We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachèle Demeo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachèle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hi! My name is Rachèle DeMeo, and I’m honored to be interviewed by you.

I’m going to tell you about one of my “jobs,” so to speak: my YouTube channel. The channel was originally created to support my college students when I was a French professor. I designed videos to offer concise lectures and provide a glimpse into French life and culture, enhancing their learning experience beyond the classroom. Only years later did I decide to regularly create YouTube videos for French learners around the world, as my students raved about the videos I made for them.

While the channel isn’t a business per se, it complements my roles as an educator and director of FLAM San Diego, a French school in San Diego and online. Balancing these roles allows me to continue sharing my passion for the French language and culture with a broader audience.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My YouTube channel is all about making complex topics (such as the differences between French and American cultures) accessible and engaging. Producing weekly videos isn’t easy—finding content that truly resonates with my viewers while ensuring it’s both informative and high-quality requires a lot of effort and creativity. I’ve faced many challenges along the way, from mastering video production (which I knew nothing about when I started) to predicting what my audience will find valuable. However, overcoming these obstacles has been a rewarding journey of growth and learning. I’m incredibly proud of how I’ve adapted and evolved, and I’m excited to continue providing content that helps and inspires others. I receive great feedback, for which I’m grateful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
While I lived in the San Diego area for close to 20 years, I now reside predominantly in France and return to the States regularly for work. If my best friend were visiting Southern France, specifically Montpellier (close to where I was born and raised), I’d craft an unforgettable week of local charm and vibrant experiences.

**Day 1-2:** We’d start with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Montpellier, exploring the medieval streets and stopping by the stunning Place de la Comédie. For a taste of local cuisine, we’d dine at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with delightful French dishes in a charming garden setting. In the evening, we could grab drinks in La Grande Motte at a cozy spot with an extensive wine list and a laid-back atmosphere.

**Day 3:** I’d take them to the Montpellier Zoological Park and the adjoining botanical gardens to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature. For lunch, we’d have a picnic at the *Jardin des Plantes*, the oldest botanical garden in France. Later, we’d visit the *Musée Fabre*, one of the most important art museums in the region, showcasing an impressive collection of classical and contemporary art.

**Day 4:** A day trip to the nearby coastal town of Sète would be on the agenda. We’d explore the charming canals and vibrant fish markets and enjoy fresh seafood. We’d also take a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding waters and the famous Mont Saint-Clair views.

**Day 5-6:** Back in Montpellier, we’d spend a day at *Odysseum*, a modern complex with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. I would probably bring them to a local market where we could sample local cheeses, meats, and pastries and eat somewhere at the “Marché du Lez.”

**Day 7:** To wrap up the week, we’d visit *Pic Saint-Loup* for a hike with breathtaking views of the Languedoc landscape. We would wine taste and honey taste at one of my favorite places: Le Domaine de Villeneuve. Afterward, a relaxing dinner at “L’Auberge du Cèdre” would be perfect for savoring regional specialties and reflecting on the week’s adventures.

Montpellier is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, and I’d ensure my friend experiences the best it has to offer in this beautiful corner of Southern France.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a shoutout to several key influences in my life. I’ve been fortunate to have a number of close friends who have served as mentors, offering invaluable support and guidance throughout my journey. I wanted to specifically thank Andrea, Andrée-Anne, Boubakar, and Shelley for their advice. Their wisdom and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my path. They have given me advice for my YouTube channel as well as for FLAM San Diego, the French school I founded in 2020.

Additionally, I’ve found great motivation and insight in various psychological books that have profoundly impacted my approach to both personal and professional challenges. These resources have provided me with tools and perspectives that continue to inspire and drive me forward. I’m deeply grateful for these mentors and literary sources that have contributed so significantly to my growth and success.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/racheledemeo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachele_demeo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheledemeo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfRacheleDeMeo?ref=pages_you_manage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPphdKi30kYeHMTLhN3GRg

Other: https://www.amazon.com/shop/racheledemeo

Image Credits
Jastin DeMeo (husband)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.