Lomography Partners: Chez Javotte of Corsica, France

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Come one, come all. Lomography has partners all over the world to help serve your analogue needs. If you're from France then it's your lucky day! We're featuring our Corsica-based stockist Antonia Santoni of Chez Javotte in today's installment of Lomography Partners.

Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the incredible female-owned businesses that work with us, and we’re thrilled to feature Antonia and Chez Javotte as part of this series!

© Antonia Santoni of Chez Javotte

Hi, can you introduce yourself to the Lomography community?

My name is Antonia Santoni and I'm the co-founder of Chez Javotte. I studied art, then taught yoga before opening my store in Corsica. It is part of a sustainable consumption approach—I sell quality products related to the Mediterranean way of life.

What’s the story behind your store? How did it all start?

Chez Javotte is a family thing – I created it with my mother and little sister. We were in full lockdown, and it was becoming difficult to live from teaching yoga, but I wanted to continue doing a job that made sense and allowed me to help people, meet people, and advise them.

I knew that my little thing is retail, so we asked ourselves “What if we opened a non-essential store in the middle of a pandemic?” I found a place that looked like a small beach hut, filled it with things I like, organized events and very quickly a community was created around Chez Javotte. I didn't just want to have a store, but an atmosphere.

© Antonia Santoni of Chez Javotte

Why do you choose to work with Lomography?

As a child, I was asked this question: “If your house burns down, what do you take with you?” Without hesitation, I answered, my photos and my diaries. It was very nostalgic for me. I would like people to stay, and for the moments to last. I sell the essentials at Javotte and what could be more beautiful than a photo on paper?

A photographer friend sent me a print he had made of me and on this paper were my memories of this moment, the smells of the house, the music, the sensations. It was a time machine. It's probably cliché but how could you transmit all this to a generation that has only known the iPhone?

Do you have a favorite Lomography product?

The Diana F+ was my first Lomography camera. I bought it during my studies, and I had a blast doing multiple exposures with it. It followed me everywhere, especially in the evenings. In addition to the rendering, I also like the retro side of the camera.

Do you think there are any specific advantages or disadvantages to being a female business owner?

Don't get me started on this subject. I feel like I have to multiply the proof of my skills by 10. Justify myself on my journey and communicate "Yes I'm good at business. And yes I have ideas, and no, no man helped me to set up this project (except my father-in-law). Sorry, this must be hard to swallow but we're getting by without you."

Do you have a favorite memory from running your business over the last couple of years?

What I'm going through right now. Chez Javotte will be two years old soon and the store is doing very well, so we changed addresses. It's like giving birth to a new baby. I feel like I'm starting from scratch because there's more space, so I'm looking for new products and a new atmosphere. I'm very excited to be here at this point.

© Antonia Santoni of Chez Javotte

Who inspires you?

My mother, because she raised us on her own. She has such a passion for her work as she is independent, strong, and always looking for a new project.

What excites and energizes you the most about your work?

Movement. I don't like the word concept store because I feel like today it doesn't make sense anymore but I sell a variety of products, so I have to constantly renew myself and look for new ideas.

And probably people. I like to transmit, make exchanges, and experience unexpected encounters, yet I am a very lonely person outside of my work. But if I can help an anxious person thanks to CBD oils, and explain how a device works like film cameras to young people who were born in the digital age, then I feel like I'm doing good. That gives meaning to my life.

Do you have any plans or future projects you're working on for your business?

Yes, I am launching the Maison Circé brand, we have been on it for a year, these are CBD oils associated with Mediterranean plants. I'm always eager to help, and with that I will be able to offer a real quality product. I am very proud of it. Then there goes my new shop which is much bigger so I will be putting in work and setting up a space dedicated to exhibitions.

© Antonia Santoni of Chez Javotte

What advice would you give to anyone (particularly other women) who wants to start their own creative business as you have done?

YOU NEED TO HAVE A LOT OF AUDACITY. Make choices and take responsibility for them. Do not doubt yourself in the face of those who will tell you about their own anxieties. Feed on new inspirations. Taking risks and being reckless can sometimes be rewarding. Have as little ego as possible so as not to experience failures too badly. Love people, share, and exchange ideas with them.

Vital Information

Official Name: Chez Javotte
Address: 7 Rue Bonaparte 20000 Ajaccio, France
Services offered: camera, gear, and film sales


Want to see your favorite store featured in our magazine? Please send us an email at wholesaleinquiries@lomography.com and we will check them out!

written by cheeo on 2023-03-24 #people #places #partners #analogue #corsica #france #stockists #lomography-partners #antonia-santoni #chez-javotte

Mentioned Product

Lomography Diana F+

Lomography Diana F+

Take timeless and dramatic photos on 120 film with the Diana F+. Create stunning soft-focused images and customize it with sweet lenses or even an instant back for additional effects and flexibility.

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