The Incredible Entrepreneurial Journey of Sabrine Saidi

Just One Step from Student to Entrepreneur

Sabrine entered the ESC Clermont Business School in 2013. During her initial year, she actively participated in the entrepreneurship module guided by Fabrice Cailloux, the director of the Open Incubator SquareLab. Following this, she pursued an internship in a corporate environment. These experiences solidified her intuition: her “non-conformist” nature wouldn’t find fulfillment in a traditional corporate setting; instead, the entrepreneurial path beckoned her.

In preparation for her journey to success, Sabrine opted for the Audit Expertise track. This specialized and rigorous path empowered her to fortify her financial acumen and sharpen her analytical abilities. Guided by the incubator team, she presented her business project—an envisaged franchised beauty center—to a panel of experts, successfully securing an initial 0% interest honor loan.

This inaugural 0% loan laid the foundation for a subsequent, more substantial one, facilitating the realization of her first business venture in Avignon. Despite facing challenges associated with gender, age, and sole proprietorship, Sabrine persisted, working seven days a week. Her determination prevailed, leading to the swift expansion of her business with the establishment of a second, then a third, and beyond.

“Boldness Leads to Fortune”

Sabrine seizes opportunities, diversifying her activities in the upscale and high-tech beauty sector. Gradually, she assembles a dedicated team, appointing managers for each structure, enlisting a personal development coach to unite her teams, and even hiring a Director of Financial Affairs to enhance her group’s structure. After 5 years, she employs 45 people across France.

In addition to her bustling professional life, Sabrine ventures into real estate investment and assumes the role of a property dealer. To succeed in this endeavor, she leverages a crucial concept acquired during her years at the School: the power of her network! Steering away from traditional banking routes, Sabrine compiles robust applications and appeals to investment funds. Her recent triumph includes securing €7 million for the acquisition of a renovation project in Cannes.

Choosing the Right Team and Planning Ahead

Of course, the life of an entrepreneur is not always smooth sailing and requires some sacrifices, but for Sabrine, anything is possible when surrounded by the right people. Throughout her journey, her mother’s unwavering support has been a constant. It was her early trust that not only encouraged Sabrine to take the leap but also instilled in her the belief that her project could succeed!

With continued success, Sabrine stays grounded and, in her role as a thoughtful manager, is strategically planning the next significant moves. In the near future, she will introduce a novel concept of upscale nail salons, maintaining hygiene and sterilization standards akin to dental offices. Two openings are on the horizon, with one slated for Clermont-Ferrand, supported by a recent graduate from ESC Clermont BS. Her mid-term objective is to validate the profitability of her concept and extend it as a franchise in France and Portugal.

And in 5 Years?

If asked where and when she plans to stop, her answer is unequivocal: she sees no valid reason to stop on such a successful path and fears dying of boredom. In 5 years, she envisions selling everything and undertaking a venture in a different sector than aesthetics! She sees herself at the helm of a single structure, and regarding the activity, she is torn between a project in the industrial or restaurant sector.

One thing is certain: she will continue to visit the Open Incubator SquareLab and will forever hold fond memories of the team that encouraged her to believe in herself and reveal her entrepreneurial spirit!