Working in the champagne and fine spirits industry may seem like a dream for some of us. It certainly is for me. Veronique represents some of the top brands in Canada, has the chance to travel a lot for work and is constantly adding new people to her address book. The young woman tells us what it takes to work in the luxury industry.

Veronique, how would you define luxury?

Luxury generates positive emotions. It makes you feel alive, vibrant, inspired, desired. You can find it in the smallest things, and the big things, and it is always a source of immense pleasure.

How would you describe what you do in life?
I’m lucky to have a job that doesn’t feel like one! (It’s cliché, I know, but it’s true!) I work for Moët Hennessy, distributed by Charton Hobbs in Canada, for one of the biggest champagne, wine and spirits Houses in the world. I get to share and talk about the values and histories of these incredible brands (Belvédère, Hennessy, Verve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, etc.) to clients daily. My official title is Public and Relations and Digital Director for Moët Hennessy Canada.

What are the first things you do when you wake up in the morning?

It depends on the morning! I am often travelling, sometimes I’m on the road many weeks a month, so I usually go from hotel to meeting to event. My favourite mornings are the ones where I wake up at home, eat breakfast with my daughter and take her to the kindergarten before going to work.

What aspect of your jobs passionates you?

Everything! The brand, the people, the projects and the constant discoveries. Every day is different and that motivates me a lot.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

I can’t choose one person only because all the women I am surrounded by inspire me daily. My friends, my sister and many women I’ve met through my job. Young entrepreneurs like Camille DG, whose ideas and energy inspire me! Women who have succeeded in competitive industries, such as Mrs. Watier in the cosmetics industry, Mrs. Betrand (born Leclair) in the transportation industry or Mrs. Germain, from the German Hotelier company. I admire women who do not let anything get in between their dreams and them. And obviously, I could never forget the person who inspires me the most, who supports me and guides me no matter what: my mom.

What would you say to people who aspire to work in your industry?

That yes, working in the world of luxury is dynamic, fun, inspiring and effervescent, but the most important thing is to understand that brands are at the heart of our actions, and that long term ideas are imposed but we are only temporary messengers of these ideas. Once you understand this, there is no place for ego in this industry.

Are there people who have influenced you in your career?

We are probably all looking for a mentor, someone that we trust and from whom we can learn from. I think these special people are rare, but I have had the privilege to meet one of them these past years: S. de Meurville, GM Moët Hennessy Canada. He recently left Canada for new projects, but years spent learning from him have allowed me to grow exponentially.

What are the most important qualities needed for your job?

I think transparency, honesty and sincerity are crucial in my job and I definitely prioritize these qualities a lot. A big part of my job is to work with people and to build relationships; without these qualities, it would impossible to do so.

What are assumptions people make about your job and your industry?

That we are always partying! There are magical and fun moments in this industry, but it is also a career path that requires a lot of hard work. Like we say: work hard play hard!

What is the best tip or advice you’ve ever gotten from someone?

The best advice I’ve ever gotten was from my parents. They told me that “IMPOSSIBLE DOESN’T EXIST”. I therefore grew up believing that I could accomplish anything I wanted, if I worked for it. It is a value that I will definitely teach my own daughter.