In the Grenoble
region, the brand of visible and comfortable equipment, imagined by Delphine
Chartron five years ago, is already well known. The promise: safety equipment,
visible, suitable for cycling, and always a touch of humor.
Originally an
engineer in the environment and energy sector, Delphine Chartron had the idea a
few years ago to create a yellow vest more suited to cycling. Less hot, more
ergonomic, adjustable… she learned to sew to create her prototype.
"I was not
programmed to undertake. But the first crowdfunding worked so well that I no
longer had a choice". This is how Vasimimile was created.
Delphine
Chartron's proposal comes in a range of products, adults or children, the best
known of which are reflective vests with adjustable size. "More and more
people cycle to work and need a backpack. However, the vest is hidden by the
bag. Being able to adjust it allows you to put the vest over. And when we have
no more bags, we adjust the vest so that it is more adjusted. It's much more
comfortable than riding a bike with equipment that has a strong wind
resistance".
The range also
offers reflective Iroquois crests to be attached to helmets, or belts.
"Everything is not fluorescent. Sometimes there are reasons. But they are
reflective at night, to ensure they are well seen."
The one who says
she is more comfortable with product creation than with marketing is not left
out when it comes to catchy slogans. This is how his vests are crossed out with
currencies, such as "the only chain that frees us".
The Covid-19
crisis did not spare the designer who resumed her activity last June. "In
general the months of July and August are not the best, but this year there has
been a form of catching up. I am aware that I am in the right niche, at the
right time, because today, cycling and made in France are strongly
encouraged".
Because obviously,
Vasimimile equipment is stamped "made in France". The young
entrepreneur, making a point of honor to responsible manufacturing, has part of
her production carried out by an integration workshop.
Soon, Vasimimile
should set up a partnership with the Cyclable shops, and develop partnerships
with certain local institutions.
The range should
also evolve, to be more suited to rain and cold, but also to meet the
expectations of mountain bikers and trailers. "Their constraints are
higher. And we must be able to put into production without too many seams, so
as not to increase the cost of manufacture. It is imperative to be able to
remain in the made in France."
