Investment & Fund Management

Sonia Souza, the great-granddaughter of Julien-Joseph Godet, faced significant challenges in reviving the family perfumery, Maison Godet, which had shifted its focus from perfumes to natural food flavoring in the 1970s. After discovering her grandfather's extensive collection of vintage perfumes, she was determined to recreate the fragrances from the early 20th century. However, her attempts to secure financing for her business plan were met with rejection from multiple banks, leaving her with limited options.

The turning point came when Sonia secured a loan through SIAGI, backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe. This guarantee transformed her situation, allowing her to receive multiple financing offers instead of facing a dead end. With the loan, she was able to establish her business, renovate the historical store located in Saint-Paul de Vence, and maintain the authenticity of the original perfumery from the 1920s.

Today, Maison Godet sources raw materials from Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, and emphasizes artisanal production, with all packaging handmade in France. The business is thriving, prompting Sonia to plan for future growth, including hiring three new employees and potentially opening additional stores in major cities like London, Paris, or New York. She is also cultivating her own rose and jasmine fields to further enhance her product offerings.