Odette Brou

How do you define yourself?
I am Brou Odette. Single and childless. I am the only girl in a family of 8 children. I also hold a master's degree in economics management from the Félix Houphouët Boigny University in Cocody.
I worked in a bank for 5 years, then I resigned to devote myself to my business. Educationally level, I specialized in banking risk control of financial security and compliance after obtaining a master's degree.

Where does your entrepreneurial spirit come from?
I think that the entrepreneurial spirit is innate in my family. I inherited it from my father who was a teacher, then a school principal. He was not satisfied with his only salary. He had alongside the management of his own businesses.
To tell the truth, I started entrepreneurship since I was a teenager when I used to sell fruit during the school holidays. I also marketed men's and women's lingerie at school. This is where I started. This is the real basis.

Why did you choose to start your fashion business?
I chose to get into fashion because I love this field. I like to match outfits, accessories. I like to be well dressed. Having worked in a bank myself, I had to take care of its look. Appearance was important because it reflected the image of the bank.

And now, are you also embarking on the field of events (which is emerging)?
Yes, I’m passionate about events. I like to see a beautiful harmony of colors, of furniture. I like it when everything is well planned. I like to be at the forefront of organizing the parties to bring my grain of salt. I also embarked on events following the encouragement of certain relatives. They advised me to get training in decoration to specialize. So I started without hesitation.

You are in fashion and in events. Does this mean that you are a real business freak?
(Laughs) I get into everything . So when I have ideas that come to mind I start by analyzing the contours of the idea. Am I a fashion freak? You have to tell me…

To start ODressing, what was the investment in economic and human terms?
When I started with Odressing, which was originally "Odina Shop" (the original name), I didn't have much. I had financial support from the person with whom I am in a relationship. I will not give an amount, but the capital was not high. The first items I sold were handbags and jewelry.
Humanly speaking, I had the support of certain people who believed in my business and me. I also had the chance to start with the technical support of partners who were decent with me.

What is the best memory you have of your entrepreneurial life?
One of my fondest memories was when the space for my shop was found and it was equipped with my products. I also appreciated the fact that from the first days, relatives visit me to buy small accessories in order to encourage me. All of this made a big impression on me.

One of the hardest moments in your life as an entrepreneur.
Overnight, I found myself without a fixed income. I then realized that I was starting another life. I understood that it was with my own funds that I had to direct the continuation. It was a big challenge for me. Finally, I was able to raise it.

What advice do you give to people who would like to get started in entrepreneurship?
There is no age to do business. But it is better to do it early. It’s something difficult. It may or may not work, but the important thing is to get started. Then I would advise to secure one’s back by trying to have support for example on the moral, spiritual level. It helps to move forward in difficult times. You have to organize and prepare.

Phone: (00225) 07 52 70 62 / (00225) 02 02 76 57

Location : Riviera palmeraie, not far from the Maci Canada school