01x06 - To Be Determined

[bunniefuu]

ITALY

When we arrived at the villa,

there was a strange vibe in the air.

CYNTHIA DE MICHELE - SALES AND MARKETING

DIRECTOR AT MDM COSMETICS

You could tell something was off.

It's very rare for her to have days

where she breaks down,

but that day was pretty tough for her.

It broke my heart,

but at the same time, I understood.

I think for Eli's own wellbeing,

she needs to take more time off,

not only for herself but for her daughter.

MORNING OF THE PHOTO SHOO

In all honesty, if it were just you

and no one else depended

on you and your company for business,

would you just leave it all behind

and say, "Ciao. Bye"?

When I started Hoaka,

it was just me at first.

My sister, her husband and my dad

didn't work for Hoaka back then.

It was like

I felt like I could do whatever I wanted,

and if I didn't do well,

I was the only one affected by it.

-Now your whole family is involved.

-It wasn't the end of the world. Exactly.

It means I don't enjoy

what I do as much anymore because

I think this is the first time

I've ever seen Eli reach the end

of her tether and almost break down.

She has been doing this for 10 years.

I've given myself an ultimatum.

When Wolfie starts school

In any case

This is the second trip in a row

without her. It's the first time I'm like,

"This really isn't working."

At any rate, when she starts school,

I won't be able to do this anymore.

ELISABETH RIOUX

UNFILTERED

Claudia was there, all set

and ready to go, but Eli wasn't there.

She was nowhere to be seen.

We understand that she's not feeling great

and you're not feeling 100% either.

Well, you know, it is what it is.

-Exactly.

-She's coming, but she's tired.

She has been working loads lately.

We are definitely

under a bit of time pressure.

Yeah.

It's a shame, as you hired out

the whole villa to take the photos here.

-It's definitely not the best timing.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

We'll try to do the best we can

considering the circumstances.

-Do you think that

-She just needs to rest a bit.

Think it'll be okay?

That even stressed me out,

as I'm not really a businesswoman in life,

so I knew I needed to entertain Cynthia

to give Eli more time.

Emma, how much longer

do you think you'll need to finish?

-I'd say perhaps 15 minutes for her.

-Okay.

-I'm really worried it will rain.

-Oh, my God.

Well, we may need to seriously speed

the whole process up, you know.

-I see the clock ticking telling us

-Like a ticking time b*mb.

we need to move things along faster.

-Once the hair is done.

-No pressure, Emma.

-I'm almost done.

-The conditions definitely weren't ideal.

The weather was a bit stormy

and Eli wasn't feeling too great,

so not the ideal situation

for a successful photo sh**t.

To be honest, she's feeling so bad

that I don't even feel comfortable

going to talk to her right now as

Maybe one of her friends

could go and talk to her. Someone who

One of her friends that is here.

It was a pretty sensitive situation.

It was a personal matter.

I didn't really feel comfortable

forcing her to do anything.

I wasn't well-equipped enough

to deal with the situation at hand

so I decided to call her father.

-Yes, hello?

-Hi, Steeve. This is Cynthia. How are you?

I'm good, thanks. How are you?

We're meant to do the photo sh**t today,

but Eli really isn't in a good way.

Is she not feeling too good?

No. She's really tired,

and I feel like she maybe

needs to talk to someone, but

I don't know if you feel

comfortable talking to her or if I

I don't know if Dolores would feel

more comfortable talking to her.

Dolores definitely can't speak to her,

as at 6:00 this morning

she went into labor.

Okay, yes.

Eli?

When I went to see Eli in her room,

I didn't know what to expect.

I just knew she was upset,

but I didn't know what state she was in.

I know it's a lot.

There is too much going on.

I keep thinking about Wolfie

and my sister giving birth.

-And I'm not there. I'm so far away.

-Yes, I know.

I feel like the more time goes by,

Eli is realizing

that she is actually a full-time mom now

and that she can no longer be

the wild, fun, young Eli anymore.

What would you like to do?

Maybe we can at least

take just a few photos.

Get it done in an hour or so

so we at least have something.

I just want everything to go well.

I know she's not feeling on top form.

I don't know what I can do to help her.

-I can call her, but she's not picking up.

-She's not answering.

Did they ask you to come and get me?

-No.

-Okay.

I'm so overwhelmed. I'm frustrated

we have to do the sh**t as if

As if everything is fine.

I'm supposed to do a photo sh**t,

but I have no inspiration.

Yes, I know.

I mean, if something is wrong,

I could definitely fly to Italy.

Look, I'll see what I can do.

I'll text you to keep you updated.

Elisabeth is under a lot of pressure.

I know what it's like having a business.

It's always on your mind,

365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

What frustrates me even more

is the villa is beautiful.

-We have a fab photographer.

-It adds to the stress.

That stresses me out even more

as it's all set up to go well

and I'm the one with the problem.

You've never had so many big projects

back-to-back.

We need to get going.

Let's be honest. We have to start.

Yeah, well, the weather isn't on our side.

When Eli was in her room,

a thought crossed my mind

that she might not come out at all.

I thought I might have

to take control of things

and try to do my best,

even though I'm not Eli.

That's stunning, Claudia.

Really hot. Seriously, that's perfect.

You know the girl is beautiful

when I start questioning my sexuality.

Eli finally showed up at the photo sh**t.

I wasn't sure how to approach her.

I was being very cautious.

I was trying to sense

if she was going to be okay.

That swimwear is really sexy too.

-I chose swimwear like that on purpose.

-I can imagine.

For real, it's stunning.

I know my pace of life

is way too intense right now.

I know it's really not healthy,

so I need to reassess everything

and reconsider my priorities.

-Your hair is going to look beautiful.

-Yes.

However, the products

need to be included too.

Yeah, as if the shots show

the pool, view and swimwear,

people will focus on

the swimwear and not the hair.

If we want to focus on the hair,

we need close-up shots.

Do you want me to talk to him about it?

-I can't look through the lens myself.

-I'll tell him.

Work it, queen.

I'll do a b*mb in the pool

right before the photo is taken.

No, it's honestly going to look amazing.

I just think we have a lot of pool shots.

We should mix it up. The products

have nothing to do with the pool.

That's great. We'll finish off

the pool shots and then change locations.

Eli always impresses me.

I'm never worried

when it comes to business.

I know she will always deliver.

The photos are going to look stunning.

I think you can really

pick up on that European vibe.

Yeah.

Your hair looks stunning.

You girls look like Roman goddesses.

Despite everything that's going on,

when there is a camera on me,

I am more able to compose myself

and put things out of my mind.

I'm smiling but I cried a lot.

My face looks so puffy.

-If I smile, my eyes basically shut.

-You're like a fly.

I have to put my feelings aside.

I'm not really present,

but I still get the job done

that needs doing.

I think that works well.

Elisabeth, look at her and you look at me.

That looks great.

-Elisabeth.

-Is it nice?

-Do we have

-Let me take with this camera.

-Okay.

-You all good there?

-It's more close up with this camera.

-Nice.

I'm really confident

that we got some great shots there,

as we have two incredible girls

with gorgeous hair.

It wasn't the girls'

first photo sh**t either,

so once things were in motion,

they were able to deliver.

When I'm tired, I tell myself that

at least I have new employees

in the warehouse, gaining

a greater understanding of what I do.

I really love the fabrics you picked.

They're our bestsellers

and they're so pretty.

Yeah, I have these three colors here.

-There are also white headbands.

-Hang on. I have to try them on.

They're really beautiful.

I hear about Chloé a lot,

but hardly ever see her at the office,

mainly because I'm on the second floor.

She often comes to the first floor,

so I never run into her.

I think Chloé distanced herself

a lot from the family

as she didn't want

to be a part of my project,

so I suggested a project

that we can work on together

that would still be her own project.

How long would it take to make this?

If I really set my mind to it,

I could do it in about three days.

Oh, my God. That's quick.

-Yes, it really is.

-Okay, wow.

These products were a great choice

as they make sense.

They connect

the hair products that are coming out

with the swimwear we already have.

How is it working with Eli?

Well, you know your sister, right?

She's really interesting.

She knows her stuff.

It's fun working with her,

but her expectations are up here.

-You must meet those, which is tough.

-Yeah.

However, you have a family bond

which goes way back.

Yes, but communication

is a bit of a sticking point.

I don't think that's just the case

with her employees.

ONE WEEK EARLIER

Did you just want to do scrunchies?

I'd have done headbands

as they're more on-trend this year.

Like these? For sure.

Yes, but not in a dull black,

in colors that go with the swimwear.

I don't think sisters will necessarily

understand each other their whole lives,

as you can grow apart from time to time

but then get closer again.

Sometimes we love each other.

Sometimes we bicker. We have our moments.

CHLOÉ AND DOLORES

ELISABETH'S SISTERS

I'm just wondering about velvet headbands.

-Maybe fuchsia velvet?

-It's more to go in your hair.

-Like that, but not that one.

-This has a tighter fit.

Yeah, but the stitching

isn't as nice on that one.

-Let's switch it. Wait.

-It would need to be re-done.

I've got a pretty one,

a really pretty one.

This one.

-Without the bow, though.

-Okay.

-You don't like this?

-No.

-We're not going to have a bow.

-Okay.

Sorry.

Chloé and I clash more

than Dolores and I do

because we are extremely similar.

Basically,

I'm going to draw up two columns

for your ideas and her ideas.

You're the mediator? Can you handle that?

We have similar strengths

so it's extremely hard to work together.

If it reassures you at all,

when Eli talks to me about you,

she says that she is so pleased.

She thinks you're

so talented and creative.

You have your business.

You only make quality products.

Like, wow. You know what you're doing.

You know your stuff.

-You don't need to worry about anything.

-Yeah.

-She's 100% happy.

-Well, I'm happy to hear that.

Their relationship can be

a bit tricky at times.

They don't have the same personalities,

but it will work out amazingly in the end.

The trip to Italy was a big deal

but also an emotional rollercoaster.

However, I think this evening,

things are on the up as we're

celebrating the new collaboration.

We decided to all

go out for dinner together

to thank Eli for everything,

to finish this wonderful project

on a positive note

and to congratulate everyone, as a project

like this is ultimately about teamwork.

What a day we had. Incredible.

I can't wait to see the photos,

to see what they look like.

Me too.

You're both stunning,

so the photos will be really

I'm sure they will look amazing.

I'm sure of that. Seriously.

-Well, it wasn't easy, but

-Yes, that's true.

What's Italian for, "You're really hot"?

-Who do you want to say that to?

-Well, who knows?

Rémi, you can say, "Sei bellissimo."

That means, "You're super-hot."

"Sei bellissimo"?

And for a woman it's "bellissima"?

Exactly. Exactly.

Now you're ready to go all over Italy.

You can unleash me into the world now.

What are planning to visit in Italy?

What other places would you like

to go to after?

I want to see

what the tourist sites are like.

The guys, you mean.

I said the tourist sites, not the guys.

-Let's raise our glasses.

-Time for a speech.

RICCARDO COLOMBO

GENERAL MANAGER

So, I would like to thank everyone here,

in particular Elisabeth,

for the wonderful experience my co-workers

and I got to share with you today.

It was a special, unique day.

Riccardo even stood up and made a toast

to celebrate the collaboration.

Welcome into our family, Elisabeth.

Grazie.

I am convinced that we will go

incredibly far in business together

and that we will be fortunate enough

to have several successes in the future.

Thanks again to all of you

and all our collaborators.

I really feel like

it's the start of a new project.

I hope it works out

and that we can keep working together.

I think it's the beginning

of beautiful venture.

ONE MONTH LATER

ELISABETH'S GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE

I'm so happy to be back in Montreal

to be reunited with my family.

I plan to stay here

for at least a month for a little break.

Are you excited to see Granny and Grandpa?

-Yes.

-Are you happy?

Whenever I host a get-together,

I invite everyone in my family.

Like, "Who wants to come?"

Eli always arrives first

to see what I'm making,

as I make everything myself.

I love doing everything.

I need some people to do the dishes.

My husband's good at that.

So, tell me everything.

With everything that's happened,

are you going to rest for a bit?

What will you do?

I'll stay at home for a month.

It'll do me good.

Taking it easy with the little one.

We'll get more time together.

She was clearly fed up of traveling.

-Did you go to Italy?

-Yes, we went to Italy.

It was basically for our shampoo project.

-Okay.

-It's really moving along nicely.

The aim of going was for a photo sh**t.

I'd say it was pretty intense, actually.

Really?

Even when the whole family comes together,

my grandma and I always

have a special bond,

so we end up chatting away.

Sometimes we catch up on what's happening

with everyone in our family, so

I don't know. There's a little

something special between us.

Run.

Wolfie.

Breastfeeding seems easier with her

than it was with Aakash.

Babies are exhausting, but compared

to Aakash, this has been easier.

How is Aakash with the baby?

-Is he getting on okay with her?

-Very much so.

Aakash is so cute with her.

I was kind of worried he'd be jealous.

But no, he's great with her.

He's too young to realize

that he has to share his parents with her.

Wolfie adores Aditya. She's really happy.

Wolfie acts like a little mom.

She likes to take care of her

and she's so sweet with her.

She thinks babies sleep all of the time

so she's always saying, "Shush."

30 years ago, would you have imagined

that we'd have grandkids? Seriously

30 years ago? No.

The first time I met you?

The first time I looked in your eyes? No.

-We've come a long way.

-We have indeed.

And that's why, even though

we do worry about our daughters,

they can handle things.

I was thinking,

how are the headbands going?

Being on maternity leave,

I've not followed their progress.

We launched them and they sold out.

-What? Really?

-Yeah.

We'll definitely make more colors.

If Chloé wants to, of course.

-Yeah.

-Have you managed to get along?

-Yes.

-You didn't bicker too much?

-No, in the end we

-Yes, we got over it.

Do you think you'll collaborate

on more projects in the future?

That depends on Chloé.

-Come here.

-Is she upset?

What do you think of our children?

Are you really proud of them?

-Yes, I'm proud of my daughters, for sure.

-Yeah?

-Yes. Dolores is in a good place.

-Yes.

Elisabeth too, and Chloé as well.

However, we all hope that Elisabeth

meets her soulmate one of these days.

-Yes.

-It'd make things a bit easier for her.

She has a lot on her plate.

Her daughter and the company.

-Yep.

-All of that is a lot.

Exactly, but she's young.

She can handle it.

I think our family has always been

close-knit due to my grandparents.

They always put family first.

I really admire them for that,

so I think with

my grandma's life experience,

in relation to business versus family,

she can truly best advise me

on how to juggle all of that.

After 35 years in business,

we're starting to take time for ourselves.

Everything is falling into place,

but, of course, business is business.

Everything can change overnight.

Do you want that?

Everything that is going on at Hoaka

is so special and remarkable.

It brings the family together, in a way.

We're a family of entrepreneurs.

We're all entrepreneurs,

with your artistic side, Danielle,

your entrepreneurial side, Steeve.

Yes.

Chloé, you're still young,

so you will keep growing in your own way.

The secret is

we all have our own strengths

and knowing how to use them

in the right time and place.

Exactly.

I think the future of Hoaka,

if we want to be kind of visionary,

involves stepping it up a notch

and growing it across the world

by selling more types of products.

-I think they're well on their way.

-Yes.

-They've started that.

-It needs to reach the next level.

It will be hard to reach that level,

but you can do it.

We should also try to envisage

what Elisabeth's plans are for the future.

In this current climate,

everything changes all of the time.

Yes, everyone watches what Elisabeth does.

She's the one people want to see.

They love her ideas.

Elisabeth is completely open.

Regarding what will follow on

after all of this,

the cogs will be turning

in her mind right now.

For a while now, I've often heard you

discussing plans for expanding Hoaka

and things that we could do in the future

with Hoaka and everything.

However, I'm not sure where I want

to go in life in general at the moment.

You know, it's a lot with Wolfie too,

being on my own and everything.

With this season coming to an end

and everything, I said to myself,

"That's it. I'm done with it for now."

-You're done with it for now?

-You're quitting for now?

No way.

When I started my company seven years ago,

I wanted it to give me

the means to travel,

and now I would say I'm overloaded.

I've kept going

because it has become a family business,

so it brought everyone together,

but now I'm starting to feel like

it's kind of pulling us apart.

I missed an important event in my family

when my sister gave birth.

Right now, I'm just fed up and exhausted.

Everyone is counting on me

but nothing is working out.

I'm not giving enough attention

to anyone, especially not myself.

I feel like I do everything for everyone

but no one is ever happy.

Over the last few years,

I've truly forgotten about myself.

I put my company before my own needs.

I don't want that life anymore.

This isn't the end of Hoaka,

but that version of Elisabeth

will no longer exist.