Award-winning designer Alexia Jobin Steunou has over 10 years designing in the watch industry and continues designing in the world of high-end watchmaking.

1. Describe briefly your childhood.

During my childhood, I was a lonely girl who enjoyed exploring the forest next to my house and spending time in nature. I have always been a keen observer of people, fascinated by the world. I have always had the desire to play my part in the great scheme of things.

2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?

As a young girl, I didn’t know what I wanted to become. My mother, who was very strict gave me a solid education to succeed in my studies and allowed me to find balance between my character and the reality of life. Thus she gave me the tools to succeed in my career and my endeavors.

3. What is your first significant memory as a child?

The birth of my sister Charlotte. My parents made one of my wishes come true! And I had the chance to design the birth announcement ;-)

4. Have you ever had another profession?

I initially trained to become an engraver. However, after obtaining my diploma, I never had the chance to work in this field and continued my studies in the field of industrial design. My first job was as a designer for a creative agency that had many food industries and POS clients. Designing such products is challenging as it requires a great investment in the products development. Indeed you cannot make any risky decisions before a worldwide distribution of a product design. It was a very formative experience.

5. What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?

I have always been fascinated by the culture and heritage of the watchmaking industry. The values of watchmaking such as authenticity, craftsmanship, know-how transcend time. The design of a timepiece can be perpetuated and cannot be erased or consumed, like in the other industries. Durability is the watchword

6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do?

I have some bad memories but each experience has taught me a lot.

7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?

It was a difficult time similar to what we are all experiencing today. Eight years ago, my husband was on a fly-fishing trip in Slovenia and contracted a rare virus. At the time, I had to manage a full-time job, taking care of my daughter, oversee the family business and manage a move. Needless to say that this period was very intense and difficult for me. Thanks to my strong character, I found the energy I needed to overcome all these challenges. Fortunately, it all ended well, with a full recovery from my husband and a new home for my family.

8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?

I would have to say my family of course and then the many professionals I have had the chance to meet in my career. Each individual has shown me that self-belief, hard work and motivation can open many doors. I would particularly like to thank Paolo Spadini, a genius inventor with 1001 patents and his son, Daniel. One of his concepts gave me the opportunity to design my very first exceptional timepiece.

9. What are you most proud of?

I will give you a very classic answer: my daughter and her naïve view of the World.

10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?

Follow your ambition, never give up, work more than reasonable, meet people. And I would like to share this sentence from Buddha :

“What you think: you become

What you feel: you attract

What you imagine: you create”

11. Name three things on your bucket list.

Go to Pompei with my family and drive along the Amalfitano coast

Share a fine dining experience with my family and friends

Swim in the ocean off the Britany coast

12. Where do you think the watch industry is going to be in 10 years’ time?

I feel confident that the watch industry has a bright and successful future. People need a balance between today’s fast pace world and their own roots. The values that the watchmaking industry offer can answer their need for stability and beauty.

Find out more about Alexia Steunou-Jobin on Instagram