We recently connected with Perrine Darroman and have shared our conversation below.
Perrine, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a process that came with life’s experiences and the support of my family. Moving to New York 10 years ago with my husband and our 18-month-old daughter was a big challenge, but it taught me to trust myself and face the unknown. Each time I stepped out of my comfort zone, like when we opened our first coffee shop, I learned that confidence grows with every small success.
My family has been a huge source of strength. My parents, my husband, and even my kids have always believed in me, which gave me the courage to believe in myself.
For anyone working on their confidence, I’d say take small steps and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every experience, good or bad, helps you grow and shows you how capable you really are.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Perrine, and for the past 10 years, I’ve been living in New York with my husband and our two kids. Moving here was a huge step in my life’s journey, and it’s been incredible to build a home and raise a family in such a vibrant, diverse city.
Professionally, I’m passionate about creating experiences that bring people together. With Frenchy Coffee, I’ve been able to blend my love for community, great coffee, and small indulgences into something truly meaningful. It’s a space where people can connect, unwind, and enjoy moments of joy in their busy lives.
What excites me most about what I do is seeing the impact of those small, thoughtful moments—whether it’s someone stopping in for their daily coffee or discovering something new they love. I’m a firm believer in the power of connection and how even the smallest gestures, like sharing a treat or offering a welcoming space, can make a difference in someone’s day.
Outside of work, my family inspires me every day. As a mom, I’m always juggling family life and work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way—it keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do. I’m also drawn to creativity and exploration, whether that’s discovering new ideas for the shop or learning from the incredible people I meet along the way.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about growing Frenchy Coffee in ways that continue to reflect who I am—both personally and professionally. Whether it’s through introducing new offerings, connecting with more people in our community, or simply creating a space where everyone feels welcome, I’m always looking forward to what’s next.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think four key qualities have been especially impactful in my journey: adaptability, resilience, perseverance, and the ability to connect with others.
1. Adaptability
Life is full of unexpected changes. Moving to New York, building a life here, and starting a business required me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Learning to stay open to change and view it as an opportunity rather than a setback has been invaluable. For those just starting out, I’d encourage you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s where the most growth happens. Stay curious and flexible, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.
2. Resilience
There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned, but resilience helped me navigate those challenges. It’s about bouncing back, learning from failures, and staying focused on your purpose, even when the road gets tough. My advice? Build resilience by reframing obstacles as lessons. Remember, setbacks don’t define you but how you respond to them does.
3. Perseverance
Building something meaningful takes time and persistence. There were moments I doubted myself, but I learned to push through by focusing on my long-term goals and staying disciplined. My advice? Keep going, even when the path feels uncertain. Set small, achievable milestones along the way, and celebrate those wins, they’ll keep you motivated and remind you of your progress.
4. Connection
Whether in my personal or professional life, building relationships has been at the heart of everything. At Frenchy Coffee, it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome and valued. In life, it’s about surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you. For anyone starting out, I’d say: invest in your relationships. Seek mentors, listen to others’ stories, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Connection is what helps us grow and makes the journey worthwhile.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. It’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Focus on progress over perfection, and trust that every experience success or setback has something to teach you.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was always being there showing unwavering support and presence, no matter the circumstances. They’ve been by my side through some of the biggest milestones in my life, both the joyous ones and the challenging ones.
When my husband and I decided to move to New York with our 18-month-old daughter, it was a massive change for all of us. It wasn’t easy, but my parents stood by us, offering their love, guidance, and encouragement. Later, when we took the leap to open our first coffee shop, their belief in us never wavered, even when the challenges seemed overwhelming.
What’s most inspiring is how they supported not just me, but my entire family. Their sacrifices, patience, and presence remind me of the power of unconditional love and resilience. Looking back, I realize that their strength became my strength, and their example continues to shape how I approach life, family, and work.
I hope to pass on that same sense of presence and unwavering support to my own kids, teaching them that no matter what life brings, they will always have a strong foundation to lean on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Frenchycoffeenyc.com
- Instagram: Frenchycoffeenyc
- Facebook: Frenchy Coffee nyc
- Other: TikTok @frenchycoffeenyc
Image Credits
These are my own
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
