Stephanie Knecht

“When I started my professional training, I came home one evening and said to my mother: soon, I'll be in the headmistress's place!” laughs Stéphanie Knecht, who earned a vocational certificate and a BTS in beauty, with the congratulations of her teachers. Confirmed in her vocation by winning numerous competitions, she then took the plunge and opened her first hair and beauty center in 1998, called Elégance. “At the same time, I became a demonstrator-trainer for the Héliabrine dermo-cosmetic skincare laboratory in Monaco – which opened my eyes to the international world – and a teacher at the Gontard school in Nice. I asked the founder of the school to train me, to teach me her profession; and that's how we were able to buy the place in 2000.” At 23, I became the youngest director of a private training establishment, and to do so, I had to request an exemption from the rectorate,” recalls Stéphanie, who works hand in hand with her husband, Jean-Eric Knecht, a biochemist and training specialist.

Care open to other cultures

Very quickly, the couple turned to foreign countries to avoid going around in circles regarding their expertise. "We created schools in other countries. Japan works a lot on prevention and inner well-being; there are also Berber treatments in Morocco, sanatoriums in Belarus, Ayurvedic treatments in India. Initially passionate about aesthetics, we broadened our horizons to well-being by creating the first French spa diploma," enthuses the entrepreneur. In addition to her original profession, Stéphanie gradually expanded her scope to business management, social and human support, as well as project creation, knowing that she is also turning to AI. Watching the students pass through her Nice establishment, the director adds: "One of my greatest prides is seeing the daughters of my first students arrive." I am touched to have helped build them at the beginning of their story, to have passed on to them codes and a vision of quality well-being. Some, after a professional career, are now trainers with us."

Elegance

The Elégance Academy in Nice is part of the Elégance group, co-directed by Stéphanie and her husband, Jean-Eric Knecht. She manages the Nice school, while he oversees international strategy. In its 1,500 m² premises on ^Rue Hôtel des Postes, it offers students a top-of-the-line institute and spa. Based on 4-5 star standards, it features a hammam, an affusion shower, flotation beds, and a wellness lounge. Elégance trains students and professionals in France, as well as 200 people annually internationally through a licensing system. What Stéphanie loves most is blending French and international expertise to create new protocols that advance the profession. She is therefore in charge of all research and development for the group, focusing on spa and beauty practices.