Ep.2

Darling Discussions

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Welcome to episode two of Darling discussions, a place where we find out more of the who behind the business..

I find peoples stories in business fascinating + inspiring.

As we move forwards we will uncover what drives these passionate people, whats inspired them + what lessons they’ve learnt along the way.

Grab a cuppa, get comfy + lets dive more into the world of these amazing souls I have had the honour of creating with..

Priscilla Lamarque

owner of Zadig

What inspired you to start your business?

Back in France, where I grew up, I used to love going to day spas, hammams, and traditional saunas with my friends and family. The relaxed feeling afterward was always wonderful, even though I didn't know about all the health benefits at the time.

How would you describe your business in a nutshell?

A modern sanctuary in the heart of Newcastle, where people can escape the busyness of life and come back to self, using infrared sauna, red light and cold therapies.

What sets your products/services apart from others in the market?

I’d say it’s the whole authentic experience our guests get as soon as they walk through our door. They’re welcomed into this serene space filled with relaxing music, candlelight, and the beautiful scent of essential oils in the air. Then, they head to their private suite for a rejuvenating infrared sauna session or an invigorating ice bath session.

It's such a dreamy escape. We also made sure to use State-of-the-Art infrared technology, ensuring our guests receive the most effective and efficient therapy available.

What challenges have you faced?.. and how have you overcome them? 

Like many businesses, we had to go through a lockdown period just four months after opening our doors. There wasn't much we could do apart from staying present for our community, taking it one day at a time, and offering discounts on gift cards.

These could be purchased by our customers to treat their family, friends, or themselves once the world reopened. The support from our beautiful Newcastle community really kept us going.

Another challenge for us as a small business is the growing competition. We were the first infrared sauna studio in Newcastle, so we knew it was only a matter of time before similar studios started popping up.

But we stayed true to who we are at our core and kept offering a beautiful and rejuvenating experience.

Even with more infrared sauna and ice bath options in town, it only helps to bring awareness to how beneficial these therapies are.

What role does innovation play in your business?

Innovation is a big part of Zadig. We're constantly thinking of ways to make our guests' experience even better and to get the most out of the therapies we offer.

For example, we've selected Clear-light Saunas, one of the best infrared sauna brands on the market to ensure our guests receive the most effective and efficient therapy available.

We're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in wellness tech and practices. It keeps things fresh and ensures we're offering something unique and effective.

How did you come up with the Name Zadig?.. Does it have a special meaning ?

I wanted to add a little French touch to the business. Zadig is a character from a French philosopher Voltaire who was a revolutionary thinker who pushed for freedom of expression.

We wanted a similar spirit, telling people to express and be themselves.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?

First off, I would say passion is everything. You have to be passionate about what you are doing, creating. It's what keeps you going, especially when things get challenging.

Knowing your market and building a strong community has been huge for us. Our regular customers are like family. We make sure they feel welcome and valued every time they walk through the door. Word of mouth really spreads the love.

And lastly, taking care of yourself is non-negotiable. Running a business can be all-consuming, so making time for self-care and downtime is crucial.

Can you share a recent success story or milestone?

[At the time of publishing this I think our little bubba will be here]

While it may not be entirely business-related, my partner and I just welcomed our little girl and Zadig's youngest team member ;)

This journey has been both exciting and challenging so far. One of the most significant lessons I've learned so far is the art of letting go. As business owners, we often find ourselves deeply involved in every aspect of our work. However, preparing for my baby's arrival has taught me the importance of delegation and trust.

I am so fortunate to now have an amazing team of five beautiful and caring ladies who have stepped up to ensure the smooth running of our operations. Their dedication and support have been invaluable during this transition period. It has been heartwarming to see how everyone has come together, embracing new responsibilities and ensuring that our business continues to thrive

Looking ahead, what are your future goals for the business?

My head always goes in a thousand different directions when I think about the future of Zadig. My vision is to foster a community centered around holistic health, where individuals feel empowered and motivated to live their best lives. As we grow, I would love to open additional locations with expanded offerings to make our unique wellness experience accessible to more people.

I am very happy to announce some beautiful congratulations to Priscilla and Rhys on the arrival of the absolutely gorgeous Mexie. What a lovely family you are (and of course furry bub Ziggy too)

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us Priscilla.

Zadig is one of my favorite ‘me time’ treats.

I adore what you have created, you inspire with your passion and community love. Thank you again - I will see you again at zadig for another treat day very soon.

You can connect with Zadig on Insta zadig.studio

Thank you

for reading this episode of DARLING DISCUSSIONS x

Images by me, at Zadig, King street. Newcastle, freshen up your branding visuals here