Some people think it is money, but time is the greatest luxury to me. While I recognize money can help you access time to do certain things, having money does not automatically make you appreciate how valuable time can be in your life. Understanding the valuable role that time plays in MY life is the driving factor in why I make it a point to be intentional in how I use my time. Even if I am sitting and doing absolutely nothing…that is intentional too. I learned a long time ago to think of myself as the main character in my own life where I am accountable for curating my own experiences. This mindset has enabled me to notice all of the little things that make life beautiful to ME. I understand and I am completely comfortable with what I believe to be a beautiful life may not be perceived as beautiful to the next person.
I was “grown grown” when I found out there was a whole school of thought around the power our thoughts have in guiding our reality. The entire PGRW blog is about how I managed to keep my intention or goal in mind while following up with actions throughout different stages of my life. Long before I ever visited “La France” or met anyone who had visited the French Republic, I knew I would one day have an opportunity to visit the country that was home to the Eiffel Tower and served as the backdrop for “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Three Musketeers,” “The Little Prince” and the career of Josephine Baker.
It was the summer before my freshman year at Fairleigh Dickinson University when I met Julie for the 1st time. She was on campus with a group of Jewish students from Paris visiting NYC for a few weeks and I was participating in the University’s Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) prior to entering my 1st year of college. An 18 year old student, who had only been on a plane 1 time [Click here to read about how the road trips that I took growing up influenced my travel], I had no idea that 2 years after meeting Julie that I would travel to Paris for the 1st time. I wouldn’t see Julie in Paris until 1 year after my 1st trip to the City of Lights [Click here to read about my 1st trip to Paris and how I finally made it to France while still in college].
Sometimes we “manifest” things that don’t look how we thought that they would. One of my oldest and dearest friends, Julie is now a mom and an entrepreneur who has launched a restaurant (Bistro V) with her business partner, Chef Alain KASSI serving traditional French cuisine. Check out my interview with Julie JAIS below.
1.) What's your #1 tip for women who are looking to open their own restaurant and don't know where to start?
Faith is EVERYTHING to an entrepreneur. Be fearless in your approach as fear can stifle your growth. Having a step-by-step plan will not only help with strategizing your next move, but will also help keep you focused on your goals when challenges creep up. Believe in yourself, even when it seems like no one else does. And most importantly, don’t forget to take the time to celebrate your wins too (no matter how small)!
2.) You grew up in Paris, but what is your favorite region in France and why?
I love big cities because of all the cosmopolitan adventures that they have to offer from the time you step out of your door. One of the many reasons that Paris will ALWAYS have my heart. While I have spent my earlier years traveling throughout Europe, I am looking forward to exploring more of France in the future.
3.) What advice do you have for Americans looking to visit Paris for the 1st time?
Take at least a week to see all that Paris has to offer. Known for the cafés, beautiful monuments and great people watching; taking time to sip a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while chatting with Parisienne locals will go a long way.
4.) What is the most popular dish at your restaurant?
For fall, the roasted duck breast with a strawberry fig sauce. Every season we change the sauce on this popular dish (for example, we also pair it with apricot basil sauce in the spring).
“Think it, say it and create it”