Kevin, 28, Delicatessen Owner: No Salary Yet Amid Startup Challenges

In this installment of Le Monde’s series on young people and money, 28-year-old Kevin Lahcen shares his experience as a new business owner. Having opened his delicatessen in January, Kevin has not yet paid himself a salary, prioritizing the payment of his employee, who earns 1,800 euros net, and the repayment of bank debt. He hopes to begin drawing an income by July, though the amount remains undetermined. Born in Saint-Etienne in 1998 to an accountant mother and truck driver father, Kevin’s childhood was marked by football and community life. His family moved to Monistrol-sur-Loire in 2008, where he continued his education and sports activities. The article highlights the financial realities faced by young entrepreneurs, illustrating the trade-offs between personal income and business sustainability during the critical early stages of a startup. Kevin’s story reflects a broader conversation about what it means to 'make a good living' and how young professionals plan for their financial futures amidst economic pressures.