Life on The Farm with Shannon Fricke
Celebrating 20 Years of Lilya:
A Tribute to Community and Inspiration
2025 marks a milestone for Lilya: 20 years of crafting timeless fashion, nurturing creativity, and building a community that has grown with us through every step of this journey. Beyond clothing, Lilya has always been about celebrating the women, artisans, and artists who inspire and support us. Over two decades, we’ve shared stories, dreams, and collaborations with incredible people who have shaped the essence of our brand. This year, we’re dedicating ourselves even more to fostering these connections, highlighting the inspiring women who embody Lilya’s spirit through their personal stories, passions, careers, lifestyles, and creativity.
We couldn’t think of a better way to begin this new chapter than with Shannon Fricke: a remarkable woman, gifted interior designer and creative visionary. Shannon welcomed us into her world at Graciosa Byron Bay, a stunning guest home and flower farm that reflects her unique vision. It was the perfect setting to photograph pieces from our Heritage collection and to dive deeper into her universe, sharing stories and discovering what inspires her.
Our collection is called Heritage, celebrating tradition, roots, and the stories that shape us. Graciosa, having been in your family for over two decades, holds a special place in your own heritage. What does the concept of heritage mean to you personally, and how is it embodied in Graciosa?
Oh my goodness, it's too hard to choose one area. I'm in constant awe of my home, all of the nooks and crannies, the colours, the artwork (particularly my favourites by Hilary Hermann and Sylvie Kettle). I'll often catch myself aghast every time I look out the window and see the beautiful nature that surrounds us, the gardens, the sunset, the sunrise. It's an ever evolving love affair.
Everything I do is in service to and in celebration of the natural world in some way. The tending of the garden and growing flowers to maintenance of the lawns, the management of the trees, the creation of my soaps. I've learnt a lot about the cycle of life from nature and from the weather. also Sometimes nature will break me and bring me to my knees as it needs constant tending and is so unpredictable. However, this is where the growth lies and I always evolve in some way from the experience.
I feel blessed to be a part of such a strong, supportive community here in the Northern Rivers. There are so many extraordinary people doing creative things and I'm always in awe watching how people live their lives here. There's an honesty, a kind of rawness to it all. And always an empathetic word and a supportive hand is not far when needed.
I made a decision as a girl in my 20s, that my career would be an outer representation of my inner world and I've looked for opportunities that have allowed me to express my point of view in this way. There have been so many pivotal moments, however I would have to say the most pivotal would be myself and my home appearing in the second ever issue of Inside Out magazine (edited by Karen McCartney and photographed by my dear friend Prue Ruscoe). This one story would go on to open doors for me in television, book publishing and lead to the launch of my bedding brand, Shannon Fricke Heart and Home and countless interior design projects. It reshaped my career trajectory in ways I could never have imagined.
We admire how you balance a successful career with the slow, intentional lifestyle you’ve cultivated at Graciosa, where you make your own soap and homemade marmalade from the fruits of your garden (looks delicious!) How have you managed to create this harmony, and has it always been a priority for you?
We all embrace routines and rituals that nurture our wellbeing and happiness. What are some personal habits or practices that help you maintain balance and fulfilment in your life?
Every moment of every day I am maintaining an intentional, ritual based life. I begin the day with a swim in the ocean, the salt water helps to cleanse any emotional debris I may be carrying around. I take the time meditate almost every day and I include massage and healing work into my weekly routine to ensure my energy body is as clear as possible. I stretch, do breath work and try to eat as freshly and as well as possible. I intentionally move away from anything or anybody that is vexing my spirit even if it means giving away some of the projects or situations I have created for myself and hold dearly.
My personal style is very casual, with soft and billowing fabrics and quirky details. I always like to feel comfortable but I appreciate a box pleat or an oversized sleeve for a little drama. Muted colours always.
I've loved LILYA for years because it represents my sensibility perfectly. I feel like the brand has been made just for me! The colour ways are always muted with interesting tones. The details are inspiring, a box pleat on the collar or a billowing sleeve in a soft and gentle fabrication, gives a simple silhouette a thoughtful edge. The brand feels relaxed and easy but quirky. Just the way I like to dress.
I'm absolutely loving making my artisanal, made by hand soap and I intend to grow the range in 2025. It took me over a year to develop the formulation and it is lush and giving. I remember as a young beauty editor, sitting next to the legendary Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda, at their launch into the Australian market. He was a trailblazer in the natural skin care market and I went away from the meeting feeling so inspired to one day create my own brand of natural skincare. That was 35 years ago! The Graciosa Byron Bay soaps are made using ingredients we grow on our property such as lemon myrtle, rosemary, lavender, tulsi and learning about the healing properties of each ingredient has been a joy and steep learning curve. I often think of that lunch with Horst as the catalyst for the creation of this new brand. He was a true innovator.
Find out more about Graciosa here
Explore her artisanal soaps here