How attractive is Chennai for new beginnings?

JANE KATARIA IN CONVERSATION WITH ADELINE GRAHAM FROM FRANCE WHO SETTLED DOWN IN CHENNAI SEEING A GREAT PROSPECTIVE FOR A PROFESSIONAL GROWTH HERE

- ADELINE GRAHAM

Jane Kataria: When did you visit India for the first time? Why Chennai?

Adeline Graham: I came to India six years ago to meet my team. It was never on my list of places to visit but I worked as a Marketing Director for a Chennai IT company, so I came! It just felt right from the get-go. The warmth of the people, the colours, the energy, the weather (yes the weather!!) and the food. It all blew me away. Since then I have been fortunate to visit many other places, in different states, with many more to come, I hope. But Chennai feels like home.

JK: Where did you spend your childhood?

AG: I am French. I spent my childhood in France, in Le Mans, Loire Valley. My parents had a shop. I spent time around clients and playing with friends in the neighbourhood. My mum is incredibly creative from flower arrangements, to framing, home decor she was always working on new projects. My dad is more into literature, museums and travelling. Both are incredibly hard-working and hugely generous. I have two elder brothers who are my rocks to this day! We also had an elderly couple next door who looked after me every day after school. Fernande, or mamie to me (gran) is the Fern in Fern and Ade! She was a strong woman with a good heart and an incredible sense of style. She is very dear to me and taught me so much. That's my way of taking her on this adventure with me. Now I have a family of my own, I have two awesome kids 16 and 18 years old.

JK: Have your parents visited you in Chennai?

AG: My parents visited India 30 years ago and absolutely loved it. I still have a saree my mum gifted me at that time. Travelling nowadays is more difficult for them because of age so they haven't returned. My brothers have come to Chennai, Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala... I think we're all converts!