Balargue was my first brand/shop adventure in the skate industry.
In 2015 I met up with Cyril Horlaville (now owner of Balargue) and we quickly felt that the local scene of the south parisians suburbs would benefit from a skate project.
In summer 2015, “Balargue supply” was born as a underground clothing brand, looking forward to organize a few events, film videos and much more…
After a year of existence, Balargue took a turn for the better thanks to Cyril’s implication and became Balargue skateshop, the only core skateshop in the southern paris area, opening in Issy les moulineaux in July 2016.
From 2016 to 2020 I was heavely involved with the developement of Balargue, and took part in many activities. This includes the following roles and achievements:
- As a filmer, I filmed and edited 5 semi full lengths, as well as many shorter clips for youtube and/or instagram
The whole balargue team on 5 days filming trip to Luxembourg in 2018
- As a team manager, I’ve planned and organized 2 filming tours, one in Luxembourg and one in Marseille. I was also involved in the recruitement of most of the Balargue sponsored riders, and worked on the relationship and communication between the team and the shop
Clara Saidani wearing the Balargue x Haze wheels coach jacket
- As a product manager, I’ve worked on developing the branded Balargue products from their conception to their production and delivery. From finding a responsible et quality sourcing, to checking for flaws and negociating post-production.
Iphone quick pic of the Balargue video premiere at the Eclosion bar
- I took care of partnerships between the shops and other entities within the industry, or outside the industry. Ranging from other brands for collabs or to flow some of our riders, to bars and drink brands to organize our video premieres.
Nowadays, most of my work is not focused on Balargue anymore but I still skate for them, film for them and occasionnaly still fill a few of the mentionned roles. It really was a beautiful experience during which I learned a lot on the skate business side of things as well as the importance of local skateshops in the industry and the scene.
