About us
Closiist: A Story of Passion, Sustainability, and Resilience
From Normandy to New York, a Culinary and Entrepreneurial Journey
Julie, born and raised in Rouen, France, was instilled with a deep appreciation for sustainable living from a young age. Inspired by her grandmother, a seamstress for Dior, Julie embraced the art of mending, repairing, and upcycling, extending the lifespan of clothing and embodying a resourceful mindset. This ethos extended to her culinary choices, favoring local and organic ingredients, and her approach to beauty, opting for natural and eco-conscious products.
Julie's entrepreneurial spirit ignited early, leading her to pursue a diverse education encompassing sales, law, economics, psychology, and business management. Amidst her personal struggles with anorexia, Julie found solace in the kitchen, discovering a passion for cooking and the joy of hosting gatherings. Her culinary creations and warm hospitality endeared her to friends, who encouraged her to pursue her dream of opening a restaurant.
Fate intervened when Julie met Benjamin, an aviation enthusiast, sailor, and software developer, also hailing from Rouen. Benjamin's passion for technology led him to create one of the first flight simulation games in France. To support Julie's restaurant venture, Benjamin embarked on a culinary quest to master the art of crêpe making in Brittany, earning the title of "Maître-Crêpier." His crêpe Suzette became a culinary masterpiece.
Together, Julie and Benjamin envisioned a zero-waste restaurant in New York City, drawn to its vibrant energy and cultural diversity. They embarked on this adventure with their son, Adam. However, fate had other plans.
Just a week before signing the lease for their dream location in Greenpoint, New York, the city was plunged into lockdown. Undeterred, they navigated the challenges and postponed their restaurant plans.
Then, life took an unexpected turn with the news of Elaia, their daughter's imminent arrival. Amidst the excitement of preparing for Elaia's birth, Julie and Benjamin rediscovered their shared passion for e-commerce.
Closiist: A Sustainable Marketplace Born from Passion and Resilience
Closiist, an e-commerce platform dedicated to promoting local and climate-friendly products, was born. Initially envisioned to launch before Elaia's arrival, the universe had a different plan. Elaia, in her own way, played a pivotal role, making her debut just two weeks before Closiist went live.
Closiist embodies Julie and Benjamin's shared values of sustainability, community, and resilience. It's a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of conscious consumerism and their commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Closiist: More Than Just an E-commerce Platform
Closiist is a movement, a community of like-minded individuals who share a vision of a more sustainable future. It's a platform that empowers consumers to make informed choices, supporting local businesses, reducing their environmental footprint, and embracing a more conscious lifestyle.
Join Closiist on this journey towards a greener future. Explore their curated selection of sustainable and locally sourced products, and discover the power of conscious consumerism. Together, we can redefine everyday choices and create a lasting impact on our planet.
Learn more about our personal commitments, here.