Field knowledge
Deep knowledge of African dynamics, Gulf opportunities and international codes. Acquired in the field, not in textbooks.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Hapsatou SY
Entrepreneur. Strategist. Mentor.
Over twenty years building, transmitting and advising. From New York to Dakar, Paris to Dubai, Hapsatou Sy has made entrepreneurship a field of transformation — for herself, for others, for territories.
Origins
From Chaville to New York
Born in Sèvres in 1981, Hapsatou Sy grew up in Chaville with her seven brothers and sisters. Raised in a modest household, she developed early on a deep sense of effort, autonomy and independence — values transmitted by her father, a factory worker she often credits as the foundation of her journey.
After international-focused studies, she moved to New York in 2003 — a decisive turning point. There she discovered a new vision of entrepreneurship, success and beauty, and started her career as an international markets manager. The experience shaped her business vision and her ambition to create innovative, global and tailor-made concepts.
"NO ONE EVER GAVE ME A HAND UP. SO I BUILT MY OWN STAIRCASE."
— Hapsatou SY
Journey
20 years of entrepreneurship
2003
New York
First international steps as an international markets manager.
2005
Launch of a beauty salon chain
Launch of a beauty salon chain in Paris, including a landmark venue on Île Saint-Louis. Up to 17 venues and nearly 200 employees.
2010
Rising Talents — Women's Forum Deauville
Selected among Europe's young talents.
2011
Trofémina · G20 YES
Winner of the Trofémina Business Award and representative of French entrepreneurship at the G20 YES.
2012
HapsatouSy brand
Launches her cosmetics brand, now distributed in 150+ outlets internationally. TV debut on M6 (L'Inventeur).
2013
Choiseul 100
Ranked among France's highest-potential economic leaders.
2015
Projet Fashion · Le Grand 8
Host and contributor on C8 and M6.
2017
Partie de rien (Dunod) · Canal+ Afrique
Host on Canal+ Africa, an investigative programme dedicated to decoding the continent's major issues. Africa Investigation was one of the most watched programmes in Africa.
2018
Columnist — Les Terriens du Dimanche
Columnist on a high-impact show alongside Thierry Ardisson: "Les Terriens du Dimanche".
2019
Global brand
Launches a cosmetics, fashion and decor brand sold direct and online — over a thousand partners in under a year. Active in France, Belgium, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
2021
Secrets de Conso — RMC
Hosts the weekly show on the business strategies of major international brands.
2021
Morocco
First strategic missions.
2021
Sharjah, UAE
Advisory as royal counselor for Sheikh El Qassimi's office.
2023
Founding of MITH
International strategic advisory firm.
2025
London
Office opening.
2026
STRATEGIC OFFICE EXPANSION
Implementation in Morocco and Togo.
Distinctions
Recognised early
Rising Talents — Women's Forum Deauville (2010)Trofémina Award — Business (2011)G20 YES (2011)Choiseul 100 (2013)2nd Prize for Commercial Innovation — Unibail-Rodamco2nd Prize — Young Retail FoundersCover of Management magazine
Media & Television
- L'Inventeur — M6 (2012)
- Le Grand 8 — C8
- Projet Fashion (2015)
- Enquêtes d'Afrique — Canal+ Afrique (2017)
- Les Reines du Shopping — M6 (2020)
- Secrets de Conso — RMC (since 2021)
Publications
- Partie de rien — Dunod (2017)
- Made in France — Hugo & Cie
Speaking & Teaching
- Sciences Po
- ENA
- HEC
What sets her apart
Today
A figure of international entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur, speaker and host, Hapsatou Sy has stood out for over twenty years as a reference figure in entrepreneurship and innovation. She advises entrepreneurs, brands and organisations on their strategic development at international scale. Known for her ability to unite, her resilience and her strategic acumen, she embodies a demanding and visionary approach to entrepreneurial leadership.
"THE IMPOSSIBLE ONLY EXISTS THROUGH THE LIMITS WE SET FOR OURSELVES. I HAVE NO LIMITS TO THE FULFILMENT OF MY DREAMS."
— Hapsatou SY