If you Google the name "Emilienne," you will find it has many opposing meanings. Its German origin defines it as "brave, vigorous and diligent," while in Latin, it means "imitating" or "rivaling." Yet, as complex a name Emilienne may be, it makes sense that a word spelled so beautifully and sounds so enchantingly when called is wonderfully layered in character. The same can be said about the fascinating and breathtaking Emilienne Vigier. She is many things, but this should be the first time in media, at least, for the public to appreciate her beautiful tapestry.

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Emilienne was first introduced to the public in 2020 when her pandemic hobby launched her into social media fame."I started golf because my 'bestest' friend, Alyanna Gardiola, forced me to learn so we could bond over a sport together," she fondly said.

Giving in quickly led to many opportunities, including branded endorsement deals and a thriving business called Luciana's Maison Bakery. Moreover, she grew an impressive following on TikTok and Instagram because of her passions, not just in golf but also in baking, fitness, and the people she loves.

​​​Emilienne Vigier is many things but no one has been given the opportunity to understand her beautiful tapestry until today.

In recent months, Emilienne's sizeable following quickly skyrocketed to include showbiz insiders and aficionados due to her relationship with one of the country's most popular actors. However, this is the least interesting part about this young lady.

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Emilienne shares her storied childhood, her hopes for the future, and who she truly is behind the headlines.

Becoming Emilienne

From the moment Emilienne appeared on this writer's Zoom call, her beauty was striking — yes — but so was her vibrant energy. Those who often say that one can't have everything — beauty and "rizz," as Generation Z calls the X-factor today — definitely haven't met this French-Filipina. From the moment she said hello, the 26-year-old exuded an aura of confidence and quiet grace, which is rare among her age. To say Emilienne was raised with impeccable breeding is an understatement.

Contrary to reports, Emilienne was born and raised in the Philippines. Her parents, who previously lived in Singapore, decided to move back to her mother's native country to raise their precious daughter. She was educated at the famed French school in the Philippines, Lycée Français de Manille, which is why she speaks the language fluently.

At five years old, she became a competitive skater, but her world turned upside down between the ages of nine and 10 when she went through a "difficult ordeal."

Choosing to keep the details private, Emilienne recalled how the situation forced her to grow up early: "I had to go to court and gain an understanding of the legal system. Overnight, I had to think like an adult and grow up fast."

​​​Vigier admits that her papa is her whole life and that she would be lost without him.

Amid this life-changing ordeal, Emilienne leaned on her "Papa," Francois Vigier, who she fondly talked about throughout the interview.

"I had to grow up early because I also needed to be there for my Papa and my brother, Louis," she related.

When she tells this story, her voice does not hint at sadness but a genuine hope for the future.

"I healed, and I was able to do that by being the person I needed to be when I was younger. It wasn't just being that person for my younger self but also for the people around me," she averred.

​​​If she inherited her father's heart, Vigier believes she got her mom's wonderful strength.

While Emilienne understands that the experiences she endured when she was younger will forever be with her, she has accepted her past for what it is.

"It's something you'd carry forever, and I've accepted that. But I can't stay being that kid. I needed to move forward, heal, and be there for myself and the people around me."

In fact, Emilienne has no bitter feelings about what happened to her. Instead, it served as an eye-opener that made her more welcoming and accepting of others.

Proof is a recent TikTok post that went viral involving a fan of Emilienne, who joined the "how many likes" trend. In this trend, a loyal follower asks a celebrity for an item — in Emilienne's case, her baked goods — in exchange for a good number of likes.

The post went viral because Emilienne refused to participate in the fad and instead sent premium items to the netizen at no cost. This is just one of the many ways her kindness has been praised.

​​​Emilienne with her family — mom Myriam, brother Louis-Antoine, and father Francois Vigier — have always been a fun lot.

"I'm proud of the person that I am. I am very strong. Matatag ako — alam ko matatag ako (I know I am resilient), and that's a quality that I am proud of. I am not being cocky but simply grateful for what I went through and how it got me here. I'm very proud of that journey and not embarrassed by it in any way."

Emilienne the entrepreneur

Believe it or not, Emilienne has no formal training in Culinary Arts. Instead, she has a degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs from the College of St. Benilde, graduating in 2022.

"[My course] is really my number one passion. It still gets me excited to this day."

Life had other plans for the talented lass, however. In 2019, out of pure determination, the self-taught baker opened Luciana's Maison Bakery, a dessert shop that features classic sweet endings.

​​​The public first met the beautiful Emilienne in 2020 when her pandemic hobby — golf — launched her into social media fame.

A success, Emilienne eventually acquired an investor to expand her offerings.

"I've always wanted to have a bigger commissary, and now that I have an investor, it will be much larger. But it will not be a store because I don't want to waste food. [The way I see it] when food is pre-ordered, it will go to someone's home. But if it's in the store, it just stays there. But what if you don't sell everything, right?"

Her delicious endeavor continues to attract many patrons and continues to thrive in both orders and excellent reviews.

Ever the entrepreneur, Emilienne is also starting another business with her 71-year-old Papa, poised to be the first company to distribute one of France's most prestigious mineral water brands in Asia. The product has already taken off in Korea due to its unique properties, which are ideal for pregnant women, nursing mothers and even athletes.

Her ultimate goal is to make the business succeed and convince her father to retire, even if she's certain he will refuse to do so.

"We both agreed on a joint goal, so he really has no choice when the time comes," she warned out of love.

Emilienne, all heart

Emilienne is not shy to admit that her Papa is "whole life" and that she would be lost without him. A former executive for a European paper mill, the proud daughter says her father is her inspiration in life.

"He is everything. He has the kindest heart, and I'd like to think I inherited his heart and my mom's wonderful strength. She's a tough one, that's for sure, but very soft on the inside. She's an empath and a crybaby, too, like the rest of us."

​​​In recent months, Vigier's many followers included showbiz aficionados due to her relationship with one of the country's most popular actors, Joshua Garcia.

Emilienne shared that her father taught her the importance of traveling and experiencing cultures other than where she grew up.

On the other hand, his kindness has also led Emilienne to enjoy her involvement as an ambassador for the World Vision charities, an organization she supported way before her official appointment.

"I sponsored my first two kids in 2020, and now I sponsor five. I remember earlier this year, I was talking to my partner, and I was like, 'Man! I wish one day I could be an ambassador, but ikaw lang yata puwede maging ganun (it'll probably be you they'll call)," noting his celebrity.

A few months after that conversation, an email from World Vision appeared in her inbox, inviting her to her first event with them.

The surprise brought her so much joy and hope, "The generation now is very smart. Nakakataba ng puso na ang daming bata (It warms the heart that there are so many children) who want to learn and are working on living their dreams."

Emilienne in love

Of course, as Emilienne talked about her fulfilling life, the discussion of who owns her heart came up from time to time, but not in a way that consumed the conversation.

The non-verbal cues, such as the sparkle in her eye and her understated self-assurance, serve as indicators of the strength and health of her present relationship.

Emilienne does admit that despite her desire for privacy, she understands that she is dating a celebrity and that the relationship is "out there."

"It is what it is," she acknowledged.

I’m proud of the person that I am. I am very strong. I’m grateful for what I went through and how it got me here.’ Vigier’s longtime friends welcome Garcia with open arms. She is grateful to Garcia’s management team for helping her navigate her new status.

"He's not just my partner but also my 'bestest' friend who feels like home and is my safe space," she added.

In sitting down with Emilienne Vigier, this writer has come to understand that to truly know her is impossible to fit into social media squares.

Hers is a triumphant story of experiencing life's worst and overcoming it with a smile and gratitude.

"If I didn't go through such an ordeal I wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't be who I am. I am just grateful to God because hindi niya ako pinabayaan (He did not forsake me)."