AT HOME WITH: Shirley Muland Houssou

Sparkling, passionate and instinctive. These are three adjectives that perfectly describe Shirley Muland . Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Shirley grew up in France and then lived in New York for 13 years. Today, she divides her time between Paris and New York.

I loved her very modern, often avant-garde perspective on our society. I loved talking and sharing with her, and it seemed obvious to me that you would have just as much fun discovering this sunny and energizing personality!

Pregnant with her first child, Shirley welcomes us into her Parisian cocoon where she has just moved with her husband.

You worked in real estate investment before moving into communications. What prompted this change, and how would you describe your current career?

Real estate investing is a happy accident. I was never destined to work in this field. My mother passed on to me her passion for fashion and luxury, and I oriented my academic career in this direction. I went to business school and chose ESSEC because the school offered luxury chair positions with LVMH. I subsequently did all my internships in the luxury sector; first at Dior, where I had an excellent experience, then at Giorgio Armani. It was after a market study for Zadig & Voltaire that I ended up in New York. The CFO at the time, Al Cadosch, put me in touch with his headhunter friend in New York, who found me an internship in the luxury real estate sector. Having always dreamed of living in New York, I accepted even though I had no knowledge of this field. This internship was a success, and they offered to hire me, which I accepted. It lasted 9 years during which I learned a lot, then I wanted to change fields. In 2019 I turned this page to return to the world of cosmetics that I particularly love.

Today I hold the position of Director of Content and Digital Strategy for the American luxury and organic cosmetics brand Tata Harper . I dictate the content and ensure that all digital communication is faithful to the tone of the brand on all our digital platforms (Social Networks, Emails, Paid Ads, etc.). I am also in charge of the influencer strategy and orchestrate these different poles so that all this generates a strong return for the brand.

I knew you working successively in two cosmetics companies. Is this a coincidence, or is it a field that particularly fascinates you?

I don't believe in chance. Every time I've wanted to make a change in my professional life, the right opportunity has always presented itself and I've always followed my instinct. In the middle of COVID, I wanted to work with beautiful ethical and responsible brands while remaining in the luxury world, which wasn't easy to find. I remembered the French cosmetics brand La Bouche Rouge, which had caught my attention at the time, and I contacted them. This collaboration was very fruitful and helped to promote the brand. I recently joined Tata Harper , a brand founded by a woman who is a pioneer in organic cosmetics.

Enjoying what I do every day is essential to me and that's why I only work for brands for which I have a real passion.

Do French and American women perceive beauty differently? 

Totally different, but ultimately they are looking for the same thing today: “clean” products that deliver real results. 

You travel a lot. How do you organize your daily life as a woman and soon to be a mother?

I travel a lot because I have a constant need to escape. I love discovering new places and meeting new people. It enriches me personally and allows me to be exposed to different perspectives. It fosters a truly open mind. I am therefore delighted that my work requires travel abroad. 

My daily life is punctuated by my work. I follow the New York time zone, so in the morning I take care of myself, take my time, and in the early afternoon I connect with New York until around 10:30/11 p.m.

Once my maternity leave is over, my free time in the morning will allow me to devote myself to my children. Then I will return to my professional obligations each afternoon. A fine balance that will naturally fall into place with the invaluable help of my nanny.

What would be the best advice you could give to a woman who would like to change career path?

My only advice would be to not hesitate to contact the brands you want to work for directly. I've always made the first move, and it's opened doors for me. I'd also tell them to be aware of their strengths so they can confidently showcase their added value.

Men are very confident and aren't afraid to ask for what they want, and as women, we should do the same. If it doesn't work the first time, don't give up.

What would you whisper to the woman you were 10 years ago?

Persevere, never give up, that's the key to everything. 

 What are your best beauty and wellness addresses in Paris?

Diane's Care in the Marais by Diane Giraud.

She performs lymphatic drainage treatments that are truly a moment of well-being for me. The setting is very relaxing and she has magic fingers. I come out feeling light and soothed. These massages contribute to a feeling of overall calm and allow me to reconnect with myself. It's like an internal and external reboot. Try it, it's divine!

There's also the Spa du Bristol , where I like to go for Tata Harper's signature treatments. I especially go there before an evening out or an important event to get radiant skin and a natural healthy glow.

A restaurant for lunch with friends in Paris? And in NY? 

In Paris, I don't really have a "canteen." I let my friends guide me. Having been away for several years, I'm rediscovering Paris and right now I often meet at Café Foufou on rue de Bretagne, in the Marais. But we're moving in a few months, and I think Soho House Paris will become my new canteen.

In New York, it's hard to choose just one. My favorite is undoubtedly Pietro Nolita, an excellent Italian restaurant where I always order the same dish: pasta carbonara. I also like  ATLA, a delicious and light Mexican in Nolita and EVELINA in Brooklyn.

What beauty/wellness ritual(s) do you like to end your day with?

I wear light makeup during the day, so cleansing my skin at night is a moment of absolute bliss. I start by removing my makeup with Bioderma H2O micellar water. I have sensitive skin and I'm pregnant, so I only use non-toxic products, including Tata Harper's Superkind range, which I discovered before my pregnancy. I cleanse my skin with the Softening Cleanser for sensitive skin. I then apply the Bio-Barrier Serum and finish with the Fortifying Moisturizer.

You have a minimal and effortless style. What are your favorite SESSEI pieces?

It's very difficult to choose because all the pieces are very well cut and add a touch of "effortless elegance" that I love. I really like the Kaia and Esther shirts that I already own. My next purchase will be the Julianne shirt in black silk, I love its collar and the detail on the sleeves.