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How to raise millions as a woman? | Ophélie Meunier and Carole Juge-Llewellyn
4/10TL;DR
Two French media and business figures outline how early career instability, failure, and strategic vision shaped successful transitions into journalism and entrepreneurship.
KEY POINTS
Early start and financial independence
Ophélie Meunier began working as a child model at age four, building a steady income stream that later allowed her to purchase her first apartment at 18. By her late teens, she was earning between €10,000 and €15,000 per month, a high income for the time. The structure of the industry, including regulated earnings held in state accounts until adulthood, enabled early financial stability and investment.
Instability in modeling careers
Despite strong earnings, the modeling profession was described as unpredictable, with irregular work cycles and heavy reliance on casting success. Meunier highlighted that even established professionals faced uncertainty about future income, which pushed her to plan an exit strategy early and pursue journalism as a long-term career.
Transition to journalism and salaried work
After years as a freelancer, Meunier described signing her first permanent contract as a turning point that significantly reduced financial anxiety. The shift from self-managed income to stable employment marked a psychological and practical relief, underscoring the contrast between entrepreneurship-like freelance work and traditional salaried roles.
Academic and artistic dual path
Carole Juge-Llewellyn followed a different trajectory, combining academia and acting. With a doctorate and a university leadership role, she simultaneously pursued theater and screen work. This dual career reflected a broader pattern of overlapping professional identities before transitioning fully into entrepreneurship.
Triggering entrepreneurship through adversity
A serious horse-riding accident in 2015 left Juge-Llewellyn immobilized for months, prompting her to launch her first startup. The idea focused on creating a social platform for mothers, inspired by observed social isolation and earlier exposure to early Facebook networking tools in the United States.
First failure and financial hardship
The initial venture failed, leading to financial difficulties including banking restrictions. This period highlighted the risks of entrepreneurship and the gap between enthusiasm and execution, especially for first-time founders without prior business training.
Building a scalable brand with June
Juge-Llewellyn later founded June, a consumer brand focused on hygiene products for women and babies. The company reached over €20 million in annual revenue, operates in 25 countries, and serves 200,000 families. Its growth strategy emphasized brand-building over single-product focus, expanding to a portfolio of 80 products.
Internalized operations and growth strategy
June employs around 50 staff, with most functions handled internally rather than outsourced. The company prioritizes long-term vision, planning several years ahead while continuously expanding its product and market reach.
Gender disparities in fundraising
Juge-Llewellyn reported raising €3–10 million across funding rounds but noted systemic challenges faced by female founders. She described undergoing a psychological evaluation by investors, raising questions about bias and differing expectations compared to male entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial mindset and continuous ambition
Both figures emphasized a mindset of constant progression. Success is treated as temporary, with immediate focus shifting to the next milestone. This approach was described as both a driver of growth and a source of ongoing pressure.
Launch of a new media venture
The two collaborators have co-founded Sphère 5, a media and brand project centered on dialogue, debate, and social connection. Designed as more than a traditional show, it aims to become a broader ecosystem spanning content, community, and lifestyle branding.
CONCLUSION
The trajectories illustrate how early exposure to risk, combined with adaptability and long-term vision, can transform instability into sustained entrepreneurial and professional success.