Sustainable entrepreneurship for women

April 10, 2023, 2023asemaphore-CSRinfluencers

Fanny Arnaudo is a sustainability entrepreneur based in Geneva. In her search for meaning in her work, in 2015 she created Foounda social enterprise comprising a restaurant, a coworking space and an artists' residence that is offered free of charge. This enabled her to put more sustainability into her work and live in line with her values.

After studying international public law, business school and a master's degree in entrepreneurship, she worked for a number of large companies. Finding herself no longer at home there, she gradually turned to smaller structures to be more in tune with her vision. " I've always been interested in sustainability and entrepreneurship. I used to work in e-marketing, but I was losing touch with my interests so I created my dream job. A job that is more supportive, that supports the people I care about and that is inclusive, offering a space that is freely used within the Foound charter. "

Among the various actions put in place are soft mobility with cargo bikes, bartering, second-hand furniture, a restaurant with seasonal products and the Fait Main label, etc. Fanny also organizes events and offers members and external players the chance to create their own events here too. Foound has been awarded the BCorp label, which highlights companies with high environmental and governance standards. To run the space, Foound barter services: volunteers give five hours of their time in exchange for coworking space. This has enabled Fanny to set up her business with the right support, as entrepreneurship can be a lonely business. 

Although she didn't find being a woman a hindrance to her adventure, she did perceive a few difficulties. "As a woman, it's true that we're taken less seriously. Our space is community-based, so there are rules, but users test our limits more because I'm a woman." She supports feminist organizations and has joined Genuine Women, a group of female entrepreneurs, to whom she gives free access to the space.

Sustainability is therefore a real commitment for Fanny. But being sustainable isn't easy, because as she says, "sustainability is everywhere, in the smallest details".

His restaurant offers a menu that varies according to the season, and is certified Fait Main.

His restaurant, for example, offers a menu that is not fixed, as the menu varies with the seasons. This can lead to frustration, as customers who have enjoyed a certain dish may be disappointed not to see it on the menu the next time they come back. We therefore need to raise consumer awareness. There are also higher costs: you can't buy products abroad where it's cheaper, because it's more polluting. Label fees are also expensive, requiring time and investment to acquire. 

But Fanny is happy to choose sustainability, which has enabled her to attract people like herself and create an ecosystem full of energy that " renews itself and a living structure that feeds itself in a virtuous circle for everyone and society."

The advice she would give to any woman wanting to embark on sustainable entrepreneurship would be to do your homework and know how to prioritize tasks, because you can't do everything. " You have to juggle the time you give to an activity with its efficiency. Being flexible is a strength, but you have to set limits. It's also important not to hesitate to surround yourself with the right people (family and friends who have lent a hand with the work) and to seek help for more specific advice. In the end, you have to keep a transversal and global vision of sustainability. 

Ana