Skin deep
SONIA GAILLIS-DELEPINE • Verdoie
WORK • Friday Routine
SONIA GAILLIS-DELEPINE • founder & CEO • Verdoie
Neighborhood you work in: Le Marais
Neighborhood you live in: 3rd arr
It’s Friday morning. How are you rolling into the weekend?
I mostly thud into the weekend. Working from my home office is a luxury, and I love the flexibility it offers; however, it also makes it too easy to keep going unless there’s a hard stop. Building my skincare company, Verdoie, keeps me buzzing with energy, especially since part of the team is based in the U.S., which means the day never really wants to end. So weekends start with a mix of determination to shut the laptop and excitement to finally switch gears!
What’s on the agenda for today?
We’re in a thrilling moment because we’re deep in product development on something that feels genuinely breakthrough, and I’ve been bouncing between the labs to review different iterations with our dermatologists. At the same time, we’re supporting our retail launch with Credo Beauty in the U.S., which only went live in July. There’s so much joy in rallying the team for these activations and seeing people discover the power of our mushrooms in person.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Tonight I’m heading to Aux Lyonnais with friends who are in town. Lyon’s specialties are so distinct, and I love how timeless the space feels. The décor is classic and transportive, and if you go, don’t skip the crème caramel — it’s perfection. This weekend I’m also trying Le Canard Sauvage, a new spot in the 10th that already has me dreaming about their tarama on toast with egg. Paris is buzzing with openings right now. Tarantula and Red Sauce are on my list, too.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I’m thrilled to catch the John Singer Sargent exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay. I’ve been watching The Gilded Age and loved the episode where Gladys is painted by him, so this timing feels perfect. I try to carve out weekly ‘me time’ by visiting a museum alone — phone on DND — and sit down for a solo lunch after. It resets me completely. Chez Elo in the 3rd makes the best sandwiches and salads, and sitting in front of Square du Temple is so calming.
Recently, I visited Musée Cognacq-Jay, founded by La Samaritaine’s creator, and was awestruck by the detail in objects you’d almost overlook. They had the most unique thing ever: a perfume pistol on display — the craftsmanship, mon dieu! It completely stopped me in my tracks.
Any weekend getaways?
Bretagne is always calling. Saint-Malo and Dinard are the best, and my family’s been going for generations. We forget it’s only two hours away by train from Gare Montparnasse. This summer was especially beautiful, with endless sun and long rides on e-bikes along the coast. I stocked up at Maison Galland, and of course, Beurre Bordier. Autumn’s equally special. It has the same rugged, elemental feel as Maine in the U.S.
What was your last great vacation?
I went to Copenhagen recently for two nights with my boyfriend, and it was everything I’d remembered and more. The shopping alone is worth the trip, of course, and then I discovered Ara’kai Beauty, which has a great selection of products. The Design Museum is incredible, and the city’s parks are full of that airy Scandinavian calm. The air just feels fresher! We walked through Tivoli Gardens at night, and it felt like stepping into a film reel of memories.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I splurged on a necklace from Laoli, and it’s quickly become a favorite piece. It’s made of red agate, which carries such a grounding energy, and the design feels both whimsical and strong. You can make an appointment in her Paris showroom to try the pieces in person — it’s dangerous.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Besides going to Dreamin’ Man at The Broken Arm, which has the most relaxing energy ever, I always recommend a trip to Mariage Frères. You can never have enough tea. There are a few locations around the city in the 2nd and in the Marais, among others, but one thing they have that’s absolutely divine is tea jelly. Wildly underrated and a fun and flavorful addition to any cup.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I’ve actually been donating my books. I recently cleared about 30 books from my shelves and brought them to the local mairie, which redistributes them to community associations. It felt wonderful knowing they’d be enjoyed again, and not feeling bad about stocking up on new ones. I oscillate between paperback and my Kindle, so I’m always trying to find a balance. You can also donate to Libraries Without Borders, which has several collection points around the city. Or call schools directly!