Women's Hour: Chloé Reuter
Women's Hour: Chloé Reuter
Chloé Reuter is an entrepreneur with a passion for China. She is Founding Partner and Vice Chair of Gusto Collective, Asia's leading Branding and Technology Company. Chloé started her own business, Reuter Communications, in 2010 in Shanghai. The communications agency became a leader in China working with luxury brands and was acquired by Gusto Collective in 2020. Today, the company also advises brands with developing and implementing authentic sustainable strategies in China and Asia.
Originally from Luxembourg and the UK, Chloé is a leader with strong values who believes that successful businesses must be built on kindness and diversity. Chloé is a frequent and sought after speaker (in English, French and Chinese) on Luxury. She is a graduate of Durham University and the People’s University (Beijing) in Chinese and Japanese Studies. She currently lives between Shanghai and London. She has two teenage children and a rescue dog from Shanghai.
We caught up with Chloé to learn more about her career, entrepreneurial spirit and the lessons she has learnt along the way.
I’m a mix of nationalities, languages and cultures. I have been very lucky to live in many places, meet fantastic people, and have a fulfilling career! I’m a really positive person and I definitely make sure I appreciate each day.
What made you make the leap from journalism to entrepreneurship?
The idea of becoming an entrepreneur was rooted in a simple desire: I wanted to be my own boss. I had worked for a number of different companies and witnessed first hand what bad leadership looks like. I was convinced that there must be another way to run a successful business: one based on kindness. Definitely being naive is an advantage when you throw yourself into building a business from scratch.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the diversity of what I do, the people I work with, the brands we have the privilege to partner with. Building and scaling a business requires so many different skills: you have to constantly adapt, learn and deal with challenges. It definitely has not always been an easy ride, but you learn as much from the mistakes and failures, as you do from the successes.
What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?
There have been so many moments I treasure, from being quoted in articles in my favourite newspapers, to working with incredible brands. However, my proudest moment was becoming part of Gusto Collective in 2020. Having built the business for 10 years it was the right time to become part of something bigger, and the vision to combine our business with technology was very exciting. Three years on, I’m still loving my work.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I tell myself, my kids and our colleagues the same thing: be kind and just try your best. It’s that simple.
What makes a successful business woman?
Resilience (the ability to get back up quickly when you get knocked down), good humour, and a great group of friends and family.
I’m a mix of nationalities, languages and cultures. I have been very lucky to live in many places, meet fantastic people, and have a fulfilling career! I’m a really positive person and I definitely make sure I appreciate each day.
What made you make the leap from journalism to entrepreneurship?
The idea of becoming an entrepreneur was rooted in a simple desire: I wanted to be my own boss. I had worked for a number of different companies and witnessed first hand what bad leadership looks like. I was convinced that there must be another way to run a successful business: one based on kindness. Definitely being naive is an advantage when you throw yourself into building a business from scratch.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the diversity of what I do, the people I work with, the brands we have the privilege to partner with. Building and scaling a business requires so many different skills: you have to constantly adapt, learn and deal with challenges. It definitely has not always been an easy ride, but you learn as much from the mistakes and failures, as you do from the successes.
What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?
There have been so many moments I treasure, from being quoted in articles in my favourite newspapers, to working with incredible brands. However, my proudest moment was becoming part of Gusto Collective in 2020. Having built the business for 10 years it was the right time to become part of something bigger, and the vision to combine our business with technology was very exciting. Three years on, I’m still loving my work.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I tell myself, my kids and our colleagues the same thing: be kind and just try your best. It’s that simple.
What makes a successful business woman?
Resilience (the ability to get back up quickly when you get knocked down), good humour, and a great group of friends and family.
"If you love what you do, embrace it. Being ambitious and working hard is something to be proud of! "
Anything is possible! You need to stick with it. Hard work. Always be kind. Too many women waste time feeling guilty and dealing with impostor syndrome. If you love what you do, embrace it. Being ambitious and working hard is something to be proud of.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
I love working. However, I realise that being an entrepreneur is an all encompassing experience for the family. I am lucky to have an incredible husband who is 100% supportive, I could never have done this without him. I have also always involved my children with work, so from a young age they were coming into the office and getting involved with projects and helping out. They have been part of this journey too, and I’m grateful for that.
Everyone finds a balance in their own way. For me, I carve out time for exercise, walking the dog, listening to podcasts and spending quality time with the kids. Oh and I also go to bed SUPER early. That’s my big secret!
What stood out to you about DeMellier?
I was really impressed with Mireia and her vision for DeMellier. It’s not just a beautiful product but the handbags are made ethically and sustainably. Every bag sold supports people in need.
What DeMellier style is your favourite and why?
That’s impossible to answer. It’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! I really love them all and it depends on the occasion. The New York is great when I have to carry my laptop and gym clothes at the same time, the Vancouver is a perfect chic little bag to take you from day to night, and all the Raffia ones are beautiful too!
What do you admire most about DeMellier?
The brand’s commitment to doing good and giving back.
Describe DeMellier in one word
CHIC!
Anything is possible! You need to stick with it. Hard work. Always be kind. Too many women waste time feeling guilty and dealing with impostor syndrome. If you love what you do, embrace it. Being ambitious and working hard is something to be proud of.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
I love working. However, I realise that being an entrepreneur is an all encompassing experience for the family. I am lucky to have an incredible husband who is 100% supportive, I could never have done this without him. I have also always involved my children with work, so from a young age they were coming into the office and getting involved with projects and helping out. They have been part of this journey too, and I’m grateful for that.
Everyone finds a balance in their own way. For me, I carve out time for exercise, walking the dog, listening to podcasts and spending quality time with the kids. Oh and I also go to bed SUPER early. That’s my big secret!
What stood out to you about DeMellier?
I was really impressed with Mireia and her vision for DeMellier. It’s not just a beautiful product but the handbags are made ethically and sustainably. Every bag sold supports people in need.
What DeMellier style is your favourite and why?
That’s impossible to answer. It’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! I really love them all and it depends on the occasion. The New York is great when I have to carry my laptop and gym clothes at the same time, the Vancouver is a perfect chic little bag to take you from day to night, and all the Raffia ones are beautiful too!
What do you admire most about DeMellier?
The brand’s commitment to doing good and giving back.
Describe DeMellier in one word
CHIC!