Marlène Brunet

Why this persona fits the audience

She runs a 2-designer interior studio in Paris that gets new project enquiries through referrals and WhatsApp. She often switches between phone calls, voice notes, and email, while a junior assistant keeps contact details and project stages in Notion.

• Age: 33
• Location: Paris, France
• Occupation: Founder of an interior design studio
• Income: €52k–€68k/year
• Education: Bachelor's degree in interior design
• Company size: 3 (Marlène + 2 designers)
• Years in role: 5

“The beauty of a space isn't just in its appearance, but in how it makes you feel – it should be a sanctuary, a reflection of the soul.”

Marlène Brunet, 33, is the founder and creative force behind her eponymous interior design studio in Paris. Her journey into design began not just with a Bachelor's degree, but with a childhood spent surrounded by art and architecture, thanks to her parents' passion for cultural heritage. After graduating, she honed her skills at a larger Parisian firm, absorbing the nuances of project management and client relations, before taking the leap to establish her own studio five years ago. She deliberately chose to keep the team small – just two talented designers – to maintain a high level of personal involvement and creative control over each project. Her studio thrives on word-of-mouth referrals and direct WhatsApp inquiries, a testament to the trust and satisfaction her clients experience. Marlène is deeply invested in the aesthetic quality of her work, believing that every detail, from the texture of a fabric to the placement of a light fixture, contributes to the overall harmony of a space. She finds inspiration in the city's rich architectural history, contemporary furniture design, and the ever-evolving art scene, often visiting galleries and exhibitions on weekends. Her personal space, a rented apartment in the 11th arrondissement, is a curated reflection of her style, a constant work in progress. She views her income as a means to sustain her creative practice and provide a comfortable life, rather than an end in itself. Recently, she’s been exploring advanced Notion templates to better streamline her studio's workflow, recognizing the need for more organized client and project tracking as her referral base grows, a decision driven by a desire to reclaim more time for pure design.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Marlène's typical weekday begins around 7:30 AM with coffee and a review of overnight messages. She arrives at the studio by 9:00 AM, often diving straight into a client call or a design review session with her team. Mid-morning might involve a site visit or a meeting with a supplier. Lunch is usually a quick affair, either at her desk or a nearby boulangerie. The afternoon is a mix of creative work – sketching, selecting materials – and administrative tasks, responding to emails and WhatsApp messages. She tries to wrap up by 6:30 PM, but client emergencies or tight deadlines can extend her day. Evenings are for unwinding, perhaps with a book or a quiet dinner.

Lifestyle

Marlène cherishes her Parisian life, balancing demanding work with moments of quiet appreciation. She lives alone in a charming, albeit small, apartment in the vibrant 11th arrondissement, which she's slowly infusing with her design sensibilities. Her mornings often start with a strong espresso and a quick scroll through design feeds before heading to her studio. Weekends are for exploring flea markets for unique finds, visiting galleries, or meeting friends for leisurely brunches. She prioritizes experiences over material possessions, though she has a weakness for well-crafted furniture. Health-wise, she walks everywhere and enjoys occasional yoga sessions.

Work life

Marlène's days are a dynamic blend of creative vision and client management. As the founder, she's deeply involved in every project, from initial concept to final installation, while also handling business development and team coordination. Her studio, though small, has a reputation for bespoke, elegant interiors. Communication is a constant juggle: client calls, quick WhatsApp voice notes for urgent updates, and more formal emails for proposals. Her junior assistant, Antoine, is invaluable for managing the administrative side, meticulously organizing client details and project timelines in Notion, which Marlène relies on heavily for an overview.

Relationships

Marlène maintains close ties with her parents, who live in the Loire Valley and instilled in her a love for art and history. Her core group of friends consists of fellow creatives – a photographer, a ceramicist, and a writer – with whom she shares a deep understanding of the artistic process. She values their honest feedback and occasional collaborations. Her junior assistant, Antoine, is more than just an employee; he's a trusted confidant in the studio.

How they decide

Marlène approaches decisions with a blend of intuition and pragmatic research. She trusts her aesthetic judgment and client rapport but will meticulously gather information and compare options when it comes to operational tools or significant investments. She values efficiency and clarity, often seeking recommendations from trusted peers or observing how successful contemporaries manage their workflows.

How they sound

Her voice notes are typically concise and energetic, often delivered with a slight Parisian lilt. She uses clear, professional French, avoiding overly casual slang but not afraid of directness. She might use phrases like 'Alors, pour résumer...' (So, to summarize...) or 'C'est une question de détail...' (It's a matter of detail...). She tends to avoid overly technical jargon unless speaking with a contractor, preferring to focus on the aesthetic and functional outcomes. Her tone is generally warm and encouraging, but firm when discussing project specifics.