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Young, ambitious and unstoppable: FRÉ is the hotspot for women in Utrecht
The 21-year-old Frederiek de Vos is one of the youngest entrepreneurs in Utrecht. With her successful store TRUTH is she the ultimate hotspot for all women to enjoy some shopping. Team Valk Life takes you into her story and gives you a glimpse into this unique store.
Text: Mara Dark
Photography: Mara Donker, Frederiek de Vos
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'I WANT EVERYONE TO FIND SOMETHING THEY FEEL GOOD IN'
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FROM PASSION TO OWN STORE
That fashion would play a major role in her life, Frederiek knew from a young age. With a mother and grandmother who were very involved with fashion, she grew up surrounded by fabrics, clothing, and creativity. Dressing up, sitting behind the sewing machine, and endlessly combining: it was in her from an early age.
Through a styling course and an internship with a stylist, she further entered the profession. There she discovered what she truly enjoyed: helping people, advising them, and making them shine.
At a certain moment she thought: "I just want to do everything myself. Decide for myself what is in the store and for whom it is."
Opening her own store was not necessarily a childhood dream, but the idea grew naturally. When the opportunity presented itself, Frederiek didn't have to think long. "If I don't do it now, then I will never do it."
And successfully: what began with a strong opening month grew into a stable and successful concept, which Frederiek, together with her team, has built. Something she is justifiably very proud of.
MORE THAN A STORE: EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
What distinguishes FRÉ from other fashion stores in Utrecht? The unique brand assortment and especially the atmosphere. Frederiek has consciously chosen a mix that you won’t easily find elsewhere, making her store a real hotspot.
But it goes beyond just clothing. FRÉ is all about experience. Customers come not only to shop, but also for the conviviality. While women try on clothes at their leisure, partners enjoy a cup of coffee, and even the little ones have been considered.
Children receive a candy and have a place to sit, allowing mothers to look around relaxed without haste or unrest. It ensures that everyone feels welcome and stays a little longer.
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FOR EVERY WOMAN
The largest target group? Women between 25 and 35 years old, often young mothers who still want to look stylish and trendy. But what makes FRÉ special is that the store appeals to a much wider audience.
From young women to those over 50: everyone can succeed here. In fact, it's quite common for mothers and daughters to shop together and both leave with a successful outfit. As Frederiek herself says: "That's what I like the most: that everyone can really find something here."
Although a webshop is a possible next step, Frederiek attaches great importance to the personal aspect of her store. It is precisely the direct contact, advising, and truly seeing the customer that makes FRÉ what it is. This same vision is shared by her team, with whom she works every day on the atmosphere and service for which the store is known.
And it works: customers come in "just to look" and often walk out with more than they planned.
A PROMISING FUTURE
With FRÉ, Frederiek has created a place where everything is just right: from the collection to the atmosphere and the personal contact.
A store where you not only succeed, but also want to come back again.
Shopping at FRÉ? Soon, it might even be free. We're giving away a €100 gift card. You can participate via our socials on Instagram (@valklife and @fre_utrecht), where you have a chance from April 1st to April 15th. CLOSED
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