Liliane Meyo and her passion for interior design

GABON

Liliane Meyo is a young artisan who arouses admiration. Now in her twenties, she has a very full head because, having trained as an accountant at the beginning. Liliane is one of those independent, beautiful and dynamic young ladies who, outside of their professional activity, devote themselves to their passion. As for Liliane, she creates works of the mind. From the manufacture of decorative objects to interior design, she designs and manufactures beautiful accessories for the pleasure of the eyes. "Better late than never, but sometimes it's better never than late," reminds us of a quote by Arsène Houssaye that fits perfectly with this young lady who is just starting her business. Indeed, it was last August 2017 that the desire to be an entrepreneur conquered his heart and allowed him to set up his home workshop. Artiaf wanted to know a little more about this lady who amazes and fascinates. We met her in her apartment in Owendo, south of Libreville. She gave us the pleasure of answering our questions...

Artiaf: Who is Liliane Meyo?

LM: Liliane Méyo is a twenty-seven-year-old Gabonese woman with a degree in accounting, control and auditing. I work as an accounting associate in an accounting firm. I am passionate about interior design. A passion that is obviously the opposite of my job.

Artiaf: Indeed, there is a lot of distance between accounting and decoration. But how did you get here?

LM: Just by my mom. She is a fan of beautiful interiors. She likes tidy spaces. When I was little, she had lots of knick-knacks that she placed all over the house. Some remained in boxes because there was no more room to display them. I used to take them and decorate my room with them. I had the right to do it as long as I didn't break them [laughs]

Artiaf: Today, you specialize in making decorative candles. What is it exactly?

LM: The decorative candle differs from a simple candle in that in addition to bringing a fragrant atmosphere to an interior, it enhances the decoration contained in the jar. The light and hue of the candle highlight the flowers and pearls contained in the jar.

Artiaf: Do you offer anything else besides candles?

LM: Apart from candles, I also offer my services in interior design. To do this, I created a Facebook page where I show what I do at home. I also make boards for projects. Very often, on social media, I try to raise awareness about the need to have beautiful interiors. To show that with very little means you can decorate your house very well to look beautiful. It's all about organization and care. It is also about the importance we give to our interior, to our space. But there is still a long way to go. I am well aware that it will be very difficult to get as many people as possible to adhere to this vision. I really want to break this stereotype of social classes where we think that only the rich can afford the services of a decorator.

Artiaf: We approve of this noble vision that you have. But what is your source of inspiration?

LM: For my decoration ideas and candles? I read a lot of decoration magazines, I watch TV shows, I also do little research on the internet. My style is focused on tropical and fine decoration. It's a kind of decoration adapted to our climate. However, I think it's a shame that there aren't a lot of magazines showing this type of decoration.

Artiaf: In any case, Artiaf very much hopes that you will launch this first magazine in Africa. You can count on us to support you.

LM: [Laughs] Thank you very much anyway!

Artiaf: So how do you manage to organize your time on a daily basis, between your professional activity and your passion?

LM: So, all day long I'm an accountant and in the evening when I get home, I work on my projects, I look for and create new models, I write my little "articles" to post on social networks. On weekends, I'm even freer. I dedicate it entirely to my passion.

Artiaf: Tell us about your relationships with your customers. Are you satisfied with it?

LM: We have pretty straightforward reports. For me, the watchword is "communication". Generally, when it comes to decoration, I encourage my clients to be able to express their desires to me without reservation. This allows me to be able to transcribe them faithfully. When it comes to candles, I always take the time to explain to them why I'm implementing this innovative concept in terms of decoration. I also advise them on how to go about it. This contact with them does me a lot of good. I'm really happy with it because most of the people I've met so far are adhering to my philosophy.

Artiaf: Where do you pursue your passion? And where do you sell your products and services?

LM: At the moment I'm working from home. I don't feel the need to have a commercial space yet. I display my candles via social media. My services and products are available mainly in Libreville, Akanda and Owendo but if necessary I will not hesitate to travel to the provinces.

Artiaf: Do you have a dream?

LM: Yes! I have a dream: to see people here in Gabon and why not in Africa one day understand the merits of my struggle, the meaning of my vision and that they integrate it into their daily lives. Yes, I really want to popularize interior design, so that it becomes something normal and accessible for everyone. And as a bonus, why not have a small shop where I'll exhibit my creations in terms of candles and other things to come [laughs]

Artiaf: What advice do you have for anyone who would like to follow in your footsteps?

LM: A lot of patience and passion in what they want to do. It is our passion that allows us to produce what we do and therefore indirectly that allows the public to appreciate our work. This journey does not happen overnight, hence the patience that must be shown.

Artiaf: There are difficulties with this activity, though?

LM: Yes, like many other activities I think. The difficulty is mainly to make a name for yourself or gain the trust of customers. Many people approach me with resentment because they don't understand the prices of my services enough. That's why it's so important for me to communicate upstream.

Artiaf: Speaking of prices, do you find them within the reach of all budgets? Yes, because I make sure to provide quality services (3D plans, sketches, quotes or specifications to name but a few in terms of interior design services) and quality products to which I take care in the presentation.

Artiaf: Your final words

LM: I would say that you shouldn't be hesitant to start an entrepreneurial business when you have an idea. You have to believe in yourself and believe in your project. The road can be very long, but the main thing is to do everything we can to get there and learn from our journey.

Artiaf: Mrs. Liliane Meyo, thank you!

LM: Thank you for giving me this opportunity!

Artiaf: See you soon!