Sue's Courage to shake the Plum Tree - French Affair - Part II

This 'against all odds' story is about an inspiring and talented visionary, business person and author, Sue from French Affair.

​Part II follows on from a Post I shared late in 2015 'A By-Chance Affair with France' about a remarkable business, business person and lover of all things French.

When I interviewed Sue for the first French Affair post that featured in my Blog series  Small Business Birthing Stories, I was so inspired by the side conversation we had around a 'little project she had under her belt' (her part in the birth of a French Festival) it was obvious it was the strength of her vision that helped make the dream into a reality, it simply amazed me.  I promised I would share this incredible story of passion, hard work, determination, perseverance and most importantly, vision. The story deserved to have its own post dedicated to this 'against all odds'  story so here is Part II of The French Affair story - The Re-birthing of Brisbane's French Festival.

From starting the French Affair Market stall to organising one of Australia's first (and now largest) French Festival attracting over 60,000 visitors annually.
This is the story of how Sue shook the plum tree.

Back in 2009, ​Sue had a vision to create a French Festival in Brisbane. After all, there was an Italian one, why not a celebration of all things French?  It would be for the Francophiles as well as the French community and for everyone to indulge in the culture in every way possible (short of a plane trip to Paris) to promote the French Culture and celebrate. It wasn't the first of it's kind. It had been done before. But the previous festival was far from being considered a success and even lost money. The organisers swore they would never do it again. They didn't know Sue from French Affair had a vision that wasn't going away! She decided she was going to organise an Expo for Brisbane so everyone could enjoy the French way of life.

"They laughed when I said I wanted to organise a French Festival"

Anyone who had been involved in it previously laughed when Sue approached them. They said  that it didn't work last time and stated they 'would never be doing it again'. Even before she had even begun she was hearing over and over again that it was doomed. "It was such a failure last time we are not supporting another festival"  At the cost of her reputation (being in business already) it could have had a huge impact on her professional reputation and career if it turned out to be a (very public) failure. The festivals held prior lost money and people involved previously weren't exactly chomping at the bit to dive in again.

"I heard a lot of  "NO"

Sue had a massive challenge ahead of her.  Not only the massive task of organising such an event but dealing with the resistance or ....let's call it 'lack of enthusiasm'.  And lets face it, who could blame them for feeling that way? Although Sue was surrounded by so many people telling her not to push ahead with this project and at that stage no-one was lining up to help or support her make it happen.  Despite all of this negative pressure Sue told me ​"The Vision was clear".  She could see it, feel it and just couldn't not do it, she had to try. And try she sure did! 

The previous organisers of the event said they would only support another attempt at hosting the Expo if Sue could prove she could get the numbers. Nothing like an ultimatum to further motivate someone who already has dogged determination and a solid vision!

Sue set about getting things in place, approaching market holders, newsletters, food stall operators and businesses to sponsor and support the event by being part of the festival. Having organised events myself, I can only imagine the fear and anxiety snapping at your heart and gut as you would have been trying not to think about the worst case scenario... nobody turning up... All those people who said it would fail saying I told you so. 

Not that it was ever about the money, it was a free event and a labour of love for Sue but the risk in financial terms if it failed was significant. Imagine the pressure! All things were pointing at 'don't do it'. When I talked to Sue about her feelings at the time, she said that she had such a strong vision about it, she just had to move forward and make it happen and the vision in her mind was so strong she could even feel what the experience would be like on the day.

​She was determined to see her vision crystallised.

Fast forward past all that hard work setting a million things in place like getting volunteers, exhibitors,  sponsors, entertainers the list goes on,  to the day of the event.... Sue would have been fighting off fears of pitiful attendance but quietly hopeful that around 200-300 people might turn up! She looked outside and saw an enormous line up... 
​

around 5000 people attended the Expo

It was a great success that the French community of Brisbane were now keen to be involved. With the support of a team of enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers, the Festival has since grown to attracting over 60,000 visitors.  
​
This festival has become the largest French Festival in Australia showcasing an array of French foods, products, services and information to celebrate Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale.

---

If you are interested in finding out more about the Brisbane French Festival you can visit the website here.

After hearing this success story I asked Sue what pushed her to put the vision into a plan and then into action in those early stages. She said it was such a strong, clear vision, not like anything she felt so strongly since, she told me about the plum tree quote, which I hadn't heard of before. Wow!

Pictured: This is Sue in France and her favourite quote/inspiration.

I don't use the term 'Entrepreneur' lightly.
Often, they're people who accomplish what everybody around them told them they couldn't do. Not only do they make it work against the odds... they achieve great success. A lot has been written about entrepreneurs sharing key capabilities such as tenacity, initiative, problem solving skills and being super resourceful to name just a few attributes. 

An entrepreneur sets up a business or enterprise and takes on financial risks to make a profit ..  the difference in  the definition of true entrepreneurship in this story is that Sue doesn't do it for profit, it is her love affair with France and all things French that drives her, 
 this is Sue's labour of love. 

Sue never once referred to herself as an entrepreneur when speaking to me but that is how I see her and I only know a portion of her story. ​Bringing the french community together with the locals and business community and together with the achievements including the Festival, is the essence of true entrepreneurship in this case.

---

Sue (to the right) with her Golden Gazebo Award

 Markets and Fairs Australia ran the first national 'Best Of' awards program to recognise excellence for markets, events and stallholders across the country.  French Affair was awarded the best stallholder award in the General Merchandise committee. Sue told me she was very excited to win a Golden Gazebo Award last year.

Sue not only has over 30 years experience in the entertainment and marketing industry (award winning might I add) but is also a published Author of 'How To Learn French Fast" you can read more about her on French Affair's website www.frenchaffair.com.au

Look for Sue's French Affair stall next time you visit the Markets

---

To share in the French Affair mission (to bring joy to Francophiles allowing them to indulge in their love of France) you can find a range of products and everything French at the website French Affair or find Sue on Facebook or Pinterest or better still get to one of the markets!

---

Central Coasties and surrounding locals can visit the upcoming French Country Market at the Chertsey Public School in Springfield (check the frenchcountrymarket.com.aucalendar for dates). Open 9am 3pm, I attended last year and it is one of the best markets I have ever been to and going to the Brisbane French Festival is now well and truly on my to do list!

---

Post by Deb Aitchison, Owner/Operator, Bee Free Virtual Business Solutions
A Busy Bee for Busy Bees

If you enjoyed this post please like and share (Social buttons below) or if you would like a Blog written for posting on your business website or even one about your business to be featured here on Bee’s Blog, please get in touch deb@beefree.com.au

Deb Aitchison, Owner/Operator, Bee Free Virtual Business Solutions

My experience and qualifications form the basis of my VA business however my passion for working with small businesses and my desire to improve and develop online business presence with effective, affordable online marketing strategies (making life easier for owners) is my business focus.  

Bees Blog is all about helping Busy Bees (from small and medium sized business to busy professionals) improve their web presence with creative and personable social media marketing. We also get to meet inspirational business owners and hear their incredible and unique stories.

Contact Bee to enquire about Blog management services.