By Vanessa Packer 

WE’VE ALL SEEN IT, a person with a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s as though a light shines from within them and they glow. Emilie Rambaud founded her company to promote people that possess the epitome of that energy. With Glowing Communications, Rambaud uses her skills in marketing to organize events focused on the wide world of wellness through like-minded Glowing ambassadors. We sat down with the Paris native to discover what makes her glow both here and in her home country of France. 

How did the concept of Glowing Communications come about?
I was working at Publicis in Paris and I loved what I was doing there, working on strategy communications and branding, but I found that all my work was not in line with my lifestyle. I was changing and evolving. I wanted to drink green juice, I changed my beauty routine and everything in my life was going in a direction towards health and wellness while everything I was working on was the opposite. I felt disconnected. Initially I wanted to create a wellness center at Publicis with the focus on the brands of tomorrow. I was very passionate about it, and I actually went to Paris to present idea, but unless you come with the one billion dollar client they aren’t interested. Even though they didn’t go with it, they were very supportive and at that time I knew it was there, almost like a baby I needed to deliver. 

What is the mission of Glowing?
The mission is to inspire people to live healthier and happier lives, and to make them glow. By telling stories through inspiring people, and through events. Our experience is from communication, but it can take so many different forms. For some clients, we create a video, other clients an event would be better, but there are not rules especially in communication and marketing. We promote being real and true to yourself. 

Was there something that happened that made you want to focus on being healthier?
I had a very hectic life. I was very busy and I needed balance. My first venture into wellness was yoga, which opened me up to be totally aware. From yoga, I mingled with different people who also drank green juice. It snowballed, you learn different things, and you experiment further. 

What was the watershed moment that had you experimenting with different books and diets?
The diet came about from my skin rashes. My digestion wasn’t as great and I was confused, because in France I was eating cheese and gluten and the rashes never happened. Then I started to do research and decided to take out gluten and all the foods that aggravate digestion. I read many books to guide me, and that’s how I found Natalia Rose, whose diet I follow closest. It was a journey, because the healthy things you think are healthy, sometimes are not. I went there, I had my Special K thinking I was healthy. 

What is your diet philosophy now?
Food combination is key. Basically, the Gil Jacob’s diet. I start with a green juice, that’s the best way to start the day. Then a have some fruit. I love coconut smoothies, they are so soothing on the belly, especially the one from Juice Press. I love One Lucky Duck too. Their Tropical Snow smoothie, is my go-to. One smoothie we feature on Glowing is the Baby Bear. It’s kale and spinach, coconut water, almond butter, bee pollen and maca. It’s so good. I usually have that after the juice. I try not to eat too much during the day. I like chia pudding that I make myself. Dinner I have a big salad with vegetable and some brown rice. I add in nuts throughout the day for a snack. 

Does you diet change when you go to France?
Yes, I learned that the hard way. When you go to France, it’s hard to find a green juice. You eat cheese and bread and it’s a constant struggle. I manage to let it go. Part of being healthy is embracing where you live. I think it helped me a lot to not stress out over food so much there. I manage to get my green juice, and it’s ok. They just opened a Rose Bakery Tea Room at Le Bon Marche, that’s where I have my green juice. It’s also opening in New York! Also, Bob’s green juice, Merci Merci too. I don’t drink as many smoothies there, but I have a lot of salads and vegetable plates. 

Do you think the dynamic is changing in Paris towards a healthier lifestyle?
A little bit. The dynamic is different. The Kale Project is there now, and there are places to find green juice. Chefs are becoming more aware of not using butter, and taking an interest in being healthy. New York’s health scene is hard core. In France, it has to be gentle and pretty. Even juices have to be very pretty. Cucumber and kale is boring, they like a little mint added in. It’s fun. 

What does an ambassador for Glowing do?
The ambassador is someone that inspires us while living a healthier, happier life. We feel that our mission is to share that with the world. When you feel like you have found out something unique that makes you happy, the first thing you want to do is share. That is exactly why I do the stories and feature ambassadors. It’s an easy way to connect. 

Is there someone that you recently worked with that inspires you?
I went to an event at ABC Home, and I saw Kris Carr. She started her speech by taking a deep breathe and saying, “Say those three words, I love you.” She said it is the best cure for any disease. That was so profound, because it’s great to have a green juice and take care of yourself but you have to love yourself. 

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Avocado toast and chia seed pudding. I love those two. I do avocado toast on Ruis rye bread, it’s the only bread that I can digest well. I toast that and put smashed avocado, red pepper and lime. 

What is your philosophy on diet and exercise? 
I do yoga and dance. I like Bari studio in Tribeca. I think you need to move. I bike, I’m very active. I drink green juice in the morning, but since we are coming into winter I like more cooked food. 

Do you change your diet with the seasons?
A little bit. In the summer I drink more green juice through the day. Winter I drink more tea. Now I want to cook more.

How has living and growing up in Paris influenced your philosophy on diet and exercise?
My upbringing in France instilled in me that taste is important. It has to taste good even if it’s raw and vegan. I like simple things. My avocado toast is so simple, but when it’s made right, it’s the best dish. That’s what France is all about. Very simple but very good.

What do you indulge in?
Chocolate. Any dessert, I eat them all. In France, I love crumbles and anything from Rose Bakery. Even their jam and the scones.

Do you meditation? How do you approach the spiritual part of your life?
I would love to meditate more. That is a journey I’m on. I go to Jivamukti. I love Rima, she’s amazing. She’s a great way for me to connect. I pray to God too. 

What do you pray for?
I pray to be a good voice for people, but I also pray to thank. That is why I created Glowing, to promote all the great things and people that I’m blessed to meet and know. So it’s also a thank you.

photo: trendland.com

FOR EMILIE’S GREEN APPLE…