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HCM People: Elodie GaramondLe Tigre: founder
We now have eight sites and offer retreats, such as a retreat in a Moroccan palace and a French chateaux-based yin yoga and writing retreat
What is Le Tigre’s concept?
Le Tigre is dedicated to the yoga lifestyle: aiming to offer a quiet and cosy space to anyone wishing to take a break and connect to themselves.
I wanted to create a tribe of men and women who share a healthy, soothing, happy and aesthetic way of living, and offer them a path where they can connect with their body, spirit and breath and discover their true being.
How has the concept evolved?
Le Tigre has evolved by steps: meeting new people and making it grow like a family. We now have eight sites: six in Paris, one in Monaco and one in Deauville and offer a variety of retreats, such as a French chateau-based yin yoga, meditation and writing retreat and a holistic yoga retreat at a Moroccan palace.
When did you get the idea?
The idea had been in my mind for a while before I eventually reached the point, in 2013, of being obsessed – and crazy enough – to give it a go, while I was just pregnant with my number two. Now keeping “L’Esprit du Tigre” is why I wake up every morning and so far it seems to keep me happy!
How did you go about making the vision a reality?
I created a large and rich network of friends and family to advise and help and recommend the best teachers and practitioners. Then I tried one class after the other while I was expecting. I was so enthusiastic that nothing could stop me. During the day I worked at an advertising agency, testing classes in every break, and filled my Excel spreadsheet of my future class schedule at night. Little by little, it came together.
What were the main challenges with getting it up and running?
Accounting! It has never been my cup of tea and understanding the business model of my future company was a serious brain killer for me!
Do the clubs vary?
They are all the same, but different! The basic offer of products and services is the same in every Tigre, but we try to match the market we are settled in, by proposing more classes, depending on what we feel will be popular.
Who are your members?
Everyone! There really is no prototype for the Le Tigre member, we have men and women of every age and profile who attend our classes.
How much is a class?
A Discovery class is €18 (£16.50, $20), and €280 (£256.88, $312) for 10 classes. The more you buy, the less you pay. But the best deal we offer is the unlimited year pass, giving access to all classes (there are more than 600 class options per week in Paris) with no limitation, which costs €2500 (£2293, $2788).
