Carmela Fleury is a sweet, passionate, active woman who fights for what she believes.
She has lived in 8 countries to finally establish herself in Japan with her husband. She has something form every place she has lived in, and I would adventure myself to say that one of her best qualities is the ability of soaking up great experiences, and others’ stories to tell and inspire you after.
Founder of the very first cosmetic brand oriented to the boardsports consumers, Carmela has also given a boost, together with Daniela Meyer, to the Women in Boardsports retreats. Here you have the answers she gave me:
1.- You are considered one of the pushiest women in the snowboard industry. What have you been working on lately?
I’ve been taking a life-coach training course while funnily enough creating a life.
2.- You created Les Ettes, a non-alcoholic fragrances collection for active girls, what have been your main difficulties to introduce the product in such small niche?
The main difficulty was introducing a new girls specific product in a male dominated industry that never sold cosmetics before.
3.- Do you think it is a bad moment to be enterprising into the boardsports industry due to the economic crisis?
Not at all. It’s never a perfect or a bad time. Throughout history, many companies and initiatives have succeeded without much capital, people, or resources and have succeeded. And the opposite is true too. I highly recommend watching : Simon Sinek’s TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html
4.- You are also the co-founder of the initiative Women in Boardsports. Why and how did you come up with this idea?
The intention with WIB was to create a platform that would bring women from different geographical and professional backgrounds in boardsports together so they could network, share their experiences and walk away inspired.
The idea actually came from Marika Borg from “Girlie Camps.” Daniela from Popcorn in Saas-Fee, Marika and I met at ISPO and decided to make it happen. In the end Marika stepped off for personal reasons but nevertheless she planted the seed.
5.- What are your goals in WIB?
To keep putting on events and donating the funds raised to female initiatives who need it.
6.- Why do you never talk about your amazing projects and initiatives but support the others so much?
I’ll happily talk my face off about anything anyone is interested in hearing and I equally love supporting and hearing other women’s stories. Women relate by talking to each other. We are good at that! I find hearing older and wiser women is the best way to inspire younger generations.
7.- Do you have any muse, anyone who inspires you everyday?
Not really a muse- but women who inspire me to push and better myself. I also draw inspiration from my supportive family members, husband, friends and colleagues.
8.- What do you think about mentorship programs? Are they common in boardsports, not just with the athletes but also in the industry in general?
Yes, boardsports is a young, fun, and international industry to be a part of. High executives are generally friendly, laidback and easy to reach so these mentorship relationships happen naturally.
9.- What would you change in the snowboard industry?
Nothing at all.
10.- What are your wishes for this year?
To give birth to a healthy child.
Thank you very much Carmela for your time, I wish you and your baby the best!
I still would like to share something else with the world, and it’s when Carmela wrote me back with the interview answers she also told me that the woman in the following video makes her think about me! Might just be the obsession of pregnant women with their vaginas, in any case the speech is worth watching:
Thank you!
