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 FRÉ is she the ultimate hotspot for all women to enjoy 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

'I WANT EVERYONE TO FIND SOMETHING THEY FEEL GOOD AT'

FROM PASSION TO OWN SHOP

That fashion would play a big role in her life, Frederiek actually knew from a young age. With a mother and grandmother who were very involved in fashion, she grew up surrounded by fabrics, clothing, and creativity. Dressing up, sitting behind the sewing machine, and endlessly combining: it was ingrained from an early age.

Through a styling course and an internship with a stylist, she further delved into the profession. There she discovered what she really 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's in the store and for whom it is."

Opening her own store wasn't necessarily a childhood dream, but the idea grew naturally. When the opportunity presented itself, Frederiek didn't have to think for long. "If I don't do it now, then I'll never do it."

And with success: what started with a strong opening month grew into a stable and successful concept, which Frederiek developed together with her team. Something she is rightly very proud of.

MORE THAN A STORE: EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE

What sets FRÉ apart 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 the experience. Customers don't just come 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 are thought of.

Children receive a candy and have a place to sit for a while, allowing mothers to look around relaxedly without being rushed or uneasy. It makes everyone feel welcome and stay just a bit longer.

FOR EVERY WOMAN

The largest target audience? 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 broader 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: "I think that's the best: that truly everyone can find something here."

Although a webshop could be a possible next step, Frederiek places great value on 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 intended.

A PROMISING FUTURE

With FRÉ, Frederiek has created a place where everything fits: 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? That might soon be free. We are 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.