From Parisian Roots to Paradise

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher & Supplied

The vibrant life and boundless spirit of Sandrine “Frenchy” Lazignac

Sandrine Lazignac — known to almost everyone as “Frenchy” has a way of making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a sunnier, more colourful world the moment you meet her.

Her life story, woven from threads of elegance, adventure, and boundless optimism, reads like a novel, only it’s all true.

“I’ve always believed everything I do, I give 100%,” she says. “Positivity is my strength. I’m carefree, spontaneous, and I love making people feel good about themselves.”

Born in the heart of Paris, Sandrine began her journey in the prestigious Lucie Saint-Clair salons, perfecting her craft as a hairstylist.

But as much as she loved the artistry of hair, she felt an irresistible pull to see the world.

At 23, she joined Club Med, a dream she had carried since visiting as a child with her parents.

Her first posting was in Porto Petro, Spain, followed by Agadir in Morocco, Senegal, and Bali.

In each place, she not only styled hair but performed in dance shows and even sang in evening performances.

“It really helped me come out of my shell,” she recalls. “My parents were so surprised to see me blossoming.”

Meeting people from every corner of the globe left a deep imprint on her, shaping her view that life was meant to be shared.

Then came the move that would change her life forever, Australia.

“I still remember crossing the bridge from Southport to Surfers Paradise.

The sky was so blue, I got goosebumps. I was 28, scared to be 28,000 kilometres away from France, but I felt something warm and exciting telling me this was my new home.” Two years later, she became an Australian citizen.

With little English, Sandrine began working at United Colors of Benetton.

She struggled at first, but never gave up, cheekily crediting the TV show Kath & Kim for improving her vocabulary, “I still say, ‘It’s niiice!’”

From there, she moved into a role at the Versace boutique in Marina Mirage, where her love of design flourished. Encouraged by her manager, she enrolled in an interior design course that was meant to take five years but, fuelled by passion, she completed in just six months with a high distinction.

She went on to become Australia’s number one seller, styling homes, condos, and boat shows with signature flair.

After a decade with Versace, she joined Louis Vuitton, bringing her Parisian elegance to the world of luxury retail for twelve years.

She forged deep relationships with clients, many of whom became close friends. “When I work with clients, I treat them like family,” she says.

Sixteen years ago, Sandrine met the man who would become her partner of 16 years.

She says he allowed her to “fully bloom” and live without the weight of material pressure. “With him, I became, finally, a true woman.”

Now retired, she fills her days with golf at Emerald Lakes, participating in the WGGC ladies’ tournament, travelling, and meeting new friends.

“Some days I play badly,” she laughs, “but I look good, my friends will tell you that!” At 56, she embraced an unexpected adventure: modelling for Liz Clift International in Bundall.

“I never imagined I’d be doing that, but it was so much fun.”

Her greatest joy, though, is her 25-year-old son, her “sonshine”, who shares her love for travel.

He recently returned from a two-year stint in Canada, and like his mother, sees life as a beautiful journey to be embraced.

For Sandrine, life is not a race for money or titles, it’s about timing, laughter, creativity, and the joy of bringing others along for the ride. “Timing is the most important thing in the world,” she says. “And you never know what the future holds.”