They are Opinel - Raphaëlle Duché

"I love that it’s a double-sided job".

Today, we'd like to introduce you to Raphaëlle Duché, Customer Experience Specialist.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Raphaëlle Duché, I grew up in Avignon in the South of France and moved to the US in 2017 to play semi-professional American football with the Denver team, as well as do a solo road trip across northern America.

Can you sum up your job in a few words?

I am the customer experience specialist of Opinel USA. My job is composed of 2 branches: D2C customer service (general questions, assisting with customers their orders, processing warranties, and corporate orders.) The other branch of my role is graphic designer/marketing assistant. In collaboration with the marketing director, I design weekly emails, social media content, print materials, and handle the website day to day maintenance.

What do you like best about your job?

I love that it’s a double-sided job. Being the only customer service representative, I talk directly to our consumers, and hear their feedback which I can then input directly into the designs that I create…for them!

What values do you see in the company?

To me, it’s Opinel family vibes that make it amazing. We are a small team in the US and this is the environment where I strive the most. I really dislike big corporations, and even though Opinel is established all around the world, with hundreds of employees, you can still feel this core family dynamic that is rare and precious.

The second value dear to me is how Opinel pays attention to sustainability. The whole system is well thought out and meant to expand by always respecting the Earth, and I think every business should follow Opinel steps in this aspect.

What does working at Opinel mean to you, or to your family and friends?

It’s a privilege for me to be part of Opinel. My family is proud too as it’s a company where I am really able to display the panel of my skills to the largest extent. And living in the USA, it’s a way for me to stay connected on a day-to-day basis with my country, my culture, and my values which is something that you don’t often get the chance to have when you are expat. And to me, this is priceless.

What made you want to work at Opinel ?

The product and the brand, first and foremost. I grew up using a No.12 to cut the saucisson and Opinel is like a national gem to me. Secondly, the fact that it is a small team in the US where I had the space to utilize my skills to a large extent, rather than being restricted to a specific role. It’s a company where there is space for you to grow, and I was attracted to this starting my career in the US.

Which is your favorite Opinel knife?

I love the fillet knives. They are so elegant and the perfect steak knives.

They are Opinel - Raphaelle Duche carbon

And finally, what Opinel do you like gifting to others?

The good thing about Opinel products is that there is something for everyone! I recently bought my mom & dad a T-DUO peeler, this product is phenomenal! But if I was to make a gift to introduce someone to the brand, I would choose the No.08 Carbon knife. I love Carbon steel and enjoy watching the patina appear over time as well as the little spots of corrosion. It’s almost like it’s aging, just like we do. And I think seeing these marks of time passing by is absolutely beautiful.