm I had to ask myself the one question we should all ask when facing the unknown – ‘What do I have to lose?’ ”
Alicia, who makes up a third of the Lib Day Darlings trio, starts each chapter with a song title and singer “to set the tone and reinforce the message and theme.” For example, in that Brave chapter, the song is Fight Song by Rachel Platten. “Music is really important to me, and I am inspired by it, and it helps me and my students to feel less self-conscious.”
WATCH VIDEO BELOW: The confidence of music.
BEING was edited by Wendy Yorke and published by Parul Agrawal at Serapis Bey, the same team Alicia worked with for her first book, Communicating Through Change: Lessons Learned From Real Life. “It all took less than 6 weeks, including the writing process. It was clearly meant to be. I just felt that, like my first book, I want to extend my support of everyone to a global audience.”
Reflecting on life since the 2021 launch of Communicating Through Change, Alicia says she’s become more aware of how time disappears having lost relatives and friends. “It has become even more important not to waste time on things that take us away from our priorities and pull us down or demotivate. I do not want to be around people who do not uplift and inspire! Life is too short!”
The host of three TEDxMonteCarlo events believes, “In order to be real, and to truly give of ourselves for others to learn from us, we must express our truth, including our vulnerability.”
Alicia is a champion at helping others express their truth. During Covid, she ramped up her coaching and training in effective communication skills by developing her online courses and even managed and hold the first TEDxYouth Event at ISM online. These days, she is one of the hardest working women in town, juggling her time between public speaking training at the International School of Monaco and International University of Monaco, teaching communication skills at the corporate level (Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Monaco Economic Board) and hosting events. Of course, she also writes.
“Personally, I want to do more TV work – to develop the message of both books, and to help readers via that form of media – and maybe even a podcast, or radio.”
BEING is available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon from May 15, 2025. Don’t miss out on the special launch price.
Growing up in Monaco, Raphael Rouget was captivated by motorsport. It wasn’t just the “machines adorned with exceptional details” but observing the “emotions, determination, and willpower of the drivers that fascinated me from a young age,” says the new general manager of Marius Monaco.
“Sports with its values and competitive spirit have always been the core of my life. This passion initially led me to pursue a professional career in football. And a memorable encounter with Michel Platini further reinforced this ambition and encouraged me to follow that path.”
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: RAPHAEL ROUGET INTRODUCES BANKSY ROOM AT MARIUS MONACO
A car accident would abruptly end Raphael’s football dreams but he redirected his focus towards the hospitality and restaurant industry. “I joined my father in a profession that has been in our family for three generations,” says Raphael. His first job was working alongside his dad at the 5-star Hôtel Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland. “More than just a job, the restaurant business is a world of excellence, a powerful medium for connections and exchanges.”
It was a good fit. “I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, service, and attention to detail come together to make every moment unique. “My positive attitude is a constant, and I’m quick to react, always looking for solutions and ways to enhance the experience.”
For ever-energetic Raphael, an exceptional restaurant comes down to three things. First, making every detail count. “I believe it starts with high-quality cuisine—fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a unique culinary identity that sets it apart.”
Second, the role service plays. “I strive for attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who make guests feel special and valued. A seamless, coordinated effort between the kitchen and the front-of-house ensures everything flows perfectly.”
And third, the vibe. “A thoughtfully designed space that reflects the restaurant’s concept, paired with the right lighting, music, and comfort, enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s about building that connection with guests, ensuring they have a remarkable experience that makes them want to return again and again.”
Raphael is one of the rare species outside North America who believes the customer is always right. “In a restaurant, the customer is always right in the sense that their expectations and experience should be taken seriously and respected. However, this doesn’t mean that every request is automatically valid or realistic. The key is to adopt a balanced approach, where you listen carefully to the customer while staying true to the restaurant’s standards, vision, and operational capabilities.
“That said, it is essential to show empathy and professionalism when faced with dissatisfaction, as an unhappy customer can compromise the positive experience for others. The goal is to always find a solution that respects both the customer’s needs and the realities of the service.
He should know. He has built his career opening restaurants all around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Qatar and Lebanon, and in the US, Dubai, Switzerland, and France. “These range from small units to large-scale operations including a restaurant for the Bocuse Group with over 800 seats and a capacity of nearly 3,200 covers per day in Lyon.” Raphael has seen it all. “From fast-casual dining to international cuisines of various origins, all the way up to a Michelin three-star restaurant ranked in the top 20 in the world. In each case, I dedicated myself to maintaining an exceptional level of excellence, always striving for perfection.”
Clearly, there is a learning curve. “Every opening reminds me of the importance of building a strong team, maintaining clear communication, and always keeping the goal of providing an exceptional experience for every guest, no matter the type of restaurant.
“It’s about balancing vision, preparation, and adaptability. It’s crucial to have a clear and ambitious vision for the concept, but it’s equally important to be flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arise – and they do – whether they are related to management, teams, or customer satisfaction.”
The father of two came on board as the general manager of Marius Monaco in December, six months after Sebastien Sanjou opened its green doors. “When I arrived, the challenge was immense. It was a case of mistaken identity. We were having nights with only two customers in the restaurant, which seemed completely crazy given its iconic history.”
“Art is very important for us. We have many permanent works on display at the restaurant, from Jean Cocteau to American artist Sam Francis. And from April 15, we have a new piece from the Nice-born artist Arman, who designed bottles for Taittinger. We also have the Banksy room, is a new private dining room that seats 10 people.”
– Raphael Rouget, general manager Marius Monaco
He wanted to wake this “Sleeping Beauty” of a restaurant that had been dormant for some time and was determined to bring it back to life and make it shine again.
“Marius Monaco has a unique identity, deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition while embracing innovation. The focus is on the freshness of local and seafood products, with a culinary expertise that combines simplicity and excellence.”
The vice president of Monaco’s Hospitality Association (AIHM) adds, “The 1500-square meter restaurant is in a prime location and offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, but what distinguishes Marius is its commitment to offering a true immersion into the Monaco lifestyle, where every detail matters, including impeccable service.
“I am someone who embodies diplomacy, always striving to maintain a calm and respectful demeanour in all situations. I am approachable, available, and deeply attentive to my clients’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued. So the experience that I offer to guests is one of closeness, friendliness, and warmth, in line with the expectations of Monaco, whether for a meeting or celebrating a milestone.”
Open every day for lunch and dinner, Marius offers Happy Hour weekdays from 5:30 to 8pm and live music with new artists performing on Saturday nights and this summer, will offer “a surprise” on the spectacular outdoor terrace (which opens after the Monaco Grand Prix). WATCH VIDEO (SCROLL TO TOP) FOR INSIDE SCOOP.
Raphael, whose wife is Australian, is truly a breath of fresh air. “When it comes to customer service, it is important to listen and to understand the situation from the perspective of your team in order to prepare the most appropriate response. By turning a negative situation into a positive one, you show the guest that their concerns matter and help build a stronger relationship with them.”
Raphael lives by his words; “I’m committed to giving my best at every moment, ensuring that each interaction, whether with guests or my team, is a reflection of my dedication to excellence.”
As he says, “I want Marius to be the must-visit address in Monaco, a place that people return time and time again.”
Article first published April 15, 2025. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.
Serena Benedetti Roy grew up in Monaco but created her first company, Kosmob, in China back in 2006. Only 22 at the time, she would spend the next four years developing and manufacturing her moped brand to sell in France.
“I did a student exchange in China when I was 13 and, even though I was young, I could tell the country had an exciting potential for development and it became my dream to work there,” recalls Serena. With a degree in industrial management at the French business school, Grenoble Ecole de Management, the entrepreneur had always been interested in both the technical and operational side of business. “Still today, my favourite professional activity is visiting factories to see how machines work.”
By 2011, the electric vehicle market in France was slowing and the French-Italian and Serena decided to enter the corporate world. She returned to Monaco and worked for ten years at Single Buoy Moorings (SBM) Offshore in Quality Assurance and Project Supply Chain.
It was four years ago at SBM Offshore that the idea for her latest startup, Akimba, came to light out of “personal necessity”. As she puts it, “I realised that I had a lot of nice clothes in my closet but I was reluctant to wear them at the office for two reasons – the embarrassment of perspiration stains and the dry-cleaning costs to get them out.”
Serena searched online for a solution to protect her clothes from sweat stains. “I found no-sweat T-shirts, mostly for men. So, I decided to do something about it.” She came up with The Fresh Bra™, a patent-pending bralette.
At the end of 2020, and expecting her first child, Serena opted for voluntary redundancy during SBM Offshore’s last round of downsizing. “I had a deep feeling this side project could turn into a real business. This product I was creating could improve the quality of life for many women, making them feel more confident in their clothes and allowing them to wear colours they would never dare to before. So, I took a leap of faith.” Akimba was founded in November 2021.
The soon to be 39-year-old (her birthday is August 28th) explains Akimba is inspired from the word akimbo, a standing position with your hands on your hips and your elbows pointing outward to create strength and courage. (Serena demonstrates in above photo.) “Posing like this makes you feel that anything is possible. And that’s the feeling I want to give to women who wear my products.”
But what exactly is “empowering lingerie”? Serena clarifies, “The Fresh Bra™ has been designed for maximum discretion, comfort and femininity. It is the first undergarment of its kind that not only supports the breast but also conceals sweat to keep your outfits looking perfect. All materials are plant-based and include anti-bacterial and fast-drying properties.”
Serena’s research unveiled a global market for active women with sweat issues – this includes everything from undergarments to professional treatments like botox and surgery – estimated at €3.5 billion. “I’m already working on different versions of The Fresh Bra™ and also some shorties to prevent thigh chafing.”
The serialpreneur launched The Fresh Bra™ last month on July 4th and hopes it will become a wardrobe game changer for 20,000 women in France and Europe within three years. “My 10-year vision is to be the first brand that pops into mind when you think of undergarments that are premium products and for empowering women – helping them feel more comfortable in their clothes and more confident in all aspects of their lives.”
Serena is counting on MonacoTech’s startup program to help Akimba reach these goals. “Entrepreneurship is quite lonely. I wanted to be surrounded by other entrepreneurs and decided to apply. MonacoTech has helped me to better structure my vision and the actions to achieve it. They have provided me with a sounding board for major decisions and given me good visibility in the local press.”
Akimba has no hires as of yet as Serena has been working with a freelance fashion designer, a pattern maker and a R&D company to develop the product. The polyglot (she speaks English, French, Italian and Chinese) reveals she took pattern making classes to have better control over product development. “My biggest learning curve has been to understand the ins and outs of the undergarment industry and the technical side of producing a piece of clothing.”
At the moment, the innovative bra is available online only but Serena is looking for retailers in Monaco and France to start selling Akimba products in the fall. She admits, though, that the supply chain is a major risk. “Recently prices of eco-friendly fabrics have surged. There are also not many manufacturers who can deliver high-quality standards for premium products like The Fresh Bra™.”
The Monaco Economic Board member believes that success is not only measured by your business’ bottom line but also by your happiness level. Her ultimate role model is Spanx founder Sara Blakely. “She’s not only a very smart entrepreneur but also a mom of four who has a lot of humour and empowers women in most of her activities.” Locally, Serena follows Marcela Kern @onboardwithmarcela. “I enjoy her energy, and her mix of professional and fun content. Plus, I get to learn a few things about the yachting industry.”
Tech-savvy Serena is also a big podcast enthusiast. So much so that in 2020, she started her own podcasts – Super Women of Monaco – to showcase the remarkable women in the Principality. “I also host the Akimba podcast to share the entrepreneurial journey of women who create brands and companies with the aim of helping other women.”
It’s difficult to imagine co-driver, journalist, press officer, bank manager, and author Françoise Conconi being intimidated by anything. But in 1976, seated beside driver Michèle Mouton in an Alpine 1600, she felt the pressure of competing in her first Rallye Monte-Carlo. “It was the Holy Grail for us,” Françoise says. “We were in the big league, and we were very intimidated because everything was new.”
The rally legend is one of 65 women featured in the new release 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco from Carob Tree Publishing and was at the book launch with Prince Albert (pictured above) on January 24, 2025. As the ground-breaking book reveals, co-driver Françoise would go on to compete in 150 rallies in her career, become a 4-time French and European rally champion, and 3-time winner of the Coupe des Dames at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. The Grenobloise was an original member of the all-women’s Team Aseptogyl back in the 1970s. (François is pictured below with rally driver Christine Dacremont on 2025 International Women’s Sports Day at the Prince’s Car Collection).
Françoise will be attending a special screening of “Histoire du Rallye Monte-Carlo” in Beausoleil on Wednesday, April 2. The documentary is being shown at 6:30 pm at the Centre Culturel Prince Jacques (6/8 avenue du Général de Gaulle) as part of the 2025 Côte d’Azur Sport Film Festival.
Following the film, Claude Julian will moderate a discussion with Bruno Saby, drivers Françoise, Dominique de Meyer and Franck Phillips, and historic rally specialist Stephan Cannas.
Put on by the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS), this ninth edition of the sports festival runs from April 1-3. The two days of films, debates and seminars look to communicate Olympic values and spread the importance of sports practice. The last day is dedicated to awards. Contact the mairie to confirm participation – 04 93 41 71 48 or by email cabinetdumaire@villedebeausoleil.fr.
Article first published March 31, 2025. Article photos: Françoise Conconi Facebook.Feature photo: Maurice Lauche/100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco.
