Magsie Leborgne
Country French is the kind of place that makes you grateful for the comfort that a quality bricks-and –mortar shop can evoke. Located on Red Road, Country French embodies a satisfying combination of elegance and practicality. Martha Leborgne is the visionary behind the product selection, who along with her daughter, Magsie, have built over the years a loyal clientele through ever-evolving product lines and outstanding customer service. This year, Country French celebrates 35 years in business.
“Country French has a serene, calm atmosphere. It is a place where people can escape life’s noise,” said Magsie.
The shop started 35 years ago after the Leborgne family came to the United States from Uruguay for a brief stay. It wasn’t long before they decided to make America their home. Martha, ever in search of hostess gifts and other goodies to give to friends and family, opened the store so that she could stock the type and quality of decorative objects that appealed to her. A prosperous business was launched.
Martha and Magsie travel extensively on buying trips to find those objects and furnishings that have come to be their signature look. A shop devoted to interior decorating more than interior design, Country French boasts couches upholstered in durable and fashionable fabrics made in the United States. The soft colors and clean lines of the traditional country French aesthetic blend well will most decors. Kitchen linens, tablecloths and other decorative accessories are also available. Their purchases are a mix of the natural and the airy with a dollop of modern accent pieces—a combination that seems just right for a sunlit home in south Florida.
Country French boasts a loyal, multi-generational clientele. The need to remain current while maintaining the shop’s design aesthetic is something that drives that base of loyalty. Another is their small, but long-employed staff (some who are cousins), along with Magsie and Martha put a lot of love into developing the shop’s displays.
“We bring the warmth,” said Magsie.
The Leborgne family remains involved in the community, donating to local schools, churches and charity organizations. Like many successful merchants, the Leborgnes understand that giving back to the community is something well worth doing.
Doing business just across Red Road from the City of South Miami has been just one ingredient in Country French’s recipe for success, especially in today’s world of e-commerce. The product line, customer service and attention to detail that make up the spirit of the store benefit from being offered in a location so close to other retail and restaurant businesses within the Sunset Drive/Red Road orbit. About South Miami Magsie said, “To me it has that old Miami feel, it doesn’t feel transient. It is a stable, solid, and family-friendly community.”
Country French is located at 7259 Red Road. Stop in and see Martha and Magsie and all the wonderful things in their shop from couches to pillows to scented candles. Contact the store at 305-661-0159, visit online at , or send an email to . Follow them on Facebook.
