In 2021, I was appointed as the new Chaumet Boutique Manager at my workplace. While I continued managing Birks, this new role was essential due to the brand’s relatively recent introduction in Canada. At that time, our Chaumet space was limited, but with plans to transition to a full boutique in December 2022, the need for a dedicated manager and staff became apparent. A significant part of my role included attending the International Retail Seminar (IRS) in Paris—a dream opportunity that sparked immediate dread within me. I found it hard to believe this was actually happening, even when my flight was booked. It wasn’t until I secured hotel reservations and received the itinerary that the reality of the situation began to sink in! Each time I envisioned the trip, a wave of anxiety would wash over me, prompting me to even consider resigning. However, I was firmly told that this was not an option; after all, who would decline an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris with a prestigious jewelry brand? About a month before departure, I sought help through a prescription for low-grade anti-anxiety medication, downloaded the Calm app, stocked up on three types of Gravol, and consulted a therapist who reassured me that I was well-prepared and encouraged me to use logic to counter my fears. I won’t sugarcoat it; the week leading up to my flight was fraught with nerves. I awoke with butterflies in my stomach and went to bed anxious, losing 4 lbs in the process, and had to remind myself to eat to avoid getting sick before my trip!

My husband was already in Europe for nearly two weeks when I bid him farewell at the airport. He promised, “The next time I see you, it will be in Paris!” Upon landing, he met me at my hotel, and I was overwhelmed with relief, realizing I had finally arrived in The City of Love! Despite only catching an hour of sleep on the plane, I was determined to make the most of my four-night stay. On my arrival day, a welcome cocktail party awaited at the hotel at 6 PM, so I took a brief nap, promised myself to engage socially, and meet the other 130 boutique managers. As a classic introvert, I faced multiple moments during this trip where I had to pump myself up, but I knew that as the new manager, I had the choice to experience either a mediocre trip or a truly memorable one. Naturally, I opted for the latter. Once I immersed myself in the events and conversations with others, I found it easier to forget my exhaustion and shyness. The key was simply to dive in without overthinking, and I had three exhilarating days with Chaumet that stretched from 7:45 AM to 10:30 PM on the first two days, concluding around 3 PM on the final day, allowing for some exploration of Paris.

We later enjoyed lunch at Cafe de la Paix, a historic establishment founded in the 1800s, frequented by literary giants like Victor Hugo and Ernest Hemingway. The meal was incredibly satisfying, complete with dessert, which I wished I could have taken home (though I learned this isn’t common practice in French dining).

Next, we ventured to 12 Place Vendome, the location of the Chaumet flagship store and Atelier, where the exquisite jewelry is crafted. I had longed to visit Place Vendome, known as an iconic luxury shopping district and the home of the Ritz. We spent about two hours exploring new jewelry releases and learning about the intricate process of tiara creation! This experience was deeply educational and allowed me to connect with the brand on a more personal level!

That evening, we dined at another legendary Parisian venue, Maxim’s! Founded in the early 1900s, this establishment has hosted numerous international celebrities, including Marcel Proust, Brigitte Bardot, and Barbara Streisand! The ambiance of this multi-floor restaurant is characterized by its stunning Art Nouveau style, and there was a wealth of entertainment during the cocktail hour leading up to dinner. I was delighted by the vibrant atmosphere, filled with lively characters and even makeup artists who added a touch of sparkle to our evening!

All of this occurred on the first day, from 8 AM to 11 PM, leaving me utterly exhausted by the end of the night. I chose to leave the party while it was still in full swing, prioritizing overcoming my jet lag, and thankfully, I slept soundly through the night!

The following day was entirely dedicated to work, as we spent the majority of our time at the Chaumet headquarters in a meeting room, planning for our group presentations scheduled for the next day, leaving no room for photos. Once it was announced that one spokesperson would represent the group and that the presentations needed to be delivered in English, I immediately recognized that it would be me, as I was the only Canadian present. This revelation surprised many, particularly when they learned that I was Chinese but couldn’t speak Mandarin and had only a basic grasp of French. What really struck me during the seminar was the impressive number of attendees who could fluently speak French, Mandarin, and English! This incredible linguistic ability inspired me to revisit Duolingo to brush up on my French skills! I aim to be better prepared for future trips to Paris, whether for work or leisure!

Later that evening, we attended a cocktail party at 12 Place Vendome, where we had the opportunity to explore the “Golden Age” exhibit, showcasing Chaumet’s collaborations and inspirations from the 1960s and 70s! This captivating exhibit runs until December 2, 2023, and is available free of charge by appointment. I was pleasantly surprised to spend two solid hours there, completely enchanted by the stunning jewelry on display! If you’re interested, I have all the photographs from the exhibit uploaded on my Instagram!

The third and final day of the seminar took us to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, located about 30 minutes by car from our hotel. We all boarded buses on a rainy morning, during which I snapped a photo of the Arc de Triomphe, captivated by my newfound obsession with Le Tour de France! This landmark is where cyclists circle during the iconic final stage of the Tour, making it incredibly impressive to witness in person!

Upon our arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the sun emerged, and the rain had subsided! Unlike the previous days, this architectural marvel was constructed in 2014, symbolizing a dedication to art, culture, and heritage. The Rothko exhibit had just begun, and although I didn’t have the chance to see it, it appeared remarkable even to someone like me, who isn’t particularly an art aficionado!

Regarding the group presentation, I contributed by writing a poem, which made sense as I was the only native English speaker. I found myself tapping out a rhythm with my hands during our meeting, and I didn’t mention that I was also a classically trained violinist, which led me to naturally take the lead on the beats and measures of the poetry. Fortunately, we had an excellent facilitator named Marco, who kept us focused and on task. When it came time to present in front of 150 Chaumet employees, accompanied by the theme music from Chef’s Table, we were the first group to go! I successfully delivered the poem while wearing a velvet tiara, and I felt a significant sense of accomplishment as I overcame intense public speaking anxiety, although my fear of flying still loomed larger!

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