Who is this group that is so angry with us?
I think we need to understand one thing: embodied brands are rare. When a company is led by an individual, emotions can sometimes become very intense.
Have you noticed that those who leave Maison Jacynthe almost never remain indifferent?
Most of them were initially very fond of Maison Jacynthe. Some were even passionate. Sometimes with too many personal expectations, which led to a tipping point.
Many wanted to develop a privileged relationship with me. I remember people who expected to have coffee with me every week. Others constantly demanded my attention. Obviously, I couldn't meet these expectations while running a business and being present for my family.
I even experienced situations where people would go so far as to claim to be seriously ill to get my attention. We also received serious threats. From that moment on, we understood that protecting one's mental health and that of loved ones becomes a responsibility.
Let's be clear, I give time, energy, love. But we all have limits.
Then there's the reality of a business.
In over ten years, hundreds of people have worked at Maison Jacynthe. Our core team is still here. Others have left, for all sorts of reasons.
Like in any business, we sometimes trusted people who simply weren't the right fit. Some exhibited behaviors incompatible with our values... and common sense. Others created a lot of tension or disorganization. I remember a period when I started each day completely exhausted, because I constantly had to explain, correct, repair, or try to convey my vision. Sometimes I was even told that I didn't know my own field or that I didn't know what I was talking about.
I probably would have continued to give chances, because that's my nature.
It was a kind member of our team who, one day, told me: "You also need to protect yourself. You need to protect the company."
That was an important moment for me.
I never dreamed of owning a business. I am a creator. I am shy by nature. I was never taught how to manage teams, how to deal with politics, or how to handle human conflicts. I am still learning, every day.
When people who once deeply loved Maison Jacynthe then band together to fuel their disappointment, share lies, exaggerate, defame, or maintain negativity, it can become very heavy, immoral, even illegal.
A competitor even joins in to boost the promotion of their own business. They had not hesitated to do the same during difficult times a few years ago.
These petty, malicious behaviors, the hatred that emanates from them, so justifies the incompatibility we felt with the members of this group. Interestingly, many still order their products from us! Which goes to show that I am probably the source of the problems.
There seems to be a permission to blaspheme, criticize, tarnish my reputation... which would not happen to other brands.
Yet, you know us to be generous, conciliatory, flexible.
Another interesting fact.
The core of our team—made up of people who joined us since 2016—is still mostly here. They get along wonderfully, see each other regularly outside of work, and have developed an exceptional bond. We are filled with gratitude for their presence on the team, and we trust them completely.
More recently, a new colleague—whose qualities we greatly appreciate—has joined them with a disarming ease.
Looking back, one thing is clear: the people who thrive at Maison Jacynthe naturally find their place within this close-knit team. Those who don’t manage to do so sometimes choose to distance themselves… and, unfortunately, there are times when some of them then devote more energy to criticizing us than to pursuing their own path.
In short, for a very long time, I have been diverting my attention. I focus on the beautiful. On our extraordinary team. On the thousands of customers who have trusted us for years. On the products we create. On the Homes we build. On everything that uplifts us.
From the bottom of my heart, I would ask you one thing.
If you are part of these groups, leave them. Especially since such beauty exists here.
Not just for me, but for you too. Because our attention feeds what it focuses on. The world is already difficult enough.
Let's choose to nourish what makes us feel good, what brings us together, and what uplifts us.
For the others, here is a word from Sylvain: "I wish you to heal your wounds and be happy."
Leave a comment