February 08, 2016
CREATIVE DIRECTOR BREANNE RAFFOUL
Being told that she would never amount to anything - by her school vice principal - put a fire inside Breanne Raffoul. She is the Melbourne born and bred founder, designer and creative director of the up-and-coming design studio, Behr & Co. “I have her to thank for making me prove her wrong,” she says. “Think I’ve succeeded.” Over the past year Breanne has taken an idea and turned it into a fast-growing homewares business. She had been working as an office manager in the entertainment and leisure industry when she started designing pieces for her son’s room. Soon she was collaborating with stonemasons, artisans and seamstresses to bring her ideas to life. “When I had large stores that I had admired for so long asking to sell my products, it was a pretty amazing feeling,” Breanne says.
Behr & Co will be exhibiting for the first time at the upcoming Life Instyle event in Sydney. “You’ll be able to see all our collections along with a new range, which is a collaboration with a local Melbourne artist,” Breanne says.
Register now to attend the upcoming Life Instyle Sydney event that explores Happiness By Design. The trade event runs 18-21 February at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion.
This post was sponsored by Life Instyle, an event I have attended many times over the years. All editorial content was produced independently. Thank you for supporting businesses that help to make Daily Imprint possible. - NW
Which five words best describe you? Creative, honest, generous, persistent, loving.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? The venture came about from designing things for my son’s room. All my friends loved the pieces, and before I knew it I was selling them, and the rest is history.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Don't mix business and personal life. I work from home, but I now have very strict working hours. No work past 5pm - it makes everyone a lot happier.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Seeing my items on TV was pretty incredible, but being featured in Inside Out for our new collection was defiantly a pinch-me moment.
What’s been your best decision? Hiring an assistant! Couldn’t live without her.
Who inspires you? Two women inspire me. Heather Rowland, founder and owner of toy company Kippins. Building a global empire with two energetic toddlers, with a focus on ethical manufacturing. She always has time for me to offer advice or be a sounding board. Also, Justine Flynn from Thankyou group. Making a incredible impact in the world through social enterprise business model. She’s a mother and a business women, and the loveliest lady you’d meet.
What are you passionate about? Ethical manufacturing; slavery needs to end in our life time.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Jessica Alba - what she has done with The Honest Company is incredible, to pick her brain would be fantastic.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I really want to go to Italy to visit the family team that make our Eclipse collection. Hope to go within the next year.
What are you reading? Five love languages. Juggling marriage, children and business - have to make sure everyone is loved how they need it! Highly recommend.
images courtesy of behr & co; photography armelle habib, styling jacqui moore of greenhouse interiors