We introduced her a few weeks ago in the context of her profession as a “medical stylist” and just days before her appearance at the Senate for the final, which she won brilliantly last Saturday.
We find Anne-Cécile Ratsimbason right after her victory on the phone, and the emotion is still present a few minutes after hearing her name announced by the national jury of the Talents des Cités 2015 competition.
She managed to secure this national grail, with a standing ovation from the many people present, and to make known and even recognized a new profession, with roots from a city in Nice where she plans to soon establish her activity, which will undoubtedly be highlighted after this wonderful national acknowledgment.
But without further ado, let’s hear from Anne-Cécile, who relives what will remain one of the most beautiful days in her life as a young creator:
Nice Premium: Anne-Cécile, you won this contest at the Senate, what are your first impressions?
Pride, for these 4 reasons:
- the culmination of establishing a bridge between the health/medical sector and that of fashion, which for me highlights the essential need to improve the psychological health of patients whose medical treatment requires wearing a constraining care outfit daily.
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homage to my family doctor from Nice, Dr. Jean-Jacques Pomatto, founder of the brilliant and visionary School of the Back in Nice. He was the first to believe in me and provided the professional support necessary at the start of my activity.
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believing in myself; this didn’t come naturally: support from family and friends.
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I am a girl, and I come from a feminist education. The two Senate awards: Prize of Honor and Jury’s Favorite Prize, were won this year by two girls. You can imagine my pride. Not badly placed, but happy to reach this conclusion of gender equality.
NP: What will change or even improve in your daily life?
Such media exposure post-competition (regional and national: press, radio, and web) necessarily strengthens my approach within the medical and paramedical community, like hospitals and health providers, and will hopefully facilitate future collaborations or broader partnerships (both in the medical field and digital: subcontracting, connected health, phone applications), the main interest of which remains to care about the well-being of the patient within their medical treatment, which also directly concerns me.
NP: How did you experience this journey throughout the competition?
Firstly, very warmly (the 11 other laureates not only all have very interesting business projects and creations but also inspiring paths). This proves that one can primarily create a business today with a social vocation.
Then, the most effective entrepreneurial coaching I have ever known and had the chance to receive teaching from within the Senate, to prepare us for yesterday’s grand final:
the coaches, members, and founders of the 21st Century Club. When professionalism rhymes with so much friendliness and humanity, you’re bound to come out one thousand percent winning. So a huge thank you to this Club, presided over by the brilliant Béatrice Arnaud.
My very happy sponsorship with the SFR Foundation, which promotes equal opportunities, and whose head, Yann Tanguy, is extremely involved in this cause.
NP: Many at the starting line and you alone at the finish, happy?
Oh yes! And emotional too! I don’t quite realize it yet. I just think of those patients, babies, children, teens, adults, and seniors for whom I am determined to invent textile solutions to improve their daily lives.
NP: What are your projects for the coming months?
To honor my orders piling up on my to-do list, and actively search for a venue in Nice to properly receive my clients, a place that would also be wheelchair accessible and on the ground floor. Then, continue my current work of developing my styling activity for other pathologies. In fact, it doesn’t change anything in my giant multi-planning, but this award will facilitate the means to achieve it.
NP: A Niçoise at the top of the podium, that means a lot to you, I believe?
Absolutely! It all started in Nice, and I fully intend to be part of this medical-economic horizon very soon.
NP: Is establishing your activities in Nice more than just a project?
It is my priority.
NP: Do you think that medical fashion can find its place in the very closed world of couture?
It’s unfortunate to say, but when it becomes a significant economic issue, yes. Especially with connected objects.
Meanwhile, I believe fashion has its place in the medical field to promote the acceptance of medical treatment and its proper follow-up.
NP: Finally, after this victory, what will be the next?
I fully intend to continue applying for other competitions, to highlight medical styling, and its concern for the patient’s well-being.
