Why do we never step through the doors of an oriental shop? Yet, one immediately feels at home there, in the company of neighborhood mothers and young people buying products with exotic scents. At the “Palais des Princesses,” Rajâe is the queen. Her shop has been open for two months and is already a popular success. People come to prepare their weddings, chat, or just admire the beautiful oriental outfits. Nestled between two concrete-colored HLMs, this Aladdin’s cave is a rare gem in the Ariane neighborhood, known for its challenges.
“Everything is possible,” Rajâe likes to repeat. This tall brunette with long hair managed to create her limited liability company with her savings and support from her parents. “I worked like crazy at the Nucéra library, at Multari… But today I have realized my dream.” The young woman resigned herself to finance her business alone after an endless journey with the ANPE. “They say they’re going to help you, but it’s nonsense. They asked me to do a market study that would have taken six months. And during that time, I’m paying for my empty shop!”
Rajâe creates dream settings for young brides seeking oriental splendor. Helped by her family and friends, she styles hair, decorates, draws with henna—her passion—and ensures everything goes smoothly. The shop door regularly opens to lovers of different faiths. “I organize many weddings between Orientals, Jews, French,” she says proudly, showing videos of her events. No, race issues are not welcome at the “Palais des Princesses.” “I do my job because a wedding is so beautiful. Everyone is happy, everyone is joyful. In life, there’s so much sadness. I choose happiness.”
Rajâe’s eyes sparkle when she shows her creations. A nondescript room or a chic venue like the Palais de la Méditerranée transforms with a wave of a magic wand into a palace of a thousand and one nights. Embroidered tablecloths, light veils, candles, royal guards, Queen of Sheba outfits… “I am amazed by the decor,” admits a customer. “It’s just like there,” adds this Moroccan of Jewish origin.
A fashion lover, Rajâe is keen to offer trendy outfits. “For this season, ivory and gold decor is very much in vogue,” she asserts. And even though her work involves traveling, she has her favorite party spots. “We work far; last weekend we went to Corsica. But I love the Cimiez garden, it’s very rustic,” she confides.
Born in Fez, she arrived in Nice at the age of two. She lived “in town,” as she says, before moving to Ariane seven years ago. She loves her neighborhood, and she’s staying. “I have my clientele here, but it’s not just that keeping me. I’m happy in my neighborhood. The journalists exaggerate! In Ariane, it’s not as violent as they say. It’s a neighborhood like any other. Sure, there’s poverty here. But have we ever seen a neighborhood without poverty?”
Rajâe is upset about the situation in Ariane, where unemployment plagues the inhabitants. “The young people are angry. They hang around doing nothing. Many have small jobs. They’re at an age where they meet girls and want to take them out for coffee. Parents can’t do everything!”
Her explanation for this unemployment? “Racism isn’t the main cause. But beginners need to be given a chance. The sun needs to shine for everyone!”
This businesswoman succeeded thanks to her strong character and the support of her mother, her princess. “I’ve been very fortunate, and my mother is an example. She has always worked, always supported me in my early jobs. But I put a lot of effort in myself too. And then people need to stop complaining!” Rajâe concludes.
