Hello, my dear Frankies!

This week I’ve been chatting with Alisa from Recovery Lane in Waiuku as she celebrates one whole year in business! If you’ve ever had a little “maybe I could do that…” thought about starting something of your own, you’ll want to read this.

And now I have to know…have you ever thought about starting your own business or side hustle?!

Have you ever thought about starting your own side hustle?! Yes! I think about it everyday... Nope! I've already started!

In other news - it’s week two of the Frankie Fest 🎉 and this one is for the foodies.

This week’s prize pack is stacked with some of Franklin’s best bites and sips:

🍵 A dimple tumbler from @r__ceramics​
🍕 A $50 voucher from @pizzata.co.nz​
🍓 A voucher for Acai and a strawberry cup from @53acai​
🍺 The full tasting set from @akaakabrewing​
🥐 A pastry voucher from @yourlocal.bakery​
🥘 A $100 voucher for @mrhenrylocal​
🍦 a voucher from @sparrowandsweetgelato​

So basically, your weekend, sorted!

Head over to Instagram, follow Dear Frankie and like the giveaway post (it's the blue/gray one!) to be in with a chance to win!

And one last thing - I’ve been loving all your recommendations lately ♥ The businesses you love, the events you’ve found, the local legends I need to feature…keep them coming. Just hit reply and tell me everything!

See you out there 💌

R. and The Frankie Team xx

♨️ From Checkout to Cold Plunge: The Very Unexpected Story of Recovery Lane

The idea for Recovery Lane​ - Contrast Therapy Studio didn't come from a business plan. It came from being absolutely wrecked.

Alisa Black had just finished competing in the Fourtress Discipline Games - a tough CrossFit comp - with her husband Shane. Four days later, they were still hurting.

"I can't wait for a massage," she remembers thinking, "but I'm just way too sore."

What she actually wanted? A sauna. An ice bath. Somewhere she could just rest and reset - her body and mind.

"I remember saying to my husband, 'Someone just needs to open a small space around here. If it were me, I'd do it like this…'"

And most of us would stop right there! A passing comment. A "someone should."

But Shane did not! "Well, you've sold me - let's make it happen."

(Side note from Alisa: get yourself a husband like this.)

And just like that, a throwaway post-comp conversation turned into something that would quickly change the direction of her life.

The part where she wasn't "the business type"

At the time, Alisa was working as a checkout operator at New World - a job she really loved - the people, the chats, the rhythm and comfort of seeing familiar faces every day. She wasn't secretly plotting an exit or waiting for her big idea - in fact, she wasn't even sure she had one in her!

"In my 35 years, I hadn't really found a clear career path," she says."I really wasn't searching for this…but I knew it was something I'd regret not giving a go."

So she did the thing most people contemplate for years. She handed in her notice and got to work.

Building something slightly different…in a small town

Opening a contrast therapy space in Waiuku is not exactly the obvious move. It's not like a bakery or a hair salon or something similar that people immediately understand, and Alisa was a bit wary of how people would respond to the self-service aspect of Recovery Lane.

So she tested the waters first.

"I put some feelers out within my gym community, and their confidence in the idea really carried me through."

Then the excitement spread - beyond her own gym, into other gym communities and locals. "It gave me so much drive! I knew something like this could genuienly benefit people."

"But, the most nerve-wracking part was whether a small town would embrace the self-service side."

The self-service aspect was a really new concept at the time. No receptionist. No one to check you in. Just you, the space, the heat, and the cold.

But instead of putting people off, that turned out to be the draw.

"The convenience…being able to show up as you are, fit it into your schedule, not have to interact if you don't want to - people have really embraced that."

From constant chatter to quiet spaces

One of the biggest changes in Alisa's life wasn't business-related at all. It was personal. At New World, Alisa thrived on people. Daily chats, quick catch-ups, familiar faces, the general buzz of being around others all day. Recovery Lane is quieter.

"Stepping back from New World was very hard," she says. "I loved it...I really miss that connection."

But the quiet brought something else - space for herself and her family.

"For the most part, I'm quite a homebody. I really appreciate the quieter side of running the business."

Recovery Lane was built to fit around her life as a busy mum, not the other way around. Her kids, Shane's long work hours all over Auckland, the daily reality of running a busy household. And the social side didn't disappear - she just finds it elsewhere now. Friendships, kids' activities, and group classes at Westcoast Fitness.

"I find my balance there. It really fills my cup."

It turns out…recovery isn't just about muscles

On paper, it might seem like contrast therapy is about hot and cold. Circulation, muscle soreness, and physical recovery.

In real life, it goes a bit deeper than that.

"What I love most is giving people a space to slow down and reset," Alisa says.

As Alisa explains, contrast therapy involves alternating between heat and cold, which helps support circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and aid recovery. "What initially started as something physical for us - easing muscle pain - became so much more."

The heat helps the body relax and shift into a calmer, more restorative state, while the cold acts as a controlled stressor that builds resilience. Moving between the two helps regulate the nervous system - supporting both stress and recovery - which can leave you feeling more balanced, clear-headed, and calm.

If you're a mum - or just a human trying to get through 2026! - it's easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out with the stresses and pace of life. "In a world that's constantly 'on' and overstimulating, taking time out to rest and reset isn't a luxury - it's something we need to prioritise."

And that's the part Alisa is most proud of. Not just the space - but what happens to people inside it.

One year in (and still figuring it out)

Alisa isn't pretending she has it all mapped out, although she does have big dreams and goals for her business in the future.

"Starting a business is hard. It's scary. There are constant moments of self-doubt."

Right now, the focus is straightforward: grow at a sustainable pace, build solid foundations, and don't rush it. But there are signs of what's coming - collaborations, community events, more moments where people feel better leaving than they did arriving ♥

"Our first event with Danniella Bell and The Stretch Collective was amazing…it was so special to be surrounded by like-minded people."

More of that to come - that's the direction!

Recovery Lane and its place within Franklin

Looking back at the last year of Recovery Lane, Alisa has built something that has really become part of people's routines - their recovery, their escape, their chance to de-stress. And Alisa is forever thankful to the Franklin community for helping her journey.

"I’m so grateful to the amazing town of Waiuku and the wider Franklin community for embracing us and sharing the love - it’s made this past year the most rewarding of my life.

"It’s more than just a business to me - it’s about being part of something bigger, supporting the people around you, and creating a space that genuinely adds value to the community."

And if you're sitting on your own half-formed idea - the kind you say out loud and then immediately laugh off? Alisa has some advice for you:

"Do it scared. Do it messy. Do it anyway."

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🧊 Try it for yourself

You can book a session, find out how it all works, or just check it out here:
👉 recoverylane.co.nz/​

And if you want a behind-the-scenes look (plus the occasional reminder to actually look after yourself):
📲 Recovery Lane​

Go on. Do something your future self will thank you for.

lamsl swont

Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

🧱 The Great Brick Competition 2026 - Big build and judging day happening this Sunday 29 March at Buckland Hall (18 Logan Road, Buckland, Pukekohe)! Three hours build time, plus prizes, and toasties, sausage sizzle and snacks available. More details here!​

🎨 Ara Design Pottery Workshop - Get your hands dirty (in the best way) at The Stable Light Gallery on 11 April. You’ll learn hand-building techniques like coiling and pinching while creating your own organic, one-of-a-kind piece! All materials are provided, and you’ll walk away with something uniquely yours (ready to collect after firing). Tickets here!​

☕ Have you read Coffee News this week? - Pick up a copy in your favourite café or scan the QR code to read on your device:

👉 Want a featured note on the notice board? - Simply book your feature here, or just send us a quick email and we'll help you out!

Thursday

🎨 After School Art Club
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave — 3:15–4:15pm
A creative space for intermediate-aged kids exploring nature and landscape through art. Term 1 focus: how does landscape inform your idea of home? More info here​

🍽️ The Giving Table – Morning Tea and Market Day
Sanctuary Retreat, 94 Bungard Rd, Karaka — 10am–12pm
A welcoming community morning tea and market. Check it out!​

🖼️ A Brush with Fame Exhibition
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave — 9:30am–4:30pm
Art exhibition open to the public. All the details here​

🎉 Housie
Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 78 Nelson Street — 2:00–4:00pm
Come along for a fun game of housie! More info here​

🕵️ Blue Ox Babe Quiz Trivia Night​
Blue Ox Babe — 7:00pm
Fortnightly trivia night. Come test your knowledge!

🕯️ Candles and Cocktails with Blue Ox Babe & Little Batch Wax Co
Blue Ox Babe, 127 Manukau Rd — 6:00–9:00pm
Cocktail on arrival, then make your own personalised scented 220g soy candle. All materials provided. Book via moo@blueoxbabe.co.nz​

🥋 Waiuku Tai Chi 10 King Street — 9:30–10:30pm Weekly Tai Chi session. Check it out!​

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Friday

🎨 Artist Meetup: Sustainable Art
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave — 10:30am
Meet fellow artists and explore sustainable art practices. More info here​

🐰 Easter Bunny at Paerata Rise
GJ Gardner Homes, 34 Te Rata Blvd, Paerata Rise — 5:00–7:00pm
Free Easter feast with games for kids, food, drink, and an Easter bunny hunt around the showroom.

🏎️ NZ Performance Car Magazine Nightspeed Dragwars
Meremere Dragway — 5:00pm
High-octane drag racing event. All the details here​

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Saturday

🛒 Tuakau Community Market
Central Park, cnr George St & Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau — 9:00am–1:00pm
Local community market with produce, crafts and more.

🧘 Pilates, Prosecco and Platters at Physio Mechanics
Cnr Manukau & Glasgow Rds — 9:00am
Fun pilates session with drinks, nibbles and a little gift — fundraising for cancer rehab. Email stacey@physiomechanics.co.nz to book a spot.

🏸 Pukekohe Badminton Open Day
Pukekohe High School Gym — 10:00am
Come along and give badminton a go! Check it out!​

🔧 Waiuku Repair Café
Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place — 10:00am–1:00pm
Bring your broken items and get them fixed by skilled volunteers. More info here​

📚 Laura Vincent Author Talk
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave — 11:00am
Hear from local author Laura Vincent. All the details here​

🌍 World of Cultures: Czech and Slovak
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave — 10:00am–2:00pm
A cultural celebration of Czech and Slovak heritage. Check it out!​

🧵 Furoshiki Workshop
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave — 11:00am
Learn the Japanese art of fabric wrapping. More info here​

🧶 Waiuku Scrapbuster Workshop
5 Hosking Place — 1:30–3:30pm
Make the most of your craft scraps in this fun workshop. All the details here​

🩺 Navigating the Menopause Transition: Educational Session with MenoMora
2f Glasgow Road, Pukekohe — 10:30am (90 mins)
An informative session on navigating the menopause transition. Check it out!​

🌿 Mind, Body, Spirit
57 Ward Street — 10:00am–4:00pm
Talks, workshops, healers and market stalls. Crystals, jewellery, handcraft, massage, alternative healing, readings and more from as little as a gold coin. More info here​

🌿 Create Your Easter Wreath
Addenbrooke, 80 Razorback Rd, Bombay — 12:30–3:30pm
Make a beautiful Easter wreath with refreshments included. Book at www.addenbrooke.co.nz​

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Sunday

🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions
Rxfitness235, 42 Belgium St, Waiuku — 9:00am (45 mins)
Weekly stretch session with The Stretch Collective. All the details here​

🧱 The Great Brick Competition – Public Voting
Buckland Hall — 12:15–1:00pm
Cast your vote in this LEGO brick competition! Full details at www.bucklandhall.nz/brick-competition​

🌸 Paerata Easter Market
Paerata School — 9:00am–1:00pm
Easter-themed market with favourite stalls, produce and artisans — inside and outside.

🐾 Pet First Aid Course
St John Pukekohe, 21 Roulston Rd — 9:00am
Learn how to keep your furry friends safe. Check it out!​

🏫 Pukekohe Hill School Garage Sale
Pukekohe Hill School — 10:00am onwards
Fundraiser supporting adolescents with cancer. Branded clothes, shoes, bags, homewares, furniture, jewellery, sports equipment and more.

🎯 Afterlight – Airsoft RPG
W.A.R, 58 Bird Rd, Otaua — 7:00am
An immersive airsoft role-playing game experience. More info here​

🚗 Waiuku Dirt Track Annual Derby
Waiuku Dirt Track — 10:00am–3:00pm
Annual demolition derby action. All the details here​

🌾 Franklin Country Market at Pukekohe Park Raceway
Pukekohe Park Raceway — 8:00am
Homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, collectables, food trucks, live music and car boot stalls.

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club
21 Martyn Street, Waiuku — 5:00pm
A free, fun and pressure-free 3km walk or run. All paces welcome! More info here​

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monday

☕ Good Food, Bright Minds – Free Kids Breakfast
Café Queen / Waiuku — 7:00–9:00am
A collaboration between Café Queen Waiuku and Sanctuary Retreat providing nourishing breakfasts for school kids. Every Monday during school term.

🏃 The Wellness Run Club
Your Local Coffee, West Street — 5:45am
A 5km loop, all levels welcome.

🏎️ Wetpan March
Hampton Downs — 8:30am
Motorsport fun on the wet pan. All the details here​

🎲 Board Game Evening
Otakumart — 6:00pm
Free entry. Bring your own games or try something from the collection — everyone welcome!

🧠 Quiz Night at Good Home Pukekohe
65 Edinburgh Street — 7:00pm
Monday quiz night. Booking recommended.

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Tuesday

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club
21 Martyn Street, Waiuku — 7:00pm
A free, fun and pressure-free 3km walk or run. All paces welcome! More info here​

🎨 Painting Club at Franklin Arts Centre
Franklin Arts Centre — 6:00–8:00pm
Bring whatever you're working on for two hours of dedicated painting time and connect with local artists. Term time only.

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Wednesday

🏃 Flying Mullet Run Group
Waiuku College Running Track — 5:00–6:00pm
Run technique, intervals and race prep with Carl Read. $5 per session. Contact Carl at reado79@gmail.com​

👩‍👧 Sisterhood Social Network
108–114 King Street — 5:30–6:30pm
Connect with like-minded women in the community. Check it out!​

😂 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar
The Village Bar, Patumahoe — 7:00pm
Fun comedy pub quiz with quiz master Jim. Free to play, call 09 236 3571 to book.

🧠 Malt N Steel Quiz Night
Malt N Steel, Waiuku — 7:00pm
Teams of 2–8, prizes to be won! All the details here​

😌 The Relaxation Hour with The Pause Society
Waiuku Yacht Club — 7:00pm
A dedicated hour to slow down and restore. More info and tickets here​

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Word Scramble answer: Small Towns

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