Female Entrepreneurship

SHARED INSIGHTS

FROM FCE AND

LA SAVONNERIE ROYALE

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, we feature two inspiring figures in female entrepreneurship: Anne-Laure Bernaert, President of the FCE78 network (Women Business Leaders, Yvelines delegation), and Christine Vasse, founder of La Savonnerie Royale. Two unique journeys, two complementary visions, but a shared ambition: to encourage and support women to boldly embrace entrepreneurship.

Far from being just a slogan, female entrepreneurship remains a reality marked by challenges but also tremendous opportunities. What does it mean today to create and lead a business as a woman? What obstacles persist, and how can they be overcome? What lessons can be drawn from this journey?

In this exclusive conversation, these two leaders share their perspectives on the challenges of female entrepreneurship and their experiences, blending commitment, boldness, and mentorship.

Meet two influential women who are reshaping the landscape.

Could you please introduce yourself?

A-L. B.: My name is Anne-Laure Bernaert. I have a husband, three sons, and a wonderful family who support me in all my projects! After about twenty years of experience working in finance teams and then as Director of Management Control, I founded CapSud Performance in 2012 — a consulting firm specializing in Management and Organization to optimize operational, financial, and social performance. Our mission is to provide SMEs with expertise in management, finance, and organization for both one-off and ongoing assignments. I believe it’s important that all companies, not just large groups, receive support to analyze and improve profitability, budget, forecast, anticipate—in short, to effectively manage their performance.

C.V.: I am Christine Vasse, founder of La Savonnerie Royale de Versailles. It is a family business, as my daughter Laetitia joined me a few years ago.

Would you kindly introduce us to the Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises 78 network and share with us its role, values, and mission?

A-L. B.: You mentioned the keyword: NETWORK! FCE France, standing for Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises, is a non-political, non-governmental, interprofessional association founded in 1945. Today, it is a network of over 2,400 women spread across the country in 66 regional branches, including the overseas territories.

What makes our network unique is:

• It is the first and oldest women’s entrepreneurship network, with over 80 years of history.
• A strong national presence, complemented by an international reach through FCE Monde, active on every continent.
• Core values of mutual support, commitment, sharing, kindness, and attentive listening.
• Representation within economic and social institutions through mandates, defending businesses and contributing to the economic development of our regions. FCE serves as a partner and liaison with organizations such as Medef, CPME, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and more.

Our motto says it all: “Alone we are invisible, together we are invincible.”

At its heart, FCE is a network of women supporting one another in growing their businesses and their communities. We organize meetings, training sessions, company visits, co-development workshops, conferences, and themed dinners—opportunities to learn, connect, inspire, and help each other thrive.

I warmly invite you to join us at one of our upcoming events.

Within this network, I have met extraordinary women—talented, inspiring, and committed to great projects for others. Always with kindness, valuable advice, and enriching exchanges that make us stronger. These encounters offer new perspectives and thoughtful insights, always delivered with goodwill.

FCE is also about engagement: most of us hold local responsibilities or mandates (in bodies such as Chambers of Commerce, Artisan Chambers, Social Security, etc.) to represent businesses.

Generally, women dedicate much of their time to charitable and associative causes across a wide range of issues.

C.V.: Anne-Laure, President of FCE Yvelines, has provided a perfect and detailed introduction.

On this International Women’s Rights Day, what does female entrepreneurship mean to you?

A-L. B.: It remains evident today that women still face greater challenges in carving out their place in the economic world. My first advice to anyone embarking on entrepreneurship is to surround yourself well, seek guidance, and accept support. Relying on a strong network is truly invaluable. Furthermore, being part of a local or professional network—or ideally both—and engaging regularly allows you to get to know members, showcase your offerings, and grow by exchanging with your peers.

All networks claim to be supportive, but among women, relationships are often simpler, more direct, and the sense of sisterhood is especially strong when you know each other well.

Women possess essential strengths to succeed: tenacity, perseverance, patience, and creativity—a powerful combination that drives business forward.

C.V.: Female entrepreneurship is about daring as a woman. I have great confidence in the new generations, as their path is smoother and they place fewer limits on themselves.

What inspired you to embark on the path of entrepreneurship?

A-L. B.: My passion for my profession and the conviction that management—even on a project basis—provides invaluable support to leaders, helping them stay true to their chosen path. I’m fortunate to have a multifaceted role that allows me to oversee every aspect of a business, its critical challenges, and how to address them. Our work spans processes, numerical data, and qualitative insights—it’s wonderfully varied.

C.V.: I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I co-founded my first company at the age of 27. Deep down, I carry a profound need to create and to venture forth.

Do you believe there are still obstacles for women in entrepreneurship today?

A-L. B.: I believe the barriers are far fewer than they were just a few years ago, and it is up to us—and the younger generation that follows—to keep pushing the boundaries. Others have paved the way before us. The key is to believe in your abilities, adapt to a rapidly changing world, and fight tenaciously for what you desire.

C.V.: I believe women are fully capable of overcoming many challenges. To me, there are no real obstacles—rather, it is a matter of life choice.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned as a female entrepreneur?

A-L. B.: The greatest lesson is to dare! It’s better to take the plunge and embrace the adventure—even if it ends in failure—than to be consumed by regrets and what-ifs. Sometimes opportunities hinge on the smallest things. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Life is beautiful, and I believe it should be lived to the fullest, as much as possible.

C.V.: The life of an entrepreneur is far from easy. Challenges abound, but when you are passionate about your work, the journey is truly worthwhile.

How has FCE contributed to your entrepreneurial journey?

A-L. B.: I have made many inspiring connections within FCE and regularly engage with remarkable women distinguished by their professions, journeys, or personalities. It’s incredibly enriching and often challenges me to see things from a new perspective and reflect on myself.

I have also forged partnerships through FCE and found reliable suppliers there.

C.V.: I, too, have made wonderful connections. Thanks to FCE, I met Michèle Richer, a Murano glass specialist. This encounter blossomed into a beautiful partnership and the creation of a stunning line of soap dishes.

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