Le T’Zébré, a concept store with a gourmet and creative flair

Toulonnaise by birth, Pradétanne since she was 15, Chantal Carrion has always lived in the region for emotional and personal reasons. She cherishes the lands of the Sud and the sea.

Chantal has always been an employee, but following the lockdown period, things changed, a spark occurred. She answers questions from the Gazette du Var. What is your background?

Chantal CARRION. I have had various experiences in the working world, the last one being as an Executive Assistant. After holding this position for more than 12 years, I felt I had come full circle and was no longer in alignment with the people I worked with.

I then made the decision to close this chapter and left the company in July 2023.

My life path is filled with experiences both professionally and personally. A true self-introspection so that I could emerge and take my place in all my entirety.

What happened during this unique period? CC. During this suspended time, I discovered another world, I started creating, beginning with crochet and macramé, while still being an employee.

I was able to join the "Plurielle 83" association, which allowed me to exhibit my creations at day markets and night markets.

What did you discover next? CC. An entire creative universe in which I was able to meet wonderful people who accompanied me on this path. I needed a pause to know what I wanted and especially what I no longer wanted.

When I left the company, I immediately knew I was going to create my own universe.

Several signs from the outside? CC. I started pottery classes in Giens.

Then a friend gave me Raphaëlle Giordano's book, "Le bazar du zèbre à pois". Following this reading, it seemed obvious to me that if I created my shop, the universe described in the book would be present: I wanted a place of sharing and friendliness. The idea for this place came to me on the same day: first the gift of the book, then another friend asking me about the progress of my project while advising me to write down everything in my head in a notebook.

She then gave me a zebra notebook...

You already had the idea of the place and the name for your shop? CC. Indeed, the book and the notebook brought together the name of my future place.

This name was going to include the word "zèbre". I then played on the world of tea and Le T'Zébré was born. I had the idea of a cocooning space with a creative universe, a time for a pause and creativity.

A space in which to exchange, share, and meet.

What do you offer at Le T'Zébré? CC. You can find the world of tea from Maison Française et Familiale George Cannon.

Also Thé Niu, which is a creation of two Hyérois, Dorian and Marion. I wanted to create a place where you can discover handmade and local creations such as candles, jewelry, unique sewing pieces, illustrations, and much more. Regarding the world of gourmet treats, I work with local pastry artisans: Sandra's cookies (The Cookies & Co) from Toulon, with Tessa and Chiara from Bianchina, a floral confectionery from Toulon, and Maison Folius in Carqueiranne, run by Marie.

Did you make a point of working with people from the region? CC. Yes, for the creative side, they are creators and artists from Toulon, Le Pradet, La Moutonne, Cogolin, Giens, La Londe-les-Maures, Sanary-sur-Mer. I also chose a few artists from Lyon and the Hautes-Alpes.

Do you have any special thanks to give for your support? CC. I believe in the magic of encounters, everything is fluid when you are on the right path.

I did a training course with the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie "5 jours pour entreprendre". I was able to meet Damien Paris there, who subsequently supported me to finalize my project. Isabelle Corre (Initiative Var) still supports me, which is also a wonderful encounter.

Thierry Allard (Var Aménagement Développement) presented the premises to me in August 2023.

The opening of Le T'Zébré began last April 24.