The scent of old stone and new dreams hangs heavy in the air of Vieux-Lyon. Here, amidst the historic traboules and ancient buildings, a different kind of magic is brewing. Andrea Genzel, a 32-year-old former engineer, has traded blueprints for bar stools, algorithms for alchemy, and a corporate career for a captivating new venture: ‘La Baguette magique,’ a bar where illusion and reality intertwine.
The Engineer Who Dreamed of Magic
Andrea’s journey is a testament to the growing trend of professional reconversion in France, where nearly one in two active individuals considers a career change. For Andrea, the call of magic was a lifelong whisper that finally became an undeniable roar.
“I’ve always wanted to do more magic, but without being a full-time magician,” he explains, the twinkle in his eye as captivating as any sleight of hand. His fascination with magic began at a tender age, around 9 or 10. “I was already a magician before my studies,” he recounts, highlighting a passion that ran parallel to his academic pursuits in mechanical and then computer engineering.
For a decade, Andrea balanced his engineering career with occasional magic performances, primarily at weddings. Yet, the desire for a more substantial role for magic in his life persisted. “Working alone scared me; I always liked the corporate world, teamwork, and management,” he admits, revealing a pragmatic side that would ultimately merge with his artistic calling.
The idea of a dedicated magic venue had been a shared dream for about ten years between Andrea and two friends, also engineers and magicians. Approximately a year and a half ago, this long-held vision began to solidify.
A Leap of Faith: The Reconversion Process
The pivotal moment arrived in April 2025 when Andrea discovered the “démission-reconversion” (resignation-reconversion) scheme offered by Transition pro Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This innovative program allows individuals to resign from their jobs to create a business while still receiving unemployment benefits, providing a crucial safety net for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Andrea meticulously built his case, securing a bank loan agreement and receiving positive feedback in July. “It allowed me to resign to create the company while benefiting from France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) aid,” he states, acknowledging the invaluable support that cushioned his leap of faith. The project, he notes, required a significant investment, making this support all the more vital.
After six months of intensive renovation work, ‘La Baguette magique’ finally opened its doors in May 2026. In this unique establishment, where magic extends even to the cocktails, Andrea takes on the role of manager, while his partners handle communication and programming. “I’ve become a business leader, I manage a team, and I really enjoy it,” he proudly declares.
More Than Just Magic: The Entrepreneurial Spell
Andrea’s decision to change careers wasn’t born out of dissatisfaction with his previous profession. “I loved my job; I traveled a lot, I gave many training sessions,” he clarifies. Indeed, his engineering background provided him with invaluable skills that he now applies to his new venture. “I don’t regret my engineering journey. I learned very relevant ways of thinking there. These are good qualities for entrepreneurship.”
At ‘La Baguette magique,’ Andrea’s role extends far beyond performing tricks. Managing cocktails, engaging with customers, overseeing the bar, and leading his team occupy a significant portion of his day. “Magic is part of my daily life, but not exclusively. That was important to me,” he emphasizes, highlighting his desire for a holistic and challenging role.
For now, the gamble is paying off. Andrea has no regrets about his past life, nor does he contemplate a return. His new professional life offers a perfect blend of his two passions: magic and entrepreneurship. It’s a life where the thrill of illusion meets the satisfaction of building a business, all within the enchanting confines of Vieux-Lyon.
As the evening draws in, and the lights of ‘La Baguette magique’ illuminate the ancient street, Andrea Genzel stands as a testament to the power of following one’s true calling. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound magic lies not in what we see, but in the courage to transform our own lives, one spellbinding step at a time.
Source: https://mesinfos.fr/69000-lyon/d-ingenieur-a-patron-d-un-bar-magique-dans-le-vieux-lyon-il-transforme-sa-passion-en-entreprise-337618.html
