A story of passion
Knowing how to evolve at the pace of your business
Written by Place de la Cité | March 16, 2021
In this series, our contributor Julie Blondin goes out to meet the entrepreneurs who make up the soul of Place de la Cité. Between laughter and confidences, they open up to share their story and that of their business with us. We invite you to dive into their world too, one conversation at a time.
The desire to carve out a place for oneself
It was when he was a young teenager that Jacob fell into the entrepreneurial trap. So his desire to start his own business and stand out with a unique offering is nothing new.
How did you become an entrepreneur?
“It’s a family business. My parents have owned Brûleries Rousseau for about 16 years.” Jacob tells us that his parents’ entrepreneurial shift was a major family project: he and his sister therefore got involved in entrepreneurship at a very early age. “Family dinners turned into business meetings!” he admits with a laugh.
How was your company founded?
While pursuing a career in the family business was an option, Jacob dreamed instead of following his chosen path. “Growing up and during my studies, I always had this interest in having my own business,” he confides. “My parents were in the café business, but I wanted to do my own thing; I didn’t see my place in their business at the time.” It was when his parents were looking into importing tea for their business that Jacob came up with his business idea. Once the concept was found, the brand image developed quickly, and then Monsieur T opened its doors. The rest is history!
Sometimes, less is more
Jacob’s company has changed a lot since its beginnings, but one thing remains: the importance given to the customer.
What makes you stand out?
Jacob talks enthusiastically about the importance he places on customer proximity. “The local aspect is really important to us and that’s what we’re focusing on.” The passionate entrepreneur and his team are attentive to customers and are happy to respond to their specific needs. If someone wants to buy a rare type of tea, the shop can find it at the customer’s request. And the proximity to the customers is so important that last year Jacob decided to close his other shop in order to concentrate exclusively on the shop in Place de la Cité. He wisely recognizes that he has “more quality time, more time to select products, more time to be attentive to customers.”
Another important point that distinguishes Mr. T is, of course, his varied offer. Jacob explains that his shop offers products for everyone, both for purists and for those who are simply curious and want to learn about tea. “It’s always better than the sweets that the competition makes,” he adds. Proud of his range, he explains that “they are all refined products that are not too ‘denatured’.”
What is it that still keeps you so passionate?
For Jacob, there is no difference between work and passion; he explains that it is a real pleasure to invest time in his business, at any time and any day of the week. “Mr. T is like our little baby, for me and for my partner!” he spontaneously exclaims. Although it is clear that he loves entrepreneurship, what keeps him particularly passionate is seeing that customers really appreciate his products. “We always get good feedback from customers!” he says gratefully.
Perseverance, patience and daring
Being proactive and knowing how to seize opportunities that present themselves through challenges is the secret of success for any entrepreneur. And fortunately, in the face of adversity, Jacob does not let himself be defeated.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
“Every year there are pitfalls. Sometimes it’s financial issues, sometimes it’s labor issues,” he acknowledges. During the pandemic-related closure of shops, Jacob took the opportunity to rethink his business. “We changed our business model during the closure,” he says. Web marketing and online commerce became priorities. And it paid off, in Mr. T’s case! Thanks to these efforts, “the company acquired new customers, and these new customers have since recommended it.” Jacob, we hope it continues to go so well!
