In Conversation Avec: Victoria Vagn Jakobsen
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Postcards from Marseille
Back in the beginning of Summer I spent a long weekend in Marseille — and let me just say, it wasn’t nearly long enough. Four days gave me a glimpse of this sexy, gritty, historically rich and widely multicultural city - but it was just so much more than I imagined. I can see why so many Parisians pack up and move here. Next time, I’m going for at least a week. With a list of places to eat, see, and wander, my friend and I jumped on the TGV from Gare de Lyon. Honestly, the train ride itself feels like part of the holiday. Paris to the South of France is hands down my favourite route — six hours of watching the scenery shift until suddenly you’re on the Mediterranean. So, here it is: my Marseille must do's...just a little starter moodboard for your own Marseille adventures. I also recommend searching on TikTok for your personal faves for things like Matcha/coffee, places to stay, gluten free etc. We stayed in Old Town (the 1st) and loved it but it is probably on the rougher side for some. Marseille Things to Do Tuba Club – perfect for a sunset dinner or long lunch (book ahead) La Mercerie – one of the best meals I’ve ever had Jogging – concept store with a very cool mix of designers like Jaquemus, Marine Serre, and Charlotte Chennai's. They also have a cool curation of objects, perfumes, vintage finds and art books. Maison Empereur – a French institution for interiors, cookware, and all things home Le Bar sur la Mer – a cool bar that turns into dancing later in the night Calanques Sormiou – hike and swim in the most picturesque place you'll ever go Moroccan & North African market streets - On your way to La Mercerie and Maison Empereur - the Noailles district (Rue d'Aubagne and some side streets) Curious Antique store - Located in Old Town, this little hole-in-the-wall store has some very cool vintage bags & jewellery along with antique objects and furniture from the South of France and beyond. Don't go here 'especially' but if you're in the area definitely pop in. Marieve Atelier - A local designer making some very cool pieces and she's got lots of locally handcrafted jewellery too - like the heart earrings I got (pic below).
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Things I've been doing in Paris Lately
Pin these in your must do in Paris list Matcha An iced matcha paired with a matcha & white chocolate cookie from The Matcha Social Club is pure perfection. Bonjour Jacob Bookstore & Coffee Shop Tucked away in the 10th arrondissement, this is the perfect spot to spend a few hours. The coffee is fantastic, too. Boulangerie Right next door to Bonjour Jacob is one of the most stunning historic boulangeries in Paris, and everything I’ve tried there is an 11/10. Art The Bourse de Commerce isn’t just a gallery—it’s one of the most breathtaking spaces I’ve ever experienced. A true masterpiece of beauty and immersion.
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October Journal
October So Far We've been so fortunate with the weather here in Paris this autumn—last week, it reached 26 degrees and also happened to be my birthday! This month has been a blend of work and holidays. I've been busy with my team at Ogilvy Paris (for those new here, I'm an Experience Strategist at Ogilvy) working on some exciting Web 3 projects for Maison Margiela. I also attended the Vogue Business conference in London, Tradition Meets Transformation, which was fantastic! I’ll dive deeper into that in an upcoming vlog, so be sure to follow along on my YouTube. Also While in London for work, I took myself to the CEO Yourself Live event at Soho House's Electric Shadows in Notting Hill. It was a such great experience! —Hermione, the founder, was truly in her element as a speaker. Some of the key takeaways for me were about applying strategy to life goals. As a strategist, the information wasn’t new to me, but what stood out was her practical application of strategic principles to personal life, not just business. The event was super chic, and I left with new friends, connections, and that feeling of leaving better than when you arrived. And I've also had some time off in Paris, which I haven't done this in maybe five years! It's been really nice to just 'be in Paris' and feel like i'm on a Parisian holiday. Currently Reading I’ve just started The Diary of a CEO and I’m really enjoying it! Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first (not sure why), but it’s turning out to be a great read, I'm learning SO much (particularly The Buckets - get the book and you'll know) and it's one of those books that I'm bringing up during conversations with my friends. I especially like his format - makes it easy to read little bits and come back. New Vintage Shop in Paris A new vintage spot just opened on Rue des Martyrs (Pigalle), right next to Rose Bakery, and it's definitely worth checking out. They have a great selection of jackets and some fun Y2K-era t-shirts, dresses, and skirts! Currently Journaling On Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on friendships—exploring where certain relationships feel like they've run their course and how to move forward with kindness and love, instead of staying in connections that no longer serve me. I’ve been leaning heavily into Krista Williams' content—she’s someone who really dives into the inner work, her insights and advice always hit so deep and are incredibly helpful and feels like a supportive friend who's got your back. Currently Watching I’ve been loving Karen and Lisa Napoly on YouTube. They’re sisters from Paris vloging their everyday Parisian lives (they're the founders of fashion brand Twin Flame) and both have the most infectious positive energy, they're just a pleasure to watch. Also, Nobody Wants This on Netflix is a must-watch! It stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody (aka Seth from The OC). It’s funny, but it also has those deeper, relatable moments where you recognise parts of yourself or people you know in the characters. Currently Listening To My new FAVOURITE AUDIOBOOK is The Culture Map—a must-listen for anyone working or interested in working globally. It highlights significant cultural differences and how they impact everything from email communication to decision-making. For example, it explains how to write emails that really cut through for American vs. German, French, and Spanish audiences—Americans won’t read or retain information the same way a French audience would. One of the most eye-opening parts was how Japanese and Korean professionals expect information to be structured in a specific way to build trust and show expertise. These aren’t subtle differences—they can make or break how effectively you communicate across cultures. I’ll be vlogging about this later this month, so stay tuned on YouTube! Currently Working on Inspired by a conversation with one of my best friends, I’m working on a ‘career glow-up’ workbook. My friend is feeling lost, struggling to figure out what career path gives her a sense of purpose, excitement, and success—she’s totally unsure and this workbook is for her and anyone else who is feeling wtf in this space. Since I’ve been diving into these topics since my early 20s, through books, podcasts, mentors, and a thriving career, I’m compiling everything I’ve learned into a workbook to help others. It should be ready by December, so it might be a fun way to kickstart the new year if this resonates with you!
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