Our history

Founded in 2016, Friendly Frenchy is a Breton social enterprise specialising in the utilisation of shellfish by-products through its product range.

Based in Plouharnel, Brittany, on the shores of the Gulf of Morbihan and the wild coast of Quiberon, the brand draws daily inspiration from the sea mist of this extraordinary natural environment.

Co-founders of Friendly Frenchy

Sandrine GUYOT & Laurent PEZÉ

the founders’ vision

Ten years ago, we founded Friendly Frenchy to prove that it is possible to create glasses that are beautiful, sustainable and meaningful. Driven by our convictions, we swam against the tide to ultimately create our own unique value chains. This bold, alternative model is, above all, a collective adventure. It is together, with our partners and our optician customers, that we shape the future of socially responsible eyewear every day.

Ranked second among the world’s maritime areas, France occupies a key strategic position with an annual shellfish production of over 250,000 tonnes. Sovereignty over this natural and renewable resource, combined with the vastness of our maritime domain, makes France a legitimate and essential hub for the development of shellfish by-products.
With a base on the Brittany coast, Friendly Frenchy is right at the heart of its resources and stakeholders.

A NATURAL, WIDELY AVAILABLE AND RENEWABLE MATERIAL

Winner

SILMO CSR 2025

csr and commitments

As a certified Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) enterprise, our company places positive impact at the heart of its business model. Our glasses are designed as solutions: by repurposing local waste (seashells, grape seeds, acetate scraps), we minimise our use of ‘new’ materials. This environmental commitment goes hand in hand with a strong local presence. By prioritising short supply chains and limited-edition French-made collections, we support local craftsmanship, reduce our carbon footprint and guarantee complete transparency.

The Friendly Frenchy timeline

2016

Tour de France of manufacturers and suppliers.
Launch of R&D.

2017

Brand launch.

2018

Crowdfunding campaign.
1^st collection of shell-framed sunglasses.

2019

Launch of the handmade Coquillage® Solaire collection.

2020

1^st Vigneronnes® collection of handmade grape seed products.

2022

1^st collection of handmade prescription glasses: Coquillage®.
1^st collection of handmade glasses made from recycled acetate: Les Recyclées.
1^st appearance at the international optical trade fair: SILMO PARIS.