March 09, 2023

In France, just under one third of businesses in France were created by women in 20221
On the whole, women are more reluctant than men to become entrepreneurs. Clémentine Piazza chose to embark on the adventure. Find out more about the founder of inmemori, a company supported by the C.development fund of BNP Paribas Cardif.
                                                                                  Clementine Piazza


Clémentine Piazza, you’re the founder of the growing company inmemori. So to get to know you better, could you tell us a bit more about your background?  

After finishing my studies at HEC, I began my career at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, world leader in commercial real estate. I held various different positions there, which led me to become the youngest Marketing Director for a CAC 40 group.

 

Could you tell us what made you start out on your entrepreneurial adventure, and how inmemori came about?  

I always knew that I wanted to become an entrepreneur, so I could actively contribute towards a more united society
A friend of mine was hit by the loss of a loved one, and I supported her throughout that very difficult time. I was shocked by the amount that needed to be done, and the stress of organising the funeral.

That’s why I set up inmemori, an online tribute service and funeral company, whose role is to bring relief to grieving families, and provide them with meaningful and comforting funerals.

 

If you had to define your greatest victory, what would that be? 

Having such a committed team! And in particular our supporting team, who organises the funerals for our families. I’m full of admiration for their strength and emotional courage. The families they work with are infinitely grateful for their support, their professionalism, and their human touch.

 

What challenges have you come up against? 

Being a woman is a huge asset in this business, because listening and empathy are at the very heart of supporting families. Of course there are lots of men who also do it very well. That’s reflected by the parity in each of our businesses, and is the key to our performance

 

How has entrepreneurship changed your life?

Since creating inmemori, I’ve been driven on a daily basis by its mission and devoting all my energies to facilitating discussions about bereavement is a huge source of fulfilment. I just feel a sense of belonging, and I’m motivated every day to help our families.

 

In your opinion, what sort of actions would help women to start their own businesses, and what advice would you give them for getting started?

I think every leader should spend ten percent of their time advising tomorrow’s future leaders. Questioning, challenges and advice are your best allies on the route to entrepreneurship, and that means constantly listening to your customers, understanding them, and liking them, so as to truly meet their needs.

 

1Women created 32.3% of companies in 2021, Coaching (lesechos.fr)