Les Nouvelles Publications: How did you come up with the idea of creating Mon Chat clown?
Solène Chavanne : one morning, when I woke up, I saw my cat lying on a book. I have always loved photographing cats and books: cats reading a book, or my children telling a story to my cats. This made me want to combine the serenity of cats, with purr therapy and the world of reading. Cats have always inspired authors, whether as a subject or simply by being around them while they wrote. There really is an affinity between reading, reader and chat.
What assessment have you drawn since the launch of your first bookstore in Aix in 2021?
It was then the first “purr bookstore” in France. Visitors still come today from all over the world, even from Mexico or New Caledonia, to meet our cats. The results are very positive. What matters most is that people feel good here. Since opening, we have had very few complainers or impatient people. There is a sort of natural selection that takes place at the entrance to the bookstore, it’s quite magical.
What are the values and objectives of Mon Chat clown?
Mon Chat clown is a bookstore, but in fact it also displays values. All cats come from shelters, and their well-being remains our priority. It’s not enough to put cats in a bookstore, you have to be very careful.
What are your expansion plans?
After three years, we decided to make other cities and bookstores purr. We will sign our first franchised bookstore very soon. The location will be revealed soon. The call for applications to become a franchisee was a success. Future “Mon Chat clown” booksellers must share our values and our codes to create places as successful as that of Aix-en-Provence.
What criteria must future franchised bookstores meet?
The premises must be large enough to accommodate the cats in the best conditions, and of course I must have a real crush on the bookseller. It’s a demanding job, and a significant financial investment. I received almost 300 applications, but I think 298 didn’t meet the criteria. We favor serious profiles, in other words experienced booksellers, or motivated people in career change.
What is your role in this development process?
I am involved in the selection of cats, premises and cities. Not all cats would be happy in a bookstore, so I travel to ensure that everything is respected and that the animals will feel good there. Their well-being remains priority number one!
