Brodie Proykova thinks big when it comes to beauty. With three hair and cosmetic salons to her name, for this Auckland mother of two Frenchie & Co is her business and her passion. In just under a year this beauty trailblazer has created a brand women love, and with a fourth salon on the cards she shows no sign of slowing down. Editor Trudi Brewer shares a slice of her pretty life.
Images Olivia Wimsett
What’s a typical working day for you?
I'm a morning person, so I'm up super early getting my girls ready for school and daycare. After the school run I head straight to the Takapuna salon for meetings with suppliers or to touch base with my general manager, or making a mad dash to move hair and beauty products from one salon to another. I also manage all of our social channels, marketing and planning. At the moment I am creating a line of brow products called Brow Babe Inc, so I'm working on packaging, branding and perfecting the formulations.
What do you love about working in the beauty industry?
Everything. I have been fascinated with beauty, fashion and interiors from a young age. It's also an industry I feel very comfortable operating in and an industry that continually inspires me to grow.
What are your favourite hair trends right now?
Super long, dark and sleek or tousled and ultra blonde.
And beauty trends?
Sheer, glowing skin, nude lips and eyelids, bold brows and full lashes.
What do you love about running your own business?
The autonomy of course, but also the freedom to create and act on my ideas.
What brands do you stock?
We have so many incredible brands, such as Redken, Biolage R.A.W, Fabuloso, Olaplex, Becca, Revitalash, Lycon and Beauty Dust & Coola.
With three salons, is there plans for a fourth?
Yes absolutely. I am currently scouting for a forth site, but as with the other locations, I am happy to take my time looking for the perfect spot. However, four is my limit in New Zealand. I am Australian born so who know's what could happen across the ditch.
What makes Frenchie & Co a cut above the rest?
We are full-service hair and beauty bars; we're not dabbling in a bit of both. We have created spaces that allow specialist's in both hair and beauty to cater to our client's needs in one place. Our ethos is also to remain incredibly customer-centric, we make business decisions with that commitment in mind.
What has your role taught you about how women like to shop for hair and beauty?
Time is a luxury for women today. Often they have to run all over town to get different services in different locations. We have solved that dilemma by providing hair, express essential beauty and cosmetic treatments in one space.
Owner Brodie Proykova in Herne Bay, Frenchie & Co.
How do you stay competitive?
We are committed to excellence. We have an in-house creative educator who keeps across new trends and helps the team improve and hone their technical skills. It's essential in the cosmetic space, both services and trends are developing at a rapid pace, which is exciting. We embrace change but want to keep refining what works.
What has been your career high to date?
Opening Frenchie & Co in Herne Bay was a highlight. I was fixated on three locations so achieving that in just under 12 months in business is an amazing feeling.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Feminine, with an edge. I love wearing dresses and bomber jackets or baggy T-shirts and a pair of great looking boots. But to be honest, most days I'm wearing my workout gear, racing around shipping product from salon to salon.
What handbag will you carry this winter?
A studded Gucci Soho Disco.
The reception area and brow bar in the Herne Bay Frenchie & Co.
What would we always find in your beauty bag?
Perfume. Currently it's Georgio Armani Si Eau de Parfume and Becca shimmering skin perfector.
What’s your best-kept beauty secret?
Loads of water and a regular diamond dermabrasion skin treatment. It's an amazing way to gently resurface skin every month.
What's the one beauty product you're never without?
Always Mascara. I'm cool to go makeup free, but never without mascara - it's a must.