Alaia Peres, co-founder of Alaena

Who are you? Tell us about your background

Alaia Peres, I’m 28 years old and I am one of the founders of Alaena. I grew up in Bidart and left for Paris at 18 to do a preparatory class followed by business school.

During my studies, I took a two-year gap, which helped me better understand what I wanted to do professionally. Notably, I lived in Australia for a year and a half, where I started my first company, an application in the education sector. I realized that I really enjoyed being an entrepreneur, but that I needed a project with more meaning that better aligned with my passions. Throughout my studies, I followed Alaena’s launch and tried to contribute whenever I could. So, at the end of my studies, I decided to join the family adventure by opening the Paris location.

What do you do at Alaena? Tell us about a typical week.

Today, at Alaena, I handle business development as well as administration and finance.
As for a typical week, I live between Biarritz, where we have our offices, and Paris, where we have a second spa, so things change a lot depending on events or appointments! Generally, I’m at the office on Mondays for our various team meetings, in Paris on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the spa and meetings, then back to Biarritz on Thursdays and Fridays. I don’t really have a routine, and that’s also what I love about this adventure—no two weeks are the same and I’m never bored!

What do you enjoy most about this family adventure?

Probably the feeling that I am not just working for myself but for my family, developing and carrying on our parents’ knowledge, and above all, building a meaningful project centered around shared values.
It is also having absolute trust in my partners and being surrounded by so much kindness.
And finally, it is a joy to continue growing alongside my sister and mother, two women I admire immensely, both for their skills and for the women they are on a daily basis.
In this adventure, I feel like we are primarily looking to lift each other up and enable everyone to flourish.

Do you have any advice for those who would like to work with family?

Clearly define everyone’s responsibilities, ideally have very different skill sets, ensure you have the same long-term aspirations, and, as with traditional partners, communicate a lot, be ready to listen, and be prepared to question yourself.

What is the thing your mother passed down to you that you are most proud of?

It’s hard to choose just one! But I would say her curiosity. Ever since I was little, she would show us the smallest flower, little bug, or bird. And in her daily life, she never stops searching; she wants to understand everything, know how things work, and she doesn’t stop when faced with obstacles.

Your mantra

I really like this quote from Thomas Jefferson: “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”

A book

It would be a novel. I have always read a lot; I love discovering new stories and immersing myself completely in a narrative, but I rarely read the same book twice. Many books have left an impression on me and I would be unable to name just one; I’ve also forgotten plenty! I love novels by Yasmina Khadra or Tatiana de Rosnay (who is, incidentally, one of our clients, and that is a great source of pride). I also discovered Anna Karenina a little while ago and I was struck by the character.

A dream (personal or professional)

To develop Alaena all around the world, settle in those countries, and install our products in the most beautiful locations (it’s a bit of a mix between a professional and personal dream).

An inspiring woman

It’s hard to choose just one!
My mother, who fights every day for her convictions, for others, and who still has so much energy and so many things to pass on.
But also all the sportswomen, entrepreneurs, doctors, all those who fight daily to push boundaries and redefine the dreams of little girls.

A memorable trip

Last year I went to cycle through Mongolia with my partner. We discovered magnificent landscapes and were immersed in a new culture with such welcoming people. But it was a real journey; we were often lost in the middle of nowhere, without any bearings and without understanding the language. We wanted to ride a lot, even if it meant forgetting about ourselves a little. It taught us to accept the need to take breaks!

Your Alaena ritual

It often changes depending on my moods and needs.
In the evening, in the shower, I always double-cleanse my skin with the Cleansing Oil and the Soap.
Lately, I’ve rediscovered the Serum and the Eye Contour; I love their fresh texture, which ensures good hydration and blurs my first wrinkles.
Then I apply the Sensitive Skin Moisturizer or the Anti-Aging Cream when my skin is too dry.

From time to time, I love taking the time to do a Peeling or a Mask that I apply to my whole face or just around my eyes, and I leave it on all night. If I have any small breakouts, I use the Anti-Imperfection Solution and the Repair Cream.

In the morning, I rinse my face with a water mist and use the Nourishing Oil to massage my face.