Coralie Darzacq, founder of Lurra Design, a company specializing in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the promotion of workplace well-being

Coralie completed the University Diploma (DU) “Tools for Entrepreneurship” at IAE Pau-Bayonne of UPPA, combined with the National Student-Entrepreneur Status (SNEE) from 2024 to 2025. Both theoretical and entrepreneurial, this program provided her with a strong framework that structured the creation of Lurra Design.

You are a UPPA graduate… What was your academic path?

I followed a path off the beaten track. I joined the DU “Tools for Entrepreneurship” at IAE Pau-Bayonne of UPPA because I wanted to learn how to run a business in order to develop my own. At the same time, I benefited from the National Student-Entrepreneur Status (SNEE) at IAE Pau-Bayonne, which helped me further develop my business idea. These two programs were complementary. The DU provided me with theoretical knowledge. I learned a lot, particularly in management, accounting, and self-awareness, which is very important as an entrepreneur. It also gave me communication skills to learn how to sell my products and present myself more effectively. During this year, I also expanded my knowledge independently by training in posture analysis tools and ergonomics to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through an online course. From 2019 to 2022, before joining the DU, I studied at the École Supérieure de Design des Landes.

Why did you choose this path?

My path has been guided by my desire to be useful and to support people in their daily well-being at work. While initially working as a product designer, I became aware of the impact of unsuitable furniture on workplace health, having experienced neck pain myself. That was when I realized I could contribute to improving employees’ daily health. I understood the importance of offering ergonomic office furniture to prevent MSDs. At first, my company’s goal was to offer furniture adapted to this need. However, after completing the DU, I realized that this required too much initial investment. I therefore chose to start with service-based activities, such as prevention workshops to explain how the body works to employees. I also provide workstation and posture analyses. Movement is essential to avoid pain. I analyze proper posture and workplace ergonomics.

What is the added value of the program and the National Student-Entrepreneur Status (SNEE) – IAE Pau-Bayonne?

The student-entrepreneur status allowed me to attend thematic workshops and to be supported by a mentor from Pépite ECA, which runs this program. This external perspective was valuable in developing my project. It was during the DU that I redirected my project toward service offerings, using the analysis and market research tools I had been taught. These tools enabled me to confront my idea with market realities and understand the financial weight of investing in ergonomic furniture production. My professors and mentor provided immediate feedback on the issues I presented to them. This feedback contributed to the maturity of my project, as did exchanges with other student entrepreneurs. At the end of my program, I wanted to retain the benefits of this support by joining the “Interstices” business cooperative in Tarnos under a business project support contract (CAP), where I sell my services while testing my activity.

At the time, how did you imagine your “professional future”?

It matches what I had imagined. Even though I adapted my project, the goal remained the same: to create my own company. That is what I am doing today, and I feel I am in the right place.

Is your current role related to your academic training?

Yes, absolutely. This program was a springboard for me. It provided structure, support, and helped launch me into the business world, which can seem intimidating at first. It gave me entrepreneurial skills and a real network with other students.

Can you associate 2 or 3 words with UPPA? A highlight? An anecdote?

Support, opportunity, and experimentation. A highlight for me was participating in the Spring Camp organized by UPPA and Pépite (which manages the student-entrepreneur status). This three-day event was designed for project holders and helped them develop their ideas by sharing them with other student entrepreneurs and students from different programs. Professionals related to our fields also took part. It was an intense and deeply human experience. On the final day, we presented our work and received awards.

What message would you give to a young person considering joining a UPPA program?

I would advise them to dare to try. UPPA offers an environment that is conducive to learning. You also learn to make mistakes while gaining skills, and we have the right to take risks. Even if you are not completely ready, you have to take the leap. I did not want to have regrets in 10 or 15 years for not having tried. Even if everything is not perfect, I have no regrets

Interview by Séverine Cuesta 

Find out more

DU Outils pour entreprendre  

Lurra Design