For fifteen years, Brigitte Persyn was the face of De Papaver in Ypres. She has always done that with heart and soul. She also felt that love for the profession with Ludwig Borms and Bormo. “The products are very good. Certainly the Bormo Miracle Ointment. We can't live without it at home. Everyone should have a jar like this at home,” she says convinced.
In small, rural Zandvoorde, Brigitte Persyn developed an interest in organic food. In 1989 she started a herbal practice from her home: 'Herbs Brigitte'. Her background as a pharmacy assistant and her social attitude made her long for a location with more traffic. That is how she ended up in the Sint-Jacobsstraat in Ypres. In 2007, she opened organic store De Papaver in a building that used to house a clothing store. She operated it until April 2022.
Ludwig Borms
The Poppy was a resounding success right from the start. After the first advertising campaign, word of mouth did the rest. Suppliers also came forward spontaneously.
“I soon came into contact with Ludwig Borms”, Brigitte recalls. “He came to introduce his Bormo line himself. He was a 'self-made' man who did everything himself - from the production to the sale of his Bormo range. I must honestly say that I was not immediately convinced because at that time many representatives came across the floor with jars and they all claimed that their product was the best. I immediately saw that Ludwig Borms was an honest man, but I was skeptical because it was so expensive. People must be willing to pay for it. That's why I had to be able to stand behind it myself. The promises must be kept.”
Like sweet rolls
She decided to sell the Bormo line in De Papaver and soon realized: “These are top products.” The Bormo Miracle Ointment in particular went over the counter like hot cakes”, says Brigitte Persyn, who believes that the ointment has not stolen its name. “It is a real miracle product, an energetic ointment: that is, it gives energy where it is applied. With that ointment you can kill 95 flies out of 100.
I sold Bormo Wonder for all purposes: energetic massage, day and night cream, dry lips, irritated skin, nail care, diaper rash, painful bedsores, to prevent stretch marks and chapping during breastfeeding, calluses, burns, difficult blood circulation and heavy legs…”
Satisfied users
She still remembers the customers she was able to help with Bormo Wonder. “I am now thinking of bricklayers,” says Brigitte. “Bormo Wonder is very good for their chilblains and fissures. I advised them to wash their hands with warm water first so that the fissures open. Then rub in with Borm Wonder. That works very well.
I have also achieved great results with clients who had problems with their bowel movements, with hemorrhoids or 'the teat' as it is popularly called. Bormo Wonder also works very well in psoriasis patients. Thanks to Bormo Wonder, they can leave their arms and legs bare in the summer without feeling watched.
Four jars at home
“Yes, it is a serious investment but well worth the money. I use it myself. I have at least four pots at home,” says Brigitte. “Everyone who uses Bormo Wonder is happy with it, but you have to convince people to try it first. I remember a man from Sint-Eloois-Winkel who was very sceptical. He bought one jar anyway. Every subsequent time he came to De Papaver, he took two jars with him. “I can't live without it anymore,” he said. It's true. Once you have that, you don't need anything else. That is why I sometimes compare it to royal j
Customer loyalty
Bormo Wonder sells itself. “Even without Bormo having a prominent place in the store, I sold it well. When customers brought up a problem that I knew Bormoz ointment could help with, I recommended it. Why search further? It is a very good and pure product. People buy it again and again. This ensures customer loyalty and word-of-mouth advertising. And it's a good gift idea.”
Energetic water
Brigitte has also always been a fan of Bormo Hygiene. “That is also a versatile product. Everyone is satisfied with it. You can wash yourself with it, you can use it for the dishes, to wash the car, for the washing machine, to scrub the floor, in the bath water... You can collect the bath water and use it for cleaning because it is energetic water . It would be a shame to throw it away because 'ordinary' water cannot compete with water with Bormo Hygiene.”
Hair care
The trio Bormo Shampoo, Bormo Hair Shine and Bormo Hair Balm can also count on Brigitte's approval. “You know what's really good? If you want gel in your hair, take the Hair shine and rub it into your hair so that it doesn't dry out," she adds as a tip.
Heart for the business
Even though she is no longer in the store, Brigitte De Papaver remains affectionate. She remains proud of her own line of nutritional supplements. She developed and launched it in collaboration with a lab. The 62 Poppy supplements are certified, approved and will continue to be part of the retail offer after the takeover. The business is now run by Patrick Demets and Brigitte's daughter Delphine is part of the Papaver Bio team.
Acquisition
Bormo also came into new hands in 2022. “Ludwig Borms exudes solidity. He is classy and approachable. If I had a question, I could always call him. It is good that he has found a buyer in Lieve Capoen who leads the company from the same vision, because Bormo must not disappear,” says Brigitte