31/08/2026
Where to begin? This year was in some ways quite similar to my first year of being a mother.
I’ve moved from “I’m so excited to do this!” to sobbing, to “shut the doors and keep them shut because I genuinely can’t do it,” to “I have to keep trying because there’s no other option but to trudge through this self-induced psychosis,” and somehow finally feeling like maybe, just maybe, this might actually be something wonderful.
Having Lauren Ivory along for this demented ride is a gift, and having her as part of Beurre is a gift to our customers too. Because that’s what Lauren is; a gift. Without her, the shop wouldn’t be what it is. Also, who else could show me such mad parkour skills at 7am?
My FOH team is the stuff of magic. They try their very best to ensure customers leave our store feeling happier than when they came in. They’re such hardworking, clever, funny gals and I’m beyond grateful for them.
Our regulars? I’d write an acrostic poem to every one of you if I could. Please don’t think this is hyperbole, because it’s not; our shop lights would not be on without each and every one of you. I see that you’ve made a commitment to support this small business and I do not take you for granted. Not only that, but you bring your loved ones in tow and champion us. You listen to our stories and you generously share your own. Some of you even stride in and do our makeup so we can look and feel ✨bonita✨. You keep showing up in so many ways and I’m so, so thankful.
We aren’t meant to say this next bit out loud, but I’ll do it anyway and risk exposing an alarming amount of feelings.
I’m so proud of myself. I’ve experienced some of my very worst periods of mental health over the past year, and with so much help and support, here I am. Still baking, still snorting, still putting out fires, still being a good mother (sometimes), still being forgetful (always), still making a minimum of 97 mistakes a day and still being creative.
Eat more cake, sweet pals. Thank you for this first year. See you on the 12th of September to celebrate.
Zahara x
PS these gorgeous photos are courtesy of Melbourne Photographer
