Introducing our brand new series, 2021, The Start Of Something New.

Every Wednesday for the next few months we will be highlighting one inspiring individual & chatting to them about their career, their love for a physical diary & organisation, the learnings they are taking from 2020 & what they are most looking forward to in 2021. 

To start the series, meet Elise Pioch Balzac, the Founder of Maison Balzac, one of our favourite brands for perfumed candles, glassware & other beautiful objects.

Name: Elise Pioch Balzac

Occupation: Founder of Maison Balzac

2021, it’s the start of something new! What are you most looking forward to about the new year?

I believe that everyday, the sun rises over a new world. This means that we can start fresh every day and this is even more meaningful on the 1st of January 2021.

What learnings will you be taking away from (the crazy year that was) 2020 & into 2021? Have your experiences in 2020 changed your mindset & priorities in any way?

The events of 2020 have shown us that we are one united world. The virus affected ALL of us. I hope we will continue to think as one huge community and all work towards resolving the world's biggest challenge which is to protect nature.

What is one personal, professional or financial goal you will be tracking in your 2021 diary?

My personal goal is to stress less about minuscule details, my professional goal is to continue to surprise with unexpected new objects and my financial goal is to invest in our new forever family home. 

How many years have you been using an An Organised Life Diary?

It is my first year and I have a feeling it's going to change the way I tackle every day! 

What 2021 diary did you pick & why did you choose that style?

I chose the Daily Planner because my days are filled with so many tasks, ideas, dreams, meetings that I need a full page every single day.

Talk us through that feeling when you first unboxed your new AOL 2021 Diary? What did you notice? Feel? Smell?

As soon as it was delivered, I opened the black box and heard the crackling music of the paper protecting the diary. Then I discovered the matte, hard box and felt the heavy weight of the paper inside. To me, this weight is the promise of a very full year ahead!

What is your favourite feature in your 2021 diary & how will it help you stay organised?

Definitely the one page per day is going to be a huge help to organise my schedule.

What's one personal or professional project you have been working on or have upcoming that requires you to be organised?

At Maison Balzac we unveil one single collection per year, during the month of July, so we start creating 12 months ahead. It requires to be organised, to work towards deadlines and to check on every aspect of product development on a weekly basis.

What are the top 3 ways you organise your life?

The priority in the organisation of my life revolves around my daughter and particularly her school schedule. The second priority is my professional calendar and the third is our playtime.

What are your current desk essentials?

I always have on my desk a colourful glass of water, a diary and a fragrant sample burning (it can be a candle, an incense, an oil blend....).

Top organisation hack?

Never push to tomorrow what you can do today.

Get organised for 2021. Start HERE by exploring our 2021 Collection & shop Elise's favourite diary HERE.

Photography by Ana Suntay-Tañedo 

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