We asked 10 questions about traveling to Candice Barbé, founder of the brand IMWE Cosmetics.
It was two years ago that Brussels-based entrepreneur Candice Barbé launched the production of her organic cosmetic product line. Between creating her skincare products, the founder of IMWE began dreaming of travel again and shared her memories with us. An interview with Candice Barbé, a passionate and determined young woman.
© Candice Barbé
JR : For you, travel is synonymous with...?
To discover and relax. I'm no longer up for trips, even interesting ones, where you're rushing to see as much as possible. I want to take my time, be in the present moment, in wonder, even if I see less!
JR : The first item I put in my suitcase is my toiletry bag. It contains all my essential personal hygiene items, and it's important to me to have them readily accessible upon arrival.
My Esteva care’IMWE Of course! Because it regenerates my skin, whether it's after sun exposure, wind, or fatigue. A hydrosol too, for example peppermint or rose, to cool myself down. And books, absolutely essential for them to be a vacation!
JR : When you travel in dreams, where do you go?
For now, it's clearly the south of France. I have dreams of moving there... To be continued!
JR : Your worst travel memory?
In Cuba, several years ago. Wanting to withdraw money at the end of our trip to pay our landlady and the departure tax, we realized that VISA cards were refused because they were issued by an American bank! Money transfer systems were not active either, and we ended up borrowing money from our landlady to be able to leave the country...
JR : A fragrance that invites you to escape?
Oh, there are so many! Essential oils fascinate me with their scents that can transport you in an instant. Exotic scents like vanilla or coconut really do remind me of vacations and I like to wear them often for that reason!
JR : What is your next destination?
Auvergne. I've really enjoyed exploring France for several years, visiting ecological places that have meaning and offer a welcome sense of closeness.
JR : What is your favorite hotel? For what reasons?
I don't really like staying in hotels; I prefer bed and breakfasts, which I find more charming and with a warmer, less standardized welcome. It also allows for excellent information about discovering the region in an authentic way.
JR : What do you do to pass the time on a plane?
I love reading, but with my 4-year-old daughter, I have plenty to do without needing to plan anything!
JR : Your best travel memory from when you were a child?
We used to go to the same place every year, in the south of Spain, and I loved that place, it's one of my fondest childhood memories of all time. It was a village by the sea, I would re-find my little treasures left there year after year, I would spend hours in the water...
JR : You feel at home when you are...?
It's very difficult to describe, it's a matter of atmosphere, of energy that's impossible to explain. For example, I immediately felt at home in Ho Chi Minh City, even though the city is noisy and polluted, I felt something familiar. It's magical when that kind of thing happens!
Thank you Candice for answering our questions, we find IMWE on Facebook !
