Hello, my name is Solange.
I am a visionary CEO and entrepreneur in retail with a track-record of driving growth through employee-centric strategies.
With 20+ years’ experience leading global brands such as Boiron, L’Occitane, and Repetto, I pioneered a customer-focused approach long before client experience became retail’s latest buzzword. Leveraging my expertise in launching European brands in North America and creating cost-effective, profitable solutions, I drove revenue increases of up to 300%.
As a leader managing teams of 300+, I demonstrated that prioritizing employee training and career development is the foundation for successful customer engagement. Known for delivering innovative turnaround strategies for brands ready to pivot, I challenge the status quo and thrive in building pioneering opportunities for retail in uncertain times.
Currently, I am spearheading La Rosée Cosmétiques’ first foray into North America as Business Development Manager, establishing a retail presence exclusively with Shoppers Drug Mart and accelerating growth in the Canadian market.
In addition, I lecture at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management, teaching Leadership in Retail, and serve as President of the Alliance Française in Toronto, a non-profit organization promoting French language and culture. I am an MBA graduate from McGill University, a French Foreign Trade Advisor, and have held advisory roles with Mars Ventures and the French Chamber of Commerce. I am also a proud recipient of France’s Ordre National du Mérite.
"Choose a job you love and and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Confucius
I've been fortunate to love every job I've had.
As a result, I’ve made it my purpose to ensure that my teams feel the same way. I believe that championing people fosters a positive company culture and drives sustained growth. By leveraging my coaching and leadership skills, I create learning environments where employees feel empowered to build meaningful and innovative retail careers. When inspired and energized, they naturally deliver exceptional, cutting-edge experiences that elevate customer engagement.
I am energized by
creativity
innovation
agility
passion
learning
resilience
accountability
integrity
leadership
diversity
empathy
client-centricity
My journey through retail: from sales leader to CEO to founder
Laboratoires Boiron
Director of Sales & Training
1989-1996 | Montreal - Vancouver
L’Occitane en Provence
CEO, Canada
1999-2009 | Toronto
French Chamber of Commerce
President
2010-2013 | Toronto
Repetto
CEO, North America
2012-2014 | New York
Flore Mirabeau
Founder
2016-2022 | Paris & Toronto
Retail Academy of Excellence
Founder
2019-present | Toronto
My skills
Why people call me
I design actionable strategies
I drive revenue increase
I create memorable customer experiences
I negotiate complex deals
I deliver operational excellence
Why people keep me
I am resilient
I am inspiring
I am entrepreneurial
I am driven
I deliver on my promise