Marguerite Bourgeoys and her father at the candle workshop

Through both her mother, Guillemette Garnier, and her father, Abraham Bourgeoys, a master candle-maker and merchant of tallow candles, Marguerite belonged to the 17th-century French bourgeoisie. The candle store and workshop where the apprentices worked were within the family residence, making space limited for the Bourgeoys family of at least thirteen children. Abraham Bourgeoys was also a coiner in the mint, a mostly honorary position since royal currency in Troyes was produced intermittently. In this family environment, Marguerite developed her practical intelligence, her business sense and her leadership qualities