Meet Anaïs: from apprenticeship to sharing the passion behind Altesse Studio

For more than ten years, Anaïs has been part of the Altesse Studio , where she has cultivated her passion for communication, marketing, and above all, the unique world of French brushmaking. A key contributor to the brand’s development, she shares her story, her deep attachment to artisanal craftsmanship, and her admiration for the artisans who create our brushes. Through her words, one can sense her love for the craft, her pride in a rare heritage, and her desire to share the spirit of the brand with the world.

At 32, you’ve been with Altesse 10 years. Can you tell us about your journey?

I joined Altesse completing my bachelor’s degree in marketing communication, initially for a one-year internship. During that year, one of our colleagues in the sales administration department retired. Since I was already well-integrated into the company and familiar with how it operated, I was offered the opportunity to take her place.

That position led to my first permanent contract, and for five years I managed our B2B clients. Later, we launched our first online store, which I was responsible for managing. Over the years, my role gradually shifted toward communications and marketing.

Then came the launch of the Altesse Studio , a true turning point for the company and a project I had the opportunity to help bring to life. I was involved from the early development stages through to the launch of the collections and their introduction on our online store.

Today, I oversee communications, merchandising, and retail operations when we organize promotional campaigns, events, and trade shows. I also coordinate events such as trade shows and pop-up stores, and work closely with our various partners and service providers.

It’s a very diverse role, which makes it incredibly interesting. Seeing the results of our work—from the brushes being crafted in the workshop to their presence in stores—is truly amazing and deeply rewarding.

What are your earliest and fondest memories of Altesse Studio?

Two memories really stood out when I first arrived.

The first is the human aspect. Discovering the world of brushmaking and this close-knit family of brushmakers was a real privilege. Everyone knows each other, and people genuinely care for one another.

The second is discovering the incredible precision and craftsmanship that goes into a single hairbrush. Ten years ago, I knew nothing about this world. Today I understand what it takes to create a boar-bristle brush with a wooden handle. More than just a high-quality tool, it represents true savoir-faire—the legacy of a craft, an art.

How would you describe the artisans’ craftsmanship, dedication, passion, and expertise?

If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be exceptional—and that’s no exaggeration.

Their craftsmanship and passion are simply incredible. Having spent so many years working at the company, I’ve come to appreciate just how remarkable their adaptability and versatility are. It requires great manual skill, of course, but what impresses me most is how this knowledge is passed on to new artisans.

They possess remarkable sensitivity and attention to detail, and they share their expertise with genuine passion. The precision of their movements, their knowledge, and their love for the craft are truly fascinating.

Do you have a memorable story involving the artisans?

Yes. I often accompany Véronique and Stéphanie—who, among other things, hand-assemble the brushes from the Prestige in our workshops—to trade shows and events where they give live demonstrations.

It’s magical to share these moments with them.

Watching them sew each tuft by hand in front of visitors really shows that this is an art. People are often amazed by the craftsmanship. They sometimes spend several minutes watching their movements and congratulating them on the “gold in their hands.”

What touches me most is their humility. They often say to me, “
” “It’s incredible that people are so interested in watching us work. I never thought my work would fascinate people this much.”

How do you highlight their work in the brand’s communications? 

Whenever possible, we strive to highlight both the artisans and their work. We do this at events, as well as through profiles on our website and interviews (in the press and on TV).

All of our artisans deserve to be recognized because without their skilled hands and expertise, these brushes simply wouldn’t exist. It is thanks to them that we are able to create such beautiful products. They are the heart and soul of our hairbrushes.

We also produce many photos and videos used across our communication channels—from social media to media content and retail displays. Their work has a strong sensory dimension, and these visuals help convey that feeling while also showcasing their craftsmanship.

Is there a technique or production step that always fascinates you?

Two steps in particular stand out to me: tufting and counter-drilling.

Both are manual processes that require very specific technical expertise. Mastering them takes years of experience and exceptional dexterity. But there’s also an element of instinct involved.

Watching our artisans perform these techniques is truly impressive.

What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of how Altesse Studio are made?

The number of steps involved: Creating an Altesse Studio requires 22 different stages. Our brushes are crafted with incredible attention to detail.

There are also many specific techniques involved in tufting—whether it’s done by hand or mechanically. This is where the brushmaker’s expertise really shines through.

Of course, the quality of the boar bristles is essential, but so is the way they are assembled and used. Every technique is designed to ensure the highest standards of brushing quality and performance. Nothing is done haphazardly—everything reflects our expertise.

Altesse Studio the “Living Heritage Company” designation. What are the biggest communication challenges for a heritage brand like yours?

The biggest challenge is ensuring that this time-honored craftsmanship continues to thrive—both within the company and in the way we share it with the public. It’s important to highlight the manual work that goes into our brushes. At first glance, they may seem like simple everyday objects, but they are much more than that. They are a work of art.

France is a country with deep-rooted traditions, and it is truly meaningful to be one of the few remaining companies preserving such exceptional craftsmanship. We want people to understand everything that goes into an Altesse Studio . In a way, it’s similar to haute couture: just as a great fashion designer highlights the work of seamstresses and their creations, we want to showcase the artistry of French brushmaking.

You are at the heart of the brand’s communication. What message do you most want to convey?

Passion.

It’s the word that brings everything together—the passion of our artisans, the passion infused into our products, and the passion our customers feel when they discover them.

Is there a project you're particularly proud of?

It may sound a bit obvious, but the entire Altesse Studio has been this way since its inception.

It inspires my work every day. I want to introduce our world to more people, showcase our products, and continue to elevate them.

What does the French art of hair brushing mean to you?

Unfortunately, I think we’ve somewhat lost this tradition in our daily lives—but it’s making a comeback.

Just like in fine dining, the French art of brushing your hair is about taking the time to appreciate the finer things in life. It’s about taking a moment for yourself, brushing your hair with a beautiful tool, and savoring that ritual.

France has long been a country of brushmakers, and our region was historically one of the birthplaces of this craft. So brushing your hair is also a way of honoring tradition.

What is your favorite brush from the Altesse Studio ?

The Care & Shine brush from the Beauté . I love it because the wood is left in its natural state, and it’s a pneumatic brush, which fits my brushing routine perfectly.

Although I must admit that I’m also drawn to the 100% handmade brush from the Prestige .

If you could give an Altesse as a gift to someone, who would it be?

I would give one to a French actress I admire a lot: Audrey Fleurot. She has such beautiful hair, and I can easily imagine her brushing it with one of our brushes.

How does it feel to see your paintings shipped to New York?

It’s incredibly rewarding and quite extraordinary to see how much interest our retailers have in these beautiful products and in French craftsmanship.

They understand our passion for beautiful objects and our commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality—values that truly define the brand.

It always brings us great joy to see that we are able to share this passion with people all over the world.