For this 1st portrait, we went to meet Emilie, aka Emilie sans Chichi. Head of a blended family with 5 children, Emilie is a decorating enthusiast who loves wood, natural materials and black & white. An early fan, she has successively used the LEVO bouncer, the Mum and Dad Factory collection play arch (product to come) and the TIBU high chair. She tells us how our furniture helped her through motherhood, and talks about her inspirations.

1 - Hello Emilie! Could you introduce yourself in a few words: your first name, your age, what you do for a living and who's in your family? 

My name is Emilie, I'm 38 years old, I work in an administration and I'm the mother of 4 children: Arthur 14, Sixtine 11, Jeanne 8 and Nao soon 3. I'm in a couple with Laurent, we're a blended family.

2 - When/how did you discover Charlie Crane and what was the first product you had? 

I discovered you on Instagram years ago, I think from the beginning of the brand! I first got the high chair when Jeanne was about 3 or 4, super handy for being at the right height at the table. She must have used it until she was at least 6, maybe more. After that, I continued to follow Charlie Crane on social networks over the years, even though I no longer had a toddler. Then I got the Baby rocker LEVO when my 4th child was born, and it seemed like the obvious thing to do! I wanted a Baby rocker design that would blend in with the decor, but above all something comfortable for my baby, a little cocoon.

3 - As the mother of a large family, can we say that the LEVO bouncer saved your life? 

When you're the mother of a large family, you're obviously delighted to be able to put your baby down while you look after the other children. Settled in his bouncer, Nao was there with us, taking part in family life without being in my arms. We put him there as soon as he came out of the maternity ward.

4 - Over the years, we've seen your kids grow up on Instagram. Do the older ones still sometimes use their TIBU chairs? 

We used the TIBU chair for several years, and it was perfect for eating, drawing and other activities. I had to reluctantly part with it recently due to lack of space: I sold it to another family and I'm happy to say that they're enjoying it, it still has many years ahead of it!

6- What decorating accounts (or designers) particularly inspire you? 

I'm very inspired by brand accounts like Hay design or Normann Copenhagen. Overall, I love Scandinavian decor and follow ultra-inspiring women's accounts like @_mernee, @mamoesjka_nl, @dosieloves.

7 - What other children's brands (clothing, toys, home decor...) do you love and have been with you for several years? 

Among the children's brands I adore, there's Gamin Gamine, whose concept I think is great: a bundle of clothes that you receive every month for your children! On the decor side, I love Mado' s superb illustrations, DonebyDeer for children's bedrooms and Petit Lucas du Tertre's pretty bed linen.

8 - And your latest favorites? 

My latest favorites for children are the motor modules from Danish brand Byklipklap (to be found at manipani) and xoinmyroom furniture.

9 - If you had a superpower, what would it be? 

It's hard to choose just one! But I'd say tele-transportation! I'd love to be able to travel with a snap of my fingers!

10 - Could you share with us 3 Insta Mum accounts (French or international) that inspire you and tell us why you love them? 

I'd say Laureen(Happycherikids) whom I'm lucky enough to know, her children are full of talent and she's a mom whose values I share. I love Lola's(lolaetsesminis) good humor and outspokenness, and I love Florence's(jauraispumappelermarcel) gentleness.

Find Emilie on her Instagram account.