Anne Querard's interview by La Gazette du Bon Marché

In an exclusive interview for La Gazette du Bon Marché , Anne Querard, founder of HOZHO, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the very essence of her brand. Created in 2021, HOZHO embodies harmony and beauty with sensory ranges designed to transform the energies of our daily lives. Anne reveals her unique approach, inspired by natural and ancestral forces. Discover how this innovative brand, combining respect for the environment and the quest for well-being, is now finding its place at Le Bon Marché.

You can find the full interview on this link and the exclusive HOZHO creations.

La Gazette: Hello, Anne Querard. You are the founder of HOZHO, launched in 2021. Where did you get the idea to create a holistic brand?

Anne Querard: I've always been sensitive to energy. With HOZHO, I've opted for a different positioning, blending holistic care with high-end lifestyle. Products designed to transform the energies of our environments with a strong olfactory dimension.

— With a smile, the former CEO of a major group tells us how the launch of her brand marked the beginning of her second life, more aligned and connected.

HOZHO's positioning is rather unique. Can you tell us about it?

Our goal has always been to transform the vibrations of the spaces we inhabit: from our living spaces to our bodies. We first developed products for the home, then for the body and soul. We are all on our own frequency, traversed by a vital energy that can sometimes become blocked. Our Flames (scented candles), our Rains (home fragrances), our Breezes (home diffusers) or even our Waters (body fragrances) transform frequencies to feel better every day and increase our vital energy.

You have developed different types of treatments. How do you choose your HOZHO?

Each range contains a blend of plants and specific functions, but they all share the same curative and olfactory approach. We've developed different diffusion methods so everyone can find something they like, according to their tastes and habits. And then, all our creations are stackable and can evolve together. There's no olfactory and energetic cacophony.

In the early days of HOZHO, you had a life-changing encounter. Is it ultimately thanks to her that the brand was able to come to life?

From the beginning, I had a very clear idea of ​​the direction I wanted to take without, however, wearing the chemist hat myself. Until the day, in the summer of 2020, I went to the Basque Country and my path crossed that of a woman. A chemist concerned with the living, with whom I share many values: a predominantly French production, ancestral know-how, a return to nature, sourcing in the Basque Country and responsible harvesting that does not distort the energetic properties of our plants.

And today, you're at Le Bon Marché. Could you have imagined it a few years earlier?

Certainly not! Le Bon Marché has a keen eye for spotting emerging brands. From the moment we launched, we were included in the selection at 24 rue de Sèvres. Since then, we've been proud to be part of the history of this discerning French establishment.

La Gazette: For the second year in a row, you're unveiling the limited edition "Forêt de Sapins" mist for the holiday season. What's special about this mist?

It's a mist that transports us to the energy and scents of fir forests. An entirely plant-based olfactory creation. A breath of fresh air to enliven our interiors and bring back the Christmas spirit.

La Gazette: You have also developed a box set containing your three perfumed waters.

Absolutely, because they complement each other. Imagining them in small sizes that can easily slip into your bag was a no-brainer—you can spray them as needed, depending on the day's energy fluctuations. We have three:

• Infinite sunshine for joy and vitality
• Sacred moon for power and creativity
• Celestial star for serenity and grounding

And then there is your collaboration with the ceramicist Inès-Olympe Mercadal!

This is a collaboration initiated by Le Bon Marché, which has succeeded in bringing together our shared sensibilities: we speak the same language. Together, we created two bases for the flames as well as a ceramic to perfume. An exclusive to Le Bon Marché and on the website www.hozhoparis.com .

To conclude, what are the words that define the HOZHO adventure?

"Unbelievably powerful." This entrepreneurial adventure has changed and shaken me. It has catalyzed positive vibes and increased my connection to others a hundredfold.

— At the mention of these few words, Anne is overcome with emotion. The tears in her eyes quickly give way to a huge, masterful, contagious smile. So many adjectives that echo the definition of a brand that didn't wait for anyone's approval. So, to conclude, we'll ask just one question: how are your energies today?

This article is published with the kind permission of La Gazette du Bon Marché. The original interview is available at https://www.lebonmarche.com/fr/lbm-gazette-interview-anne-querard-hozho.html .