The full version of this story first appeared in the January/February 2019 issue of My French Country Home. If you would like to read the whole article, you can purchase the digital magazine HERE.
Many people reach a point in their lives when they feel the need to reinvent themselves, to find a new direction with fresh challenges. But not everybody buys a stoneware factory on the decline and saves the business. Today I am happy to introduce you to a lady I like a lot, who reinvented herself in a spectacular manner, and who remains very modest about her achievements.
Just five years ago Corinne Jourdain Gros was working as a publicist in Paris. The work had its glamorous side, and she loved the city, but the time had come for a change.
Although Corinne was good at her job, she wanted to learn a new skill. While visiting her family in the centre of France, Corinne heard that the Manufacture de Digoin was suffering. Digoin is a well known name in France, the oldest manufacturer in the town of Digoin, famous for its tableware and stoneware, and its beautiful patterns that have been loved for over a century.
She bought the manufacture, realising that it would not be an easy task to save the company, but it wasn’t until the first day she first turned the key on the main gate that the adventure became very real and rather daunting.
She was not put off, and so began an extremely steep learning curve, during which she relied on the employees to teach her their craft, and help her understand how the factory functioned. She learnt about pigments and using the traditional moulds that were in the factory, she updated the designs with her clever use of colours.
Today Corinne continues to grow the business, and has big ambitions for her huge premises of over four acres. She would love to see these old buildings buzzing as a creative hub, welcoming young designers.
I love her tale of reinvention, and seeing how much joy it brings her each day to create and turn the business around.
Because we like to share, we are very excited to offer our readers an exclusive opportunity to buy a beautiful set of Digoin tableware. There is a choice of two colours, white or grey-green. Each set comprises the iconic leaf jug, three small stoneware bowls and two stoneware goblets. Purchase yours HERE!
The box will ship in early April, and there’s a special discount hiding in the pages of the magazine!
10 comments
They are beautiful. I love the simplicity.
How fascinating. I am very familiar with Digoin items and have sold many vintage ones on my web site. I am so happy you sent out this blog about Corinne. Her things will have more meaning to me now.
Warmest and best regards to you my dear friend.
This is such a satisfying article. Well-done Corinne. I admire you so much for the re-invention and your courage. The stoneware is beautiful. It would be perfect for my patio lunch when I’m writing or discussing ideas.
Best wishes for your future and thank you, Sharon.
Good morning Sharon. Can I say how much I am enjoying the first edition of your magazine. The recipes look so inviting that I can’t wait to try. Reading your magazine over a weekend breakfast is pure escapism. I am so looking forward to my next visit to France. With best wishes Sue, England.
I admire your courage Corinne. The pieces are simple but beautiful. Best of luck in your new adventure.
Rita
I love reading stories of women reinventing themselves. Very brave of Corinne & I’m thrilled to see she is thriving in her new career.
That’s beautiful pottery. Major kudos to Corinne for having the foresight and courage to change her career, and to do it in a way that helps others. How do you say “twofer” in French?
I subscribed to your magazine for one year…I wasn’t sent a password to access the magazine…please advise. Thank you.
Above problem solved…thank you…Linda
Your work is so full of useful information.