Elise Pioch

Developing homewares to please herself has paid off handsomely for the founder of Maison Balzac.

I grew up in a small village near the Mediterranean in the south of France, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and thyme fields. My family homes – which I define as my parents’ and my grandparents’ houses – were always filled with garden flowers, arranged in vintage vases. They were lit by the table lamps in every corner of every room; coffee tables piled high with fashion and interiors magazines; and a good meal was always being prepared in the kitchen. Every Sunday, the family would gather around an immaculate table dressed with century-old cotton tablecloths, porcelain plates stamped with my great-grandparents’ initials, platters of entrées, main and desserts, cut-crystal glasses (also family heirlooms), all lit with candles. I refer to my life experiences as my ‘emotional geography’, and that defines my style today, no matter what I do.

I am extremely proud of Maison Balzac – I have created my own world that revolves around my work. It is so fulfilling, so varied, it is taking me to places and people that I would have never imagined discovering.

My aim was to create a brand and products that didn’t try to please anyone but myself. Funnily enough, finding my voice was the biggest challenge but I got there and now I am enjoying playing with it. Having our pieces picked up by [high-end French retailer] Colette just six months after launch was incredible.