ANTHEA NAUTA
038//THE DIRECTORY
I stumbled across Frankie Say Relax in Geelong whilst waddling (I was incredibly pregnant) down the infamous Pakington Street to get brunch at 63 Degrees. Sadly, I was leaving Geelong that morning and couldn't do more than longingly gaze into what looked like an industrial version of Aladdin's Cave (or you might call it 'a shipping container in a shed') overflowing with homewares. So I did what any sane person would do and did an immediate Instagram stalk. My oh my. My friends, I had to share this treasure trove with you. So sit back and let me tell you a story far more exciting than 'Arabian Nights'.
It begins over 15 years ago when Bec and Bianca first became friends, neither with the knowledge that one day that friendship would be the catalyst for 'Frankie Say Relax'. Fast forward through many years of photographing travel and culinary lifestyle books and working with many notable restaurants and cafes around Melbourne (Bianca) and owning an online fashion business, owning a cafe and working as a colour consultant (Bec), and Frankie Say Relax was born.
"We opened Frankie in November last year – just in time for the Christmas craziness! We have been friends for over 15 years and it was something that we talked about for a number of years. The timing seemed right for both of us so we decided to just jump in and give it a go!"
Frankie initially started in a little yellow shipping container on a little patch of concrete outside an industrial shed on Pakington Street. One side of the shipping container opened up to the street, cultivating a relaxed, market stall vibe. However, like every fairytale story, difficulty arose. Whilst the vibes were strong, the issue of size proved to be stronger. When the option of relocating into an industrial shed down the road occurred, Bianca and Bec leapt at the opportunity.
"Our idea has now come full circle....initially we wanted to be in an industrial shed, we then went with the shipping container now we are in the shipping container inside an industrial shed!"
I for one am super glad that Frankie Say Relax came into fruition as the store contains a superbly curated array of products. Products are individually sourced, and a strong emphasis is placed on sourcing locally from Geelong and Melbourne, as well as sourcing products from around the globe.
"We wanted to create a relaxed, easy going, friendly, one stop store where customers could access a broad range of homewares and gifts that would cater to all budgets."
There's no need to rub a lamp and wish upon a genie (Am I taking the 'Aladdin's Cave thing too far? I think I am...), just say 'Open Sesame' to the cave of wonders (I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself) that is Frankie Say Relax on Pakington Street.
T H E
D I R E C T O R Y