Thérèse Guyot

Why this persona fits the audience

Community arts fundraiser in Lyon for a small theatre collective; 3 organizers run a summer campaign for costume and travel costs, using HelloAsso plus shared docs to keep track of supporter messages and event signage.

• Age: 31
• Location: Lyon, France
• Occupation: Community arts fundraiser
• Income: €36k
• Education: bachelor's degree
• Company size: Small non-profit (volunteer-driven)
• Years in role: 4

“Every poster we put up, every message we share, it's a small piece of art that helps bring bigger art to life for our community.”

Thérèse Guyot's passion for the arts and community engagement was ignited during her studies at Sciences Po Lyon, where she volunteered for various cultural events. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, she found her calling in the non-profit sector, specifically within arts organizations. For the past four years, she has been instrumental in the fundraising efforts of a small, independent theatre collective based in Lyon. Her role is multifaceted, requiring her to be both a strategic planner and a hands-on executor. She thrives on the collaborative energy of her team, which consists of two other dedicated organizers who share her vision. Currently, their primary focus is a summer campaign aimed at covering crucial costume and travel expenses for their upcoming season. This campaign relies heavily on the French donation platform HelloAsso, which Thérèse has become adept at managing. She meticulously tracks supporter interactions and messages using shared Google Docs, ensuring no contribution or connection is overlooked. Her decision to prioritize a visual, community-driven fundraising approach stems from a belief in transparency and shared ownership. She recently advocated for a more localized outreach strategy, focusing on partnerships with neighborhood associations rather than broad, less impactful digital advertising, a decision driven by budget constraints and a desire for deeper community roots. Thérèse views her work not just as a job, but as a vital contribution to the cultural fabric of Lyon. She balances her demanding professional life with a modest but fulfilling personal life, prioritizing experiences and meaningful connections over material accumulation. Her income of €36k is carefully managed, reflecting her pragmatic approach to personal finances and her commitment to reinvesting in her community's artistic endeavors.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Thérèse's typical weekday begins around 7:30 AM with a quick breakfast and checking urgent emails. By 9 AM, she's at their small shared office space or working remotely, diving into campaign tasks. This might involve drafting supporter thank-you notes, updating their HelloAsso page, coordinating with volunteers for poster placement around Lyon, or brainstorming creative content for social media. Lunch is usually a packed meal eaten at her desk or during a brief walk. The afternoon is often dedicated to outreach calls, grant research, or planning upcoming small fundraising events. She aims to wrap up by 6:30 PM, though urgent campaign needs can extend her day. Evenings are for personal time, often involving reading scripts or preparing for a community meeting.

Lifestyle

Thérèse shares a cozy apartment in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon with her partner, a graphic designer. Their income is modest but sufficient, and they prioritize experiences over material possessions. Weekends often involve exploring local markets, attending fringe theatre performances, or working on their small balcony garden. She's diligent about saving for their collective's needs, often packing lunches and limiting impulse buys. Social life revolves around friends in the arts scene and occasional gatherings with family. She values a balanced life, ensuring time for both her demanding work and personal rejuvenation.

Work life

As a community arts fundraiser for a small theatre collective, Thérèse's days are a dynamic mix of outreach, planning, and execution. She works closely with two other dedicated organizers, managing their summer campaign for essential costume and travel funds. Their primary tool for donations is HelloAsso, supplemented by shared Google Docs for tracking supporter communications and event logistics. She spends significant time designing promotional materials, coordinating volunteer efforts for event signage, and personally reaching out to potential donors. The pressure is constant to maximize every euro, given their tight budget and reliance on community goodwill.

Relationships

Thérèse is deeply connected to her theatre collective's core team of two, with whom she shares a strong collaborative spirit and mutual respect. Her partner is her primary confidant and a source of practical support. She maintains close ties with her parents, who live in a nearby town and occasionally help with event setup. Her wider social circle consists mainly of fellow artists and community organizers in Lyon.

How they decide

Thérèse approaches decisions with a blend of careful consideration and collaborative input. She thoroughly researches options, especially when financial resources are involved, and seeks advice from her co-organizers. For community-facing initiatives, she prioritizes inclusivity and feasibility, often testing ideas with a small group before wider implementation. She's not afraid to make a call but prefers to ensure alignment and understanding among her team.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, articulate French accent, often using slightly more formal language in professional contexts but warming up with friends. Her tone is generally enthusiastic and encouraging, especially when discussing the arts. She avoids overly technical jargon and prefers direct, honest communication. When stressed, her speech might become slightly faster, but she consciously tries to maintain a calm demeanor. She uses phrases like 'C'est une excellente idée,' 'On va trouver une solution,' and 'Merci pour votre soutien.'