This is not the only factor for success in business. But having a bit of luck never hurt when you’re an entrepreneur. Rémy Layalle recognizes that he had “a lot. » Four months ago, the co-founder from the childcare brand Papate was indeed surprised to receive a call from the Élysée. The presidential palace was then looking for a company to supply it with organic cotton nappies made in France for its nursery. “We still checked to see if it was true because we were very surprised,” says the leader of the start-up, based in Surzur near Vannes (Morbihan).
The call was ultimately not a hoax and this is how the young Breton company now finds itself dressing the forty children of the staff of the most prestigious residence of the Republic. A nice spotlight for the Papate brand which was created in 2019, founded by Rémy Layalle, Bastien Bourgeois and Alexandre Filho. Three young dads who have decided to launch themselves “into the very feminine universe of childcare. »
Organic cotton and made in France
When his son was born, Rémy, already sensitive to ecological issues, became interested in the composition of baby clothes. “It’s a very polluting and consumerist industry with very opaque product traceability,” says the Breton entrepreneur. To offer an alternative to young parents, Papate has therefore positioned itself on the credo of organic cotton and made in France with a range of nappies, bath capes, bibs or pacifier clips. About 80% of the production is made by people with disabilities in an ESAT in Crac’h near Auray.
First sold only online, the brand is now available in around forty partner stores and has recently been trying to establish itself on the shelves of major childcare brands. “We are a premium brand but it is indeed one of the development axes of the company”, underlines the co-manager, specifying to sell “about a hundred pieces per month. »
Now with the Élysée on his CV, Papate also hopes to penetrate the crèche and community market. “The Élysée trusts us so we can hope that other customers will follow”, smiles Rémy. At the start of the school year, the young Breton shoot will also start manufacturing its first cuddly toy with a crowdfunding campaign which will be launched to support the project.