Is it just us, or did 2017 feel like a really short year? So short, in fact, that I barely got used to writing ‘2017’ before Christmas snuck around the corner! But as quickly as it went, 2017 was also a huge year for Be Fraîche. There were no dull moments (and more than a few frustrating ones) and I was constantly learning. I think that’s because most of the time, I was doing things for the very first time.
Let’s take a look back at the year that was.
Our Five Firsts In 2017
1. First professional photoshoot
It was a wet and soggy day. Five girls gathered in a tiny apartment, with only X hours to get the shoot done. Thanks to our team’s unwavering professionalism, we were able to finish the shoot in time and actually had a lot of fun! Our gorgeous model, Rachel, has been our fraîche face ever since and we absolutely love her!
2. First time teaching at college
In April, I got a phone call from Sydney Community College asking me to teach my first full-day workshop. Before then, I had been running two to three hour workshops for a year but had never taught a full-day workshop. It was such an amazing opportunity!
I also rewrote the materials and syllabus for my other courses. I wanted to ensure that everyone would actually learn about the ingredients and method and create their own products — rather than just following a recipe.
3. First interstate market in Melbourne
This one was crazy! My husband and I packed 60kg worth of stock, clothing and gear into our two big suitcases and wheeled everything from airport to the airBnB and back. It wasn’t fun or easy, but I’m so glad we did it! I met so many lovely customers and even gained a new stockist. If any of our lovely Melbourne customers are reading this —a big THANK YOU for stopping by our stall and supporting us!
4. First team members
2017 was the year I realised it’s okay to reach out for help. I was so lucky to find two amazingly talented ladies, our copywriter, Emma and social media manager, Cassie. Emma is amazing! She’s got a knack for writing fresh and joyful content that’s so on point and on brand. And then there’s Cassie, the mastermind behind our social media. Have you read those witty Instagram captions, or seen our beautiful images? I don’t exaggerate when I said Cassie is the unicorn I’ve been looking for. I couldn’t do this without these girls and I’m so glad I learned to delegate tasks to people who can do the job much better than me — so I can focus on what I’m great at!
5. First time on TV
The universe has a funny way of bringing amazing things your way when you least expect it. I did not see it coming when the producer of the House of Wellness contacted me and asked me to run a workshop. The experience was nerve-wrecking but so much fun! We got a two good minutes on Channel 7 but it took over two hours to film. It was eye-opening for me to see how much work is involved in a TV show. Thank you so much to those who participated in the workshop with us!
6. We celebrated our first birthday!
Okay, I know this is supposed to be a first five, but I couldn’t leave out our birthday. Be Fraîche turned one in September!
Five things we loved in 2017
1. Customer feedback
Positive customer feedback like the ones below are what keep us moving forward!
Smells amazing!This is hands down my favourite skincare brand. I've noticed such a massive difference since I've been using it (now going makeup free every day) and the smell is so relaxing. Also, customer service is excellent. Very happy! x
- by Natasha.
Delightful!I have been using the bean scrub since 2016 and am delighted with its consistency and results on my face. Is not easy to find a workable not too rough face scrub for mature age skin and so I keep using this product as its lovely .
- by Alison.
PerfectThis face oil is perfect for my dehydrated and congested skin. I have had issues in the past with breaking out after using some oils but haven't had any issues with this one. I really like the fact that it has minimal essential oils in it and contains Prickly Pear Seed Oil (which I've read good things about!).
- by Corinne.
2. Our workshop students
My students are the kindest people on earth. It means the world to me that they find the workshops so useful and inspiring.
3. Our most loved social media posts.
This year, our social media posts with the largest reach were the ones we shared from the gorgeous girls at @anybody.co_ As a business owner, I love to see how ladies can lift each other up and inspire each other up.
4. Our fab stockists
In 2017, we secured our first five stockists — including one from overseas. You can check them out here.
5. Being on TV
It was our first TV feature, so of course we loved it!
Five things to look out for in 2018:
1. More planning
This year, I learned that multi-tasking just doesn’t work for me. Rather than focusing on doing just one thing at a time, I often end the day with many unfinished tasks.
So, I bought myself a business planner for 2018 and have asked a friend of mine to be my accountability buddy. Hopefully, we can keep each other on track next year!
2. Making my health a priority
For the past three years, I have been going out for a walk, run and swim every year. However, I often find myself skipping breakfast, having a crappy lunch and a late dinner when I have a looming deadline. Hopefully, by having a plan in place, I’ll have more time for self-care and making yummy, healthy food to eat at set meal times.
3. Better customer experience
This year, we’re going to put more work into providing a better customer experience and even more amazing products. Watch this space!
4. More collaboration
As you may have noticed, this year we collaborated with some other amazing brands to give you great offers and giveaways. Keep an eye on our social media as we plan to do more of these in 2018!
5. New products
I’ve got some new formulas under my belt and I’m testing them at the moment. They may take a few months or even a full year, but I can’t wait to share them with you! If you love what we’ve created so far, keep your eyes peeled even bigger and better things.
See you all in 2018!
Love, Helen x
