Par Rachel Barrett-Trangmar
The winds of change have taken champion athletes, Antoine Questel and Delphine Cousin Questel, into the world of bedding. Read on to find out more about their newfound enterprise.
Before becoming bedding specialists your career started as world-ranking windsurfers; can you briefly outline this former life?
Delphine: Windsurfing has certainly played a big part in our lives. We principally competed as part of the Professional Windsurfers Association, which is the international circuit for windsurfing whose members are some of the best windsurfers in the world. I’m proud to say that I won five world championship titles throughout my windsurfing career.
Antoine: I grew up on St Barts where I started windsurfing at a very young age, influenced by my Uncle who enjoyed the sport. My enthusiasm for windsurfing meant that I spent all my free time on the water. I was later encouraged to take part in competitions in the Caribbean, which led to my competing in France, resulting in six French championship titles! I retired last year after more than 20 years competing at a professional level – it was undoubtedly a fulfilling period of my life.
How did life on a windsurf board lead to the world of beds and bedlinen?
Delphine: That’s a good question and one that we are frequently asked. We certainly noticed the value of sleep during our windsurfing days and how much it influenced our performance. The sporting world aside, many people underestimate the benefits of sleep and how much it determines our overall health, including our mood, as well as how we operate in the work place and life in general.
Antoine: Sleeping well is like recharging our batteries; people need to understand how much this is affected by the sleeping environment, particularly bedding.
How does a bed and bedlinen affect sleep quality?
Antoine: The choice of mattress is imperative, especially as you will spend a considerable amount of time sleeping on it – approximately a third of our lives is spent in bed! The composition of a mattress is key to providing comfort and sufficient sleep. We have noticed the difference in our sleep quality since investing in a good mattress and yet we realise that everyone has their personal preferences. It is thus important to have good advice when choosing a mattress and to try it out before purchasing – what is considered to be adequately firm for one person could be considered too hard for another!
Delphine: A pillow is another important element that affects our sleep, particularly to avoid issues related to the neck. Good bedlinen is also fundamental in providing comfort in bed, especially the type of fabric in a warm climate such as St Barts.
Can you tell me about the products that you sell?
Delphine: We began by specialising in mattresses and spent a long time researching the market for a quality product. Working together with our expert supplier we have created a unique range of mattresses that meets different budgets and specific needs.
Antoine: We currently have five types of mattresses, each one named after a location in or around St Barts. We have classic foam mattresses, along with those that are pocket sprung and recommended for a humid climate; we also have a mattress made with organic fibres for clients with sensitive skin. Furthermore, we aim to supply our clients with all the top quality bedding products they need to improve their sleep.
How do you source your products?
Antoine: For our mattresses we work with a manufacturer in Spain, renowned for supplying luxury hotels. And for our bedlinen we are liaising with a company based in Portugal, recognised for its top quality fabrics.
Delphine: We favour these European suppliers who guarantee excellence and client satisfaction.
Who are your clients?
Delphine: We have a mixed clientele, from local residents to interior designers, owners of luxury villas as well as high-end hotels. Antoine’s local connection with the island has meant that we have quickly gained a good reputation through word of mouth, in addition to advertising, social media, and the monthly market in Gustavia where we gain visibility amongst the residents.
Antoine: We have specially created a mattress for the clients of Alma home store – you will recognise it by the Dreamy Home label. We hope to open up a showroom soon, but until then clients can make an appointment to view our product range.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Antoine: We naturally spend a lot of time on the water and now enjoy another wind-propelled sport – the exhilarating wing-foiling.
Delphine: We still prioritise physical exercise, regularly working out in a local gym, knowing how good it is for our well-being – especially sleep quality.
What would you like to convey to the readers of Coccoloba?
Antoine: We urge readers to not neglect the importance of sleep, and to dedicate time during their week to practise a physical activity, no matter what it may be.
Delphine: We also encourage readers to contact us to find out more about the products we supply, which will enhance their sleep and ultimately help to improve their lifestyle.
