Tell us a bit about the story behind Popcorn Blue.

Popcorn Blue began with a dream and a pencil in 2014 when I first began hand illustrating the furriest and cutest of storybook animals and Australian fauna from my garage studio.  This then developed into a number of children’s books and now currently producing my artwork on a range of different products such as greeting cards, prints, calendars, and tea towels. It has been an incredible experience evolving the business and I credit part of that growth to listening to my customers and what they want.

What were your inspiration and your brand mission?

My mission is simple: Sparkling Imaginations Everywhere. I love to evoke an emotion of joy when my artwork is viewed.

My inspiration comes from nature particularly cute furry animals and the richness of colour.   

What sets your brand apart from others in the industry?

My brand is unique in that it comprises detailed hand drawn colourful cute artworks. My illustration style is easy to recognise and my fun brand Popcorn Blue name sticks in people’s heads.

What is your favourite product and why?

My quokka illustration which features across all of my products, is my favourite because I have captured a joy in the quokka’s eyes that draws people in, and he’s just so damn cute people cannot resist him!

What were the first steps you took to launch? And what would you say was the scariest part/your biggest fear?

My first step was building a suitable collection of artworks which I  tested at many local and interstate design markets to gauge what worked well with customers and clients  

The scariest part was taking that initial plunge and devoting myself full-time to Popcornblue and overcoming a lot of those  “what if…” thoughts. 

What path led you to Life Instyle and what about the show makes it a great fit for you?

Life Instyle enables a fabulous opportunity to connect with exceptional artists/designers and showcase to potential new stockists looking for products that are unique, handmade, Australian-made, and eye-catching. 

Who are some of the other brands in the industry that you love/admire?

I love Kindling Clothing, Cinnamon, Clove, grottilotti, and Earth Greetings to name a few.

What do your customers love about your products?

My customers (young and old) love the cute adorableness of my products.  

Can you share your proudest moments in business so far?  

My proudest moments have been some of the great customer feedback I have received when my artwork finds its way into someone’s home and how happy they are to have a little piece of Popcorn Blue on their wall.   I’ve also developed some fantastic long-term relationships with my stockists over the years.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?

The best piece of business advice was to just “Do It now, test and learn”

Quick Fire Questions

1. Where do you see Popcorn Blue in 5 years’ time?

I see the brand continuing to expand in Australia and opening up Internationally on a range of homewares products…  plans are in place and ideas are overflowing…

2. Tell us a fact about yourself that will surprise our readers!

I was a piano teacher at the age of 18!

3. Your Favourite meal

My favourite meal is curry – any kind of curry!!!