Around the world encountering 81 women who are changing the planet
Sandra Reinflet (Class of 2004) has published "Same Same But Different" at Editions Michalon, a book on a trip around the world with Yuki Sepheriades, one of her classmates, and encounters with 81 women, which took place in 2006-2007. The objective of this 14 month trip was to meet women born in 1981, like her, who make their dreams come true despite conditions that are at times challenging. Involved in sports, corporate founders, artists and political leaders, whether in the desert of Namibia, a prison in Ecuador, an Australian circus or a mountain in Nepal, they share a fight to make their dreams come true. They are all aware of the urgent need for action and that any delay may jeopardise the achievement of their goals.
After having left their respective jobs for this trip around the world (they were sponsored by private and public organisations and received ESSCA's "Entreprendre" bursary in 2006), Yuki and Sandra departed for their encounters with women of their age in 20 countries. Their profiles were published in many newspapers and magazines (Métro, Ushuaïa, DS, Cosmopolitain, Globetrotter, Muze, Psychologies, etc.) and on their internet site, www.81femmes.org (120,000 visitors per year).
Having returned close to three years ago, they have given approximately 20 lectures (Axa, Adidas, Renault, City Hall of Paris, Congress Centre of Le Mans ...) and presented photo exhibitions that call for the participation of spectators through a mirror-based scenography. The concept of their trip was based on this premise: to have each one of us think about our own dreams through those of the women presented. If a young woman, despite precarious conditions, manages this achievement, what stops us?
A serious car accident led the author to realise the urgency of making her childhood dreams come true. To turn one of these dreams into reality, she created the 81 Femmes project, which reinforced her determination to continue making risky choices, including pursuing an artistic career. In this highly autobiographical book, filled with anecdotes and surprising portraits, Sandra describes her trip, which was also a learning experience. As we turn the pages, we in turn feel like daring a little bit more ...
Yuki SÉPHÉRIADÈS et Sandra REINFLET |
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Since their return, Yuki and Sandra have taken different paths. Yuki has returned to the corporate world. She is the commercial manager for "Les Ateliers Ruby", a young brand of modern accessories, such as motorcycle helmets and silk scarves, for "people on the move". The company was founded by Jérôme Coste and Jean-Etienne Prach (Class of 2000). Yuki represents and sells these products throughout the world. |
For her part, Sandra decided to pursue her passion for music and writing. In 2009, her first album came out under the name of Marine Goodmorning. She writes, composes and interprets French folk songs with offbeat lyrics. She also works for a few women's magazines and has now published her first book inspired from her experience with the 81 Femmes project.
ESSCA will host a lecture on this trip in the fall
