Charlie & Friends: Hello Emilie!

For this first portrait, we went to meet Emilie, also known as Emilie sans Chichi. At the helm of a blended family of 5 children, Emilie has a passion for interior decoration and loves wood, natural materials and black & white. A fan from the very beginning, she has successively used the LEVO bouncer, the play arch from the Mum and Dad Factory collection (product coming soon) and the TIBU high chair. She tells us how our furniture has accompanied her through motherhood and shares 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 makes up your family?

My name is Emilie, I'm 38 years old, I work in public administration and I'm a mum of 4 children: Arthur aged 14, Sixtine aged 11, Jeanne aged 8 and Nao who is nearly 3. I'm in a relationship with Laurent — we are 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 very early days of the brand! I first had the high chair when Jeanne was around 3 or 4 years old — very practical for sitting 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 media over the years even when I no longer had a very young child. I then got the LEVO bouncer when my 4th child was born — it felt like the obvious choice! I wanted a design bouncer that blends into the décor, but above all something comfortable for my baby, a little cocoon.

3 — As a mum of a large family, would you say the LEVO bouncer saved your life?

When you're a mum of a large family, you're obviously delighted to be able to put your baby down while taking care of the other children. Settled in his bouncer, Nao was right there with us, taking part in family life without being in my arms. We put him in it from the moment we left the maternity ward.

4 — Over the years, we've watched your children grow up on Instagram. Do the older ones still use their TIBU chair from time to time?

We used the TIBU chair for several years — it was perfect for eating, drawing, and doing activities. I recently had to part with it reluctantly due to lack of space: I sold it to another family and I'm happy knowing they're making the most of it. It still has many good years ahead of it!

6 — Which decoration (or design) accounts particularly inspire you?

I'm greatly inspired by brand accounts such as Hay Design or Normann Copenhagen. Overall, I adore Scandinavian décor and I'm very inspired by the accounts of ultra-inspiring women such as @_mernee, @mamoesjka_nl, @dosieloves.

7 — What other children's brands (clothing, toys, décor…) do you love and that have been with you for several years?

Among the children's brands I love, there is Gamin Gamine, whose concept I find brilliant: a set of clothes delivered every month for our children! On the décor side, I really love Mado who creates wonderful illustrations, DonebyDeer for children's bedrooms, and the beautiful bed linen from Petit Lucas du Tertre.

8 — And your latest favourites?

My latest favourites for children are the motor skills modules from the Danish brand Byklipklap (available at manipani) and the xoinmyroom furniture.

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

Hard to choose just one! But I would say teleportation! I'd love to be able to travel at the snap of a finger!

10 — Could you share with us 3 Insta Mum accounts that inspire you and tell us why you love them?

I would say Laureen (Happycherikids), whom I'm lucky enough to know in real life — her children are full of talents and she's a mum whose values I share. I love the cheerfulness and frankness of Lola (lolaetsesminis) and I appreciate the gentleness of Florence (jauraispumappelermarcel).

Find Emilie on her Instagram.