Julie Landart, co-founder and Director of Development at Mellow Sea, a company specializing in wetsuits for water sports

A first academic path in marketing and sales, followed by a Master’s degree in International Management with a Latin America specialization at IAE Pau-Bayonne, led Julie Landart, after an initial experience as an employee, to found Mellow Sea.

Does your current career match what you imagined when you joined UPPA?

At 17, when I joined UPPA, I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about my future path. A friend of my sister told me about the DUT in Marketing Techniques, and it immediately clicked: this human-sized program, with opportunities to complete internships, matched my need for hands-on experience. However, I had never imagined becoming an entrepreneur. My parents were employees, and entrepreneurship was not something that came naturally to me. Still, I remember wanting to create a clothing brand with a friend while I was in high school.

What did your years of study at UPPA bring you?

These years of study were extremely valuable and still are today. I completed most of my studies at UPPA. After the DUT, I moved to Bordeaux for an IUP in Commerce and Sales, then chose to join a Master’s degree in International Management with a Latin America specialization at IAE Pau-Bayonne, which gave me the opportunity to study in Argentina. This experience was a real challenge, as it taught me how to step out of my comfort zone while still providing a reassuring environment. UPPA is a human-sized university deeply rooted in its region, where I was able to thrive. I completed a career-oriented academic path while staying in my home region, which allowed me to avoid housing and travel expenses. Throughout my studies, I was able to build my professional network locally and maintain contact with professors who continue to support me in developing my business activity.

When did you decide to create your company?

After graduating with my Master’s degree, I worked as an export administrative and sales assistant for two local companies. I then became a customer service assistant, followed by customer service and logistics manager within a distributor in the boardsports industry in Bayonne. That’s where I met my business partner, Damien. We each left the company in 2019, and a few months later Damien suggested that we launch the Mellow Sea adventure together. Our company’s mission is to make the ocean and its benefits accessible to everyone, regardless of profile, body shape, or water activity practiced. We specialize in the development and sale of wetsuits and accessories. We cater to sports such as coastal rowing, surf lifesaving, swimrun, surfing, and more.

A message for UPPA students?

UPPA offers young people, especially those who live locally, the opportunity to access a wide range of high-quality public degree programs close to home. The university also provides many professional immersion opportunities, making it possible to network and find local job opportunities. We live in an exceptional environment. Whether you want to grow within a local company as an employee or create your own entrepreneurial project, UPPA offers support tailored to everyone.

Interview conducted by Séverine Cuesta 

Learn more

Bachelor of Technology in Marketing Techniques  

M1/M2 International Management – Latin America Track

Mellow Sea