“Boldness is daring to make a move, daring to push beyond our limits when nothing compels us to.”
That is what Julie Lepage, partner and creative and commercial director of Groupe Lepage and a member of the family’s fifth generation, tells us in this new episode of Voices of Boldness.
For those unfamiliar with Groupe Lepage, it has 150 employees, a turnover of €65 million and a presence across the entire jewellery value chain: a recently acquired production workshop in Lyon, its own brand, Maison Lepage, and a network of boutiques that has become a leading name in watch and jewellery retail.
In this episode, we look back at the key stages of the group’s development and the fresh impetus brought by the fifth generation, with Julie, Sébastien and Édouard each taking on their own responsibilities.
We discuss succession, family governance and legitimacy. How do you find your place and assert your vision when you inherit a name and a history? Julie reflects in particular on the importance of gaining experience outside the family business before returning with her own perspective and convictions.
Boldness also means knowing how to reinvent yourself. Julie has reimagined the group’s image and launched Maison Lepage, for which she serves as artistic director. She also tells us how the partner brands responded to this new creative venture.
Finally, we discuss the group’s growth ambitions and acquisition strategy, and above all the changing expectations of clients and the need to reinvent the in-store experience. This vision will take shape in Lille in 2027 with a new concept designed entirely around the client experience.
A fascinating conversation about passing on a legacy, family entrepreneurship and the boldness to evolve a house without turning its back on its history.
In this episode, Julie reflects on:
- The story of Groupe Lepage: founded in Le Havre, it has become a leading name in five French cities.
- Her childhood in the family business and the start of her career outside the group.
- The turning point in 2016: why and how she decided to join Lepage.
- The group’s role as a leading multi-brand specialist in watches and jewellery.
- The development of Lepage’s own jewellery brand: finding an identity and a signature style.
- Family governance: how it really works, its advantages and its challenges.
- The new Lille boutique and the vision for a reimagined client experience.
- Her definition of boldness: daring to make a move and push beyond our limits when nothing compels us to.
