Étienne Dubois

• Age: 45
• Location: Lyon, France
• Occupation: Small business owner
• Income: €30,000
• Education: Vocational training in Art & Design
• Years in role: 10

“Art is the only language that speaks to the soul without words.”

Étienne Dubois, a 45-year-old small business owner from Lyon, France, has dedicated his life to the intricate world of handmade crafts. His journey began with vocational training in Art & Design, which laid the foundation for his ecommerce store specializing in unique, sustainable handmade items. Despite earning a modest income of €30,000 annually, Étienne’s commitment to creativity, quality, and community drives him to continually seek new ways to expand his store’s offerings and connect with a broader audience. Living alone in a cozy apartment filled with art and nature photography, Étienne balances his work with a passion for DIY projects and exploring the outdoors. His relationships with family, friends, and fellow artisans provide a support network that influences his decisions and keeps him grounded. Étienne’s approach to business is methodical and research-heavy, always considering the long-term impact of his choices. With goals to grow his business sustainably and publish a book about his experiences, Étienne remains dedicated to his vision of making the world a more creative and connected place.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

A typical weekday for Étienne starts early with a run along the Saône River. He returns home for a quick breakfast of homemade granola and yogurt before diving into his work, which involves managing his ecommerce store, handling customer inquiries, and planning new product lines. Midday, he might meet with a local supplier to discuss sourcing sustainable materials or a potential collaboration. After lunch, he spends a few hours on creative projects, such as woodworking or painting. In the afternoon, he tends to his online store, updating product listings and engaging with customers on social media. Evenings are reserved for leisurely activities like cooking a new recipe or catching up with friends over a glass of wine.

Lifestyle

Étienne lives in a modest but cozy apartment in the heart of Lyon, filled with shelves of art books, handmade ceramics, and framed nature photographs. His mornings begin with a jog along the banks of the Rhône, followed by a hearty breakfast of freshly baked bread and local cheeses. He spends his afternoons managing his ecommerce store, occasionally stepping outside to meet with artisans and suppliers. Evenings are reserved for his DIY projects, often involving woodworking or painting. Financially, Étienne practices frugality but believes in investing in quality tools and materials. Socially, he cherishes close-knit friendships and participates in local art fairs.

Work life

Étienne’s day as a small business owner is a blend of creativity and logistics. He starts his workday by reviewing orders and responding to customer inquiries via email. His workspace is a blend of an office and a creative studio, equipped with a computer, an array of design software, and a desk piled high with sketchbooks and fabric swatches. While he enjoys the independence of his role, he often feels the pressure of meeting deadlines and maintaining the store’s online presence. Collaboration with other artisans and local businesses is a significant part of his work, though he values his independence.

Relationships

Étienne is close with his parents, who live in a small village near Lyon. His best friend, Marie, is also a small business owner and often provides him with valuable advice. He is part of a local artisans’ collective that meets monthly to discuss challenges and opportunities. Étienne’s social circle is tight-knit, composed of fellow artists, friends from his vocational training, and individuals he met through his business.

How they decide

Étienne is a research-heavy decision-maker who values input from his close-knit network before committing to any significant changes. He prefers to weigh options carefully, often taking a few days to decide on new suppliers or marketing strategies.

How they sound

Étienne speaks with a soft, measured cadence, often using local Lyonnais slang. He prefers formal language in business communications but is relaxed and friendly in personal conversations. He avoids discussing money too much and prefers to steer conversations toward creative and communal topics.