In this uplifting new series, the women who inspire us share their reasons to be grateful, even in turbulent times. Next up: diamond doyenne Valérie Messika
Valérie Messlka shares her gratitude list and gives Grazia an intimate glimpse of her family life on lockdown in the French countryside
Valérie Messika’s Gratitude List
1. Being in my country house surrounded by greenery and fresh air is truly a privilege. The fact that each morning I was able to open the widows and see this beautiful environment, I felt blessed. It touched my heart and really felt connected to nature during the lockdown.
2. I feel blessed and lucky as I am surrounded by love. Being with my husband and my two little girls and being able to spend this time with them was truly amazing. It was the first time in our life that we spent so much time all together and I will cherish the memories!
3. I am grateful that my business made it though, and we stayed connected whilst being physically apart. Everyone was so involved in brainstorming and thinking of ways to conquer this and I’m so thankful for my hardworking team during this period.
The lockdown in France finished on the 11 May, so we have finally had a taste of freedom," Valérie tells Grazia. "I spent the entire lockdown at my country house with my husband, my two daughters and my sister-in-law and her family. I felt lucky to be surrounded by close family members and a big garden for the kids to enjoy, and lots of fresh air! I found it to be very important to stick to a routine, especially with the kids. We woke up around 8am during the week and had breakfast as a family. After that I’d make some time to check-in with other family members on the phone, then would finish my morning home schooling my two girls. My afternoons were devoted to work, with lots of video calls with my team. To finish the day, I would always make sure to do some exercise in the outdoors before relaxing with my family for the evening.
From a business point of view, it was hard to have to close stores and our office where we spend so much time together! We decided to close our Head Office before the decision was made by President Macron as for me it was most important to protect my employees," Valérie continues. " From a personal point of view, I felt that homeschooling my daughters was very challenging at first. They are both great students, but it still took me a while to find the right way to teach and explain things to them. It’s very important to be patient and take the time to help them understand properly. I have definitely developed my patience during this time!
"It was really important for me to stay connected with my team. We spoke on Zoom and had meetings every day which really helped. On a larger community level, I felt a need to support those in need, which is why we decided to donate to the Tarahum Charity Foundation in the UAE. We partnered with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons for Eid Al-Fitr and helped 100 families celebrate the closing of Ramadan with the customary Kiswat Al Eid, which means new clothes. Helping people will always be something at the heart of the Messika brand, and this pandemic has certainly solidified that sentiment for me and my business," adds Valérie."
On keeping an upbeat mindset, Valérie reveals, "My tips for staying positive during lockdown are: spending time with my two beautiful girls – children are so happy and carefree ; keeping in touch with my family daily ; and relaxing in my hammock in the garden – fresh air cures the soul."
Seen here on a call to her father, the eminent diamond dealer André Messika, Valérie admits, "Even though I had my mother every day over the phone, my only wish was see her again after the lockdown, which I did. I missed her so much! We really enjoyed our mother/daughter moment at the Café de Flore… it’s the little things.
Valérie's hopes for the future? "We are all in this together, and I think that good will come out of this in the end.. I find it nice to see the planet 'reborn' and more beautiful than ever whilst mankind is on ‘pause’… I hope this sentiment continues.
Valérie has this message for Grazia readers: "The pandemic has provided a lot of time for reflection and put many things into perspective globally. I truly believe that good will come out of this and we must remain positive and hopefully. Even if I cannot visit my beloved Middle East at the moment, I am thinking of the people there and can’t wait to see them all soon."
