**American Mother Chronicles Life in France: A Journey of Adaptation and Entrepreneurship**
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Isabelle Bertolami, an American expatriate living in France, is capturing the nuances of motherhood through her social media platforms. As a content creator and entrepreneur, she shares insights into the uncharted territories of raising children in a foreign culture while navigating the complexities of family life in France.
Bertolami, who is now 38, initially arrived in France a decade ago when she visited Paris on holiday. It was during this trip that she met her future husband. Their romance flourished despite the challenges of a two-year long-distance relationship, which saw Bertolami splitting her time between grad school in the U.S. and summers in Paris. Eventually, Bertolami relocated permanently to France to start a family, which now includes two children aged six years and just six months.
Upon arriving in her new country, Bertolami quickly faced the reality that her qualifications as a dietitian did not translate into the French system. As she embraced her new role as a mother to a young daughter while seeking work, she discovered an essential French baby product called liniment. This product, a blend of olive oil and limestone water, is commonly used by French parents for baby care. She saw an opportunity and, alongside her best friend Victoria Piluso, set out to create a similar product under the brand name Propre Baby, aiming to introduce it to parents worldwide.
A pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial journey came when Bertolami’s husband encouraged her to utilise TikTok not just for marketing Propre Baby, but to share her experiences as an American mother in France. This decision paid off, as she has since garnered nearly 180,000 followers on TikTok and around 250,000 on Instagram. Her engaging posts often highlight the cultural differences in parenting, from the types of snacks French children enjoy to the distinctive baby products prevalent in the country.
Though she has grown to appreciate French culture, Bertolami candidly admits that moving abroad was filled with challenges. Chief among them was the language barrier, which she likens to experiencing life as a toddler again, stripped of her previous confidence. The initial inability to communicate left her feeling isolated, as her husband’s friends misinterpreted her quietness for shyness.
Building friendships with locals presented its own set of hurdles. While she found it easier to connect with fellow Americans, Bertolami notes that French people tend to be more reserved. This recognition led her to reflect on the differences in social dynamics and the deeper bonds formed after breaking through initial barriers.
Even everyday activities, such as grocery shopping or visiting the post office, became complex tasks in her new environment. Bertolami recalls her struggles with language comprehension and adjusting to the metric system, which significantly altered the way she approached even the simplest errands. However, each minor challenge contributed to her sense of empowerment, ultimately making her feel “invincible” as she adapted to her new life.
Navigating the French education system has also been a notable adjustment. Bertolami explains that children in France begin school at three years old, with structured days that extend from early morning until late afternoon. This stark contrast to the U.S. system, where many children delay formal schooling, has resulted in a shift in how she perceives childhood development. She observes that French children may appear more mature due to their early exposure to rigorous routines.
Moreover, Bertolami highlights the cultural differences in meal times and snacking habits. In France, children typically have set mealtimes, and snacking throughout the day is less common compared to the casual approach in the U.S. Her daughter, for example, recently expressed disbelief when her family suggested fast food while on a road trip, insisting that meals must be consumed at the table rather than in the car.
As Bertolami raises her children, she takes pride in their unique mix of American and French heritage. She believes that her background significantly influences her children’s upbringing, allowing them access to diverse cultural experiences.
Social media has proven to be an invaluable tool for Bertolami, not only to promote her brand but also to share the joys and challenges of her life as an expat mother. As her company continues to develop, she emphasises the importance of increased awareness regarding the standards of baby products in France, which are often more stringent than those in the U.S.
With aspirations to make Propre Baby a household name, Bertolami aims to introduce parents to high-quality products that may otherwise go unnoticed in the U.S. She remains optimistic despite the challenges of growing her business and is determined to bridge cultural divides through shared knowledge and experience.
Isabelle Bertolami’s journey from an American mother confronting the nuances of life in France to a thriving entrepreneur serves as an inspiring account of adaptability and cross-cultural learning.