We're thrilled to interview Bec & Bianca of Geelong's stylish new homewares store, Frankie Say Relax. Since launching earlier this year, the two mums have been steadily growing their online business (they have the coolest Instagram account - check it out @_frankiesayrelax). We're excited with the news that they'll soon open a retail store next to King Of The Castle in Pakington St. Here's our chat - Janet
Bec and Bianca, tell us about yourselves.We've been friends for 15 years now. Bianca grew up in Ocean Grove, and completed a Diploma of Visual Arts at the Gordon, which is where she discovered her love of photography. In between motherhood and building a number of custom family homes in the region, Bianca also works as a freelance photographer specialising in food and lifestyle. Bianca currently lives in Ocean Grove with her partner and 2 children.
Bec is a born and bred Geelong girl. After graduating from Sacred Heart, Bec travelled and worked around Australia, Asia and Europe for four years. Upon her return, she met her future husband and together they bought their first home in Belmont. Since then, they've survived two renovations and are currently in the midst of tackling a Modernist home renovation. Bec has four children and is studying Interior Design at The Gordon.
Tell us about your career histories - what led you to starting Frankie Say Relax?
Bianca: I've worked alongside the Golden Plate Awards for 10 years as their official photographer. This has given me the opportunity to build strong relationships with the restaurant and food industry in Geelong and regional Victoria. I've spent the last 3 years photographing travel and culinary lifestyle books for Smudge Publishing and have worked for many notable clients including Lakehouse in Daylesford and Andrew McConnells’s collection of restaurants. My most recent project was photographing 120 cafes around Melbourne and surrounds for the Speciality Coffee Book Victoria, which has just been released to rave reviews. Opening a homewares store has always been on my ‘bucket list’ and I've been looking for something closer to home that would still make use of my photography skills.
Bec: I've had a varied and extensive work history! I've worked in the ski industry in Australia and Courchevel, France, worked as a stevedore on the docks of Melbourne, owned and operated an online fashion business and owned a café in Geelong. Most recently I've been working as a freelance colour consultant whilst completing my Interior Design course. Frankie Say Relax was the logical culmination of many years spent renovating and decorating houses and the shared love of stylish homewares and design.
How did you come up with that great name?
We named the business after Bianca’s miniature dachshund Frankie. We are both children of the 80’s and remember the slogan ‘Frankie Say Relax’ and thought that would be a really cool name that people our age could identify with.
What is the store all about?
Frankie Say Relax is, as the name suggests, a relaxed, easy going, friendly, one stop store where customers can access a broad range of homewares and gifts that caters to all budgets. There is a strong emphasis on locally sourced and ethically produced products. We are not afraid to take risks in our product selection and aim to provide an alternative to what is readily available elsewhere. We would love our customers to feel comfortable and relaxed when shopping with us.
How do you select your products?
All of our products are individually sourced. We are building excellent relationships with local makers and artisans but also source Australia wide as well as from around the world. We basically just stock products that we love. Our judgment is based on the aesthetic, craftsmanship and individual detail of each item.
What is your best-selling item?
We have been overwhelmed with the success of our online store. We have already had many repeat customers and have been busy posting products off around Australia. Our own Frankie Say Relax jewellery has sold really well as have some of our locally produced products.
What do you love most about your business?
The best part of owning and running Frankie Say Relax is being able to use our individual creative talents to form a sustainable business which also allows us to enjoy time with our families. We read magazines, blogs and keep up to date with what’s happening on Instagram which is always fun when you have a strong passion for the industry.
We've heard a little whisper that you're going to open a bricks-and-mortar store... can you share any details?
Yes! We are weeks away from opening our doors at 26 Pakington St, Geelong West (next to King Of the Castle cafe). It will be something a little different, something that hasn't seen before in the homewares industry in Geelong. We are both so excited and look forward to meeting and forming relationships with new customers when the shop finally opens...
Can't wait! What are your contact details?
Web: www.frankiesayrelax.com.au
Instagram: _frankiesayrelax
Facebook: frankiesayrelaxonline
Store: 26 Pakington St, Geelong West.
