Aurore Abecassis: We’re just getting started!
"Women In is a series of portraits of women who, by way of their career path, personalities or commitments, are involved – with talent – in all areas of their company or even society at large. Although we celebrate women on 8 March every year, we felt it was important to devote a little more time and space to them before and after that symbolic date in order to highlight the diversity of their trajectories and emphasise the power of their impact on society."
In honour of International Women’s Day, the “Au Féminin by SGPB” club has put together a series of interviews to highlight women who are an inspiration in their field. The club began three years ago to help women navigate decisions around their finances and wealth management. Marceline Try, Business Development Manager at Societe Generale Private Banking, met with Aurore Abecassis, founder and CEO of Acmé Paris.
Aurore Abecassis
Aurore Abecassis is the founder and CEO of Acmé Paris, an events planning and communications agency created during the height of Covid. It has a unique approach that blends strategic advice and brand analysis to design beautiful, iconic events for companies in the luxury and technology sectors, as well as institutions.
Five years later, Aurore has become the go-to name for strategic events, working with prestigious clients such as LVMH, Richemont, Airbnb and the United Nations. She has demonstrated that events are not just another expense, but a powerful driver for building team cohesion, engaging clients and making a lasting impact.
Aurore was named one of the “40 Femmes Forbes” in 2024, is an ambassador of the creative movement La French Touch, a member of Club Bootstrap for entrepreneurs, and of numerous women's networks. Prior to launching Acmé Paris, she cut her teeth at Bain & Company.
Marceline Try, Business Development Manager
As an opener, what words or expressions would you use to describe your career and your personality?
People often tell me that my career journey is quite atypical — surprising even. I was fortunate to study at HEC Paris Business School, which helped me grow and lay down a solid foundation before joining a major consulting firm. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and put myself out there. Then one day, something just clicked and I took the plunge to found Acmé — an events agency with a unique approach for helping brands assert their identity through the lens of culture and art. It was a gamble, but it was a perfect match with my personality and with what I wanted to share and create. I’m a firm believer in curiosity; not as a flaw, but as an essential quality for opening up to the world, understanding and innovating.
Building on that, what or who inspires you?
For me, it’s more a question of ‘who’ than ‘what’. I’m deeply moved by the people I’ve met both in and outside the office; they are my true sources of inspiration.
One such meeting, and a pivotal one at that, was with Celestina Agostino. Celestina creates outstanding wedding dresses that seamlessly blend craftsmanship with the exclusivity and uniqueness of haute couture. She has an innate understanding of the women she dresses, and a deeply personal, intuitive approach to creating the gown her client has always dreamed of. Her approach inspires the way I engage with my own clients. I take time to truly grasp their expectations and needs so that I can craft a brand experience that reflects who they are or aspire to be.
My father was a ‘serial entrepreneur’, in the purest sense of the term. His resilience, energy and drive left a deep impression on me. With Acmé I’m writing my own story, never forgetting how much I am in his debt. I value my independence and all the advantages and challenges that come with it.
Did being among Forbes France’s 40 Women in 2024 change your life?
I was honoured and proud to be with such a talented group of women. Being nominated has encouraged me to persevere, keep doing what I do. But it’s not accolades I'm after. My real motivation is to grow Acmé, deliver the very best to my clients, and not rest on my laurels. That’s what being an entrepreneur means to me, and never forgetting the teams behind me and to whom I owe so much.
What is the biggest problem facing the women of your generation?
Being a woman isn’t something I think about all the time, though I’m aware of the battles women have had to fight in recent years. It’s a man’s world, built by men. Women need to bring their own approaches, sensitivity and insights to the table, all of which are complementary. Women have to work much harder to own their space. I think we’re making progress, but we must remain vigilant. I’m wholly focused on my life as an entrepreneur. I’ve had to learn to fight, prove and assert myself, and these are skills that don’t always come naturally to the women of my generation. That’s why solidarity among women is so important, and why I'm part of at least ten women’s clubs.
What advice would you give to young people thinking about their future career?
I don’t feel old enough to be dishing out advice just yet! Jokes aside, I believe in the value of hard work. I also think that exploring different fields helps broaden your horizons and pushes you out of your comfort zone. Be hungry to see, understand and learn. My experience as an entrepreneur has also shown me that learning from failure and unlocking your resilience through hardship is an excellent way to bounce back.
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In honour of International Women’s Day, the “Au Féminin by SGPB” club has put together a series of interviews to...
In honour of International Women’s Day, the “Au Féminin by SGPB” club has put together a series of interviews to...
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