BEHIND BARNIE

BEHIND BARNIE: MARIE CAZENAVE

If BARNIE is the brand it is today, it's also thanks to the people who collaborate daily with Delphine and Edouard… highlighting the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Each member of the team, with their own story, expertise, talents, personality, and aspirations, contributes to the brand's growth and evolution day after day. Because BARNIE wouldn't be BARNIE without its teams, we've decided to introduce you to and showcase each of its members. For this second edition of "Behind BARNIE," Marie, Marketing & Customer Manager, agreed to participate in a 10-question interview.

Passionate about the world of luxury and driven by a deep love for jewelry, 39-year-old Marie embodies elegance and authenticity in everything she does. After a decade at Cartier, she joined the BARNIE adventure two years ago as Marketing & Customer Manager, with the ambition of creating a customer experience where expert advice and excellence go hand in hand. True to her values, she is dedicated to creating precious memories shared with her loved ones between Lyon, Paris, and La Baule.

Hello Marie, can you introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Marie, I'm 39 years old, married, and have two children, Louis and Alice. I've always been passionate about the world of luxury, and especially jewelry. My grandmother was a jeweler. I spent my Wednesdays and weekends at the boutique with her. I loved it! That's what instilled in me a taste for luxury, customer relations, and excellence. It fascinated me. I believe it shaped part of my personality and who I am today. After my studies, I was fortunate enough to work for 10 years at Cartier, an unforgettable and incredibly formative experience. I held positions in marketing and CRM. Four years ago, my husband and I decided to leave Paris and move to Lyon. A real life change for our family. I love going to Paris regularly, but only for the good things: family, friends, restaurants, exhibitions! It's a balance we've created between Paris and Lyon, a balance we enjoy and that suits us. Our children feel as much Lyonnais as Parisian. I joined the BARNIE adventure in October 2022. A new professional challenge, very different from what I experienced at Cartier, but always with that same quest for excellence, dedicated to Customer Relations. Every day brings new projects, and it's exciting to be part of this adventure. We participate in many cross-functional projects, which is the advantage of a small company. I enjoy combining strategy and operations.

What is your position at BARNIE?

I have been the Marketing and Customer Manager at BARNIE for 2 years.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?

On the marketing side, I analyze sales figures for both products and customers, among other things. I work on purchasing recommendations with the Production & Style team. It's fascinating to work on collections so far in advance. My team and I also create the packaging, product descriptions, and e-merchandising for the website.

Customer relations are at the heart of BARNIE's strategy. That's what immediately appealed to me when I met Edouard and Delphine: their approach to customer relations as a core loyalty tool, a way to set us apart. We treat our customers' requests the way we would like to be treated ourselves. I'm fortunate to have Agathe by my side, the Customer Service Manager, who pays particular attention to providing advice and handling requests. We make a fantastic team and are continuing to shape customer relations together, just as we envision them at BARNIE. We share the same vision and the same ambition.

How would you describe your clothing style?

Quite classic, I'd say! I like simple, elegant clothes. A garment should be wearable for multiple occasions depending on how you style it, the accessories, and the shoes.

WHAT DRIVES YOU IN LIFE OUTSIDE OF YOUR WORK?

My family! They are my strength, my energy. Every moment we share reminds me of what's essential, reconnects me to my values. At the same time, once you have children, it clearly takes up a lot of your daily time… I love everything that is beautiful. I attach particular importance to interior design. I need an environment I find beautiful to be able to thrive and feel at peace. Finally, I love sharing moments with my friends, meeting new people. Memories are my foundation, and it's up to us to create wonderful ones as often as possible, for me, often between Paris, La Baule, and Lyon. Paris and Lyon represent my daily life, life at breakneck speed. La Baule is my haven, my sanctuary. I've been going there since I was little. My husband and I got married there. It's a place where our family and friends come together, across generations, and that's what I particularly appreciate. Many of our best memories are there and it's already a landmark for our children.

What accomplishment at BARNIE are you most proud of?

I believe what makes me most proud is creating a close relationship with our clients. We sometimes exchange stories about life, anecdotes...

On the other hand, I am very proud to have built a close-knit team. We can count on each other and that, for me, is essential.

We know you're passionate about jewelry, what types of jewelry do you prefer to wear on a daily basis?

The most important and precious pieces of jewelry for me are those that remind me of special occasions, people, and moments in my life. I never take off my wedding band, my engagement ring, and also a diamond necklace. Simple and elegant pieces that I can wear for any occasion. They pair well with everything.

That's for everyday wear. Then I love wearing bolder, more eye-catching pieces, especially earrings. They can make a difference to a simple look and add real value.

Three Instagram posts you loved this week?

I love Christmas, so naturally I'm in heaven right now… It's a magical time of year. The post about the Dior Christmas lights on Avenue Montaigne really immerses you in the setting, as if you were there. It's magnificent. At this time of year, it truly is the most beautiful avenue in Paris!

Another post that caught my eye this week was from Violette Dorange, the youngest skipper in the Vendée Globe. I think she's incredible! I admire her tenacity and strength. I love following her adventures.

Finally, the ice rink at the Grand Palais has reopened. The glass roof is magnificent!

What advice would you give to the Marie of 10 years ago?

Not everything is black or white, sometimes it's grey and that's perfectly fine.

Your 3 favorite pieces in the new series?

Difficult! I'd say the Paolo collar which I know is so comfortable and cozy. A winter must-have! It combines style, comfort, and elegance. Also, the black Boya trousers. An iconic piece, an essential to have in your wardrobe. Well-cut black trousers, simple, effective, to wear with sneakers or heels. Finally, the Leonard bangle. I've always loved this kind of jewelry that's both understated and has character. This bangle is, for me, the perfect balance between these two aspects.

To conclude this second edition of Behind BARNIE, we hope that this introduction to the team members has given you a better understanding of the people who work for the brand every day. Stay tuned for more profiles that bring the BARNIE universe to life, coming soon.

Find our other articles

Our selection of gifts

24 Hours in Barnie with Alexandra Remise