This former professional poker player has lived her almost-40 years "as if I was going to die tomorrow", earning her the tell­ing nickname of No Mercy in reference to her treatment of opponents! Displaying an iron will that nothing and no one can break, not even her father who introduced her to card playing before she was six, the charm­ing blonde has always trusted her instinct. True to her motto of "The sky's the limit!" and convinced that fortune smiles on those who pursue their dreams, Isabelle has always embraced her desires wholeheartedly. The most recent is creat­ing costume jewellery, some inspired by the gaming world, which went on sale in the autumn. These quirky pieces have no preten­ces other than to be as light-hearted and fun as the woman who designs them. Burst­ing with energy and forever juggling sever­al projects simulta­ne­ously, Isabelle has been driven by a sin­gular passion through­out her unorthodox career: first a student during the day and a croupier at night, then a lawyer who after six months quit her nat­ive Quebec for Paris to earn her living from her passion for playing cards. Then in 2004 Isabelle turned profess­ional and her life became a succession of tournaments the world over. In 2008 she set up home in Monaco, the only place she really wants to live. Her present goals? To perfect her jewellery technique so she's able to work in precious mat­erials and, her ultimate dream, to open a poker room in the Principality.

Par Lise Irlandes-Guilbault - Photo : Jean-Michel Sordello