Portraits

Franny Fyne

Mother of a grown daughter and founder of a vintage clothing sales site, Franny Fyne proudly shares with us her journey, her mantra and her well-being rituals that accompany her daily to feel good.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Franny. I'm 44 years old, mother of a smart, young and pretty young woman named Jade who just turned 20, she makes me so proud every day. I was an accounting assistant until recently, I decided not to continue in this field in order to devote myself to my projects, including my Yomokoi sales site which is still under construction.

I've been on Instagram for a few years now so I decided to start selling vintage clothing.

How would you define yourself in 3 words?

Instinctive, honest, ultra sensitive.

What makes you feel like a woman?

Taking care of myself and my sensitivity. A while ago, I wouldn't have been able to put this question into words. Now that I'm getting older, I'm more confident than ever.

Taking time for myself has become essential for me, something I didn't do a few years ago. I listen to myself, I listen to my body...

What does a day in your life look like?

In the morning, I take a few minutes to meditate, even though it's not easy every day, but I make sure I get down to it.

I'm a real live wire, so to start the day, I deeply seek the calm before the storm and if I get too upset, I try to take 5 to 10 minutes during the day to regain my calm.

Meditation is key. Then I have a coffee, walk my dog, and sit down at my computer to work.

When it's break time, going for an hour to the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, which is a 5-minute walk from my house, is a real pleasure.

Recently, a friend and I found a place where we can work so we can get out of the house for a bit. This allows us to exchange ideas, talk, and learn more about our respective professions. In short, a place that allows us to express and increase our creativity.

What are you most proud of?

My daughter. I am grateful to have such an intelligent, thoughtful, caring, and mature daughter. I am also proud of myself, because almost every project I have tried to undertake has almost failed, but one thing is certain: I never give up. This determination, this will will never leave me.

An anecdote from your life that helped you move forward?

So many stories come to mind! One of the most important is that my daughter and my husband are my first supporters, and that is priceless. Every time an idea and/or a project bothers me, I can be sure that they will be there to boost me. Nothing better to make you want to never give up.

Over the past few years, I've met some wonderful women through social media—women I probably would never have met. Being around them has allowed me to see the world differently. They inspire me! It's so rewarding, so motivating.

What is your relationship with your body and mind?

My relationship with my body and mind is determined by my faith.

What gives you a boost every day when you're not feeling well?

My daughter's smile, my husband's words of encouragement, my faith, the trust those around me have in me, and reading a few mantras such as "The Law of Attraction" for example, which help me reconnect with myself. All these things boost me.

What are the beauty and wellness rituals that you couldn't live without or that you practice every day? / Do you keep any beauty rituals passed down to you by your loved ones during your childhood?

As soon as I get up, my first beauty ritual is to drink a large glass of hot water with lemon and ginger. If I have time, I make myself a homemade juice. Then I head to the bathroom for a nice warm shower, followed by a very cold one! Then I give myself a self-massage to awaken all my senses and get the blood circulating. When I apply my skincare products, I massage my face well for 3/5 minutes (a ritual that I can do all day long whenever I have the opportunity)!

The beauty ritual passed down to me since childhood is to apply cream every day. It's essential because it's a real moment with yourself and, above all, very good for your skin. Since birth, we have this unique relationship with our bodies because our mothers gave us head-to-toe massages with oils or shea butter. These massages, whether vigorous or gentle, stimulated muscles and psychomotor functions.

If you had to keep only one beauty product in your vanity case? (cream, serum, oil, eye cream, etc.)

Shea butter has all the properties our body needs.

Your favorite Aime product and why?

Omega Glow because it helps nourish the skin from the inside out. It promotes skin elasticity, the oils are great, and the taste is really pleasant. I use it in the morning after my glass of lemon and ginger water or when I make salads.

Do you have any reading recommendations?

I'll be honest, it's been a while since I've read a good book. There are plenty I'd love to start, but I just can't seem to get around to it due to lack of time.

However, I sometimes read a lot of articles because I always have my phone with me, so it's easier. A few days ago, I started reading the book "Passagère du silence" by Fabienne Verdier.

She left everything behind overnight to set off alone in search of the forgotten secrets of ancient Chinese art. A brilliant student at the Beaux-Arts, her desire to learn this pictorial and calligraphic art. She became the student of great artists, despised and marginalized, who introduced her to the secrets and codes of a thousand-year-old teaching. From this unique experience were born a true story of adventure and a fascinating personal work, which combines oriental inspiration and contemporary art.

Any food/sports/lifestyle addresses?

I've been living in Paris for almost 6 years now. So I've tried a few restaurants, some more or less nice. I've had some good and some bad experiences... Let's just say I'm lucky to be near the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and we love to cook. Very lucky to be able to live 5 minutes away, we walk there, eat our good food and do sports there.

On the other hand, I recently discovered the restaurant “le Bouillon” in the 9th arrondissement where I loved the atmosphere as well as its simple cuisine, just the way we like it.

I like to hunt for bargains, Friday is my day.

I go to the Belleville market, sit at a terrace, then I tour Paris a bit to find gems for my future clients. Especially in the 18th, the Marais and many other places that I keep secret and where some of my favorite shops are located. With a little luck, I find wonders there.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sitting in front of a good glass of wine, a good cheese board, and watching romantic comedies and B-movies. Since we haven't had a TV for over a year. Wine, cheese, jazz in the background. Simple moments (alone or with my little family), moments that I cherish. It may sound super cliché, but that's how it is.

What is your Proust madeleine?

A slice of toast, preferably country bread, thick with honey that melts on the tongue. Or a salad made with cherry tomatoes, Moroccan chili, sheep's milk cheese (I put it everywhere!), spinach leaves, all topped with a good spoonful of olive oil. Simple things are best.

How would you define your vision of the world today?

Unfortunately, it's chaotic, given the events we're currently experiencing. But I remain positive about the future. Fortunately, there are still generous, honest, humble, and kind people with big hearts.

What would you say to yourself from 20 years ago?

You're going to go through some extremely difficult times. Don't give up! Trust yourself, listen to the little intuition you have. You'll get there even if it takes time. Get unstuck, think positive! You're not determined by everything you've been through! Go ahead and trust me: everything will be fine...