We were lucky to catch up with Aylea Zupko recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aylea , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I remember a couple years ago I started out just going to raves because my friend invited me along and I immediately fell in love with the scene, music, people, and values. I have always been artistic! Candle and resin making had been something I loved to do already for years on end just as a hobby. I would give them away as gifts to everyone I knew for holidays, birthdays, or just because! As I progressed into the rave scene I would see vendors with pop up shops all around. And I started to become friends with more and more djs and event organizers as I got more popular with the rave and party scene. Eventually one day, I was taking to a dj friend of mine who organized after parties and raves I regularly already would go to. He mentioned I should vend my candles and resin at the upcoming events. And ever since I’ve gained so much more experience with vending and confidence within myself. I now am vending at lots of artists markets, bars, underground raves, and other various fun events!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Aylea Zupko but most people in the rave scene call me “Poppy”. I have always been extremely artistic and I loved to draw and paint and make bracelets and jewelry when I was young. As I got older I really fell into creating more 3d works and that’s why I started making candles and resin! I love being able to hold or use my creations! I think what sets me apart most from other vendors is how underground the market or community’s I vend for are or can be! I love providing affordable goods to people who may not usually attend regular vending markets or daytime events. I meet lots of amazing and talented people this way! I am most proud of starting from the bottom of this scene not even knowing about it and being able to move up so quickly into a big part of the community!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I was thinking about this today! I really was always taught to never talk to strangers and I grew up being an extremely quiet, shy, and timid child. Up until I was out of high school and even into collage I had a hard time stepping out of my comfort zone to talk to strangers. I always used to let someone talk to me first and I really stayed in my bubble. But as I spent more time with the rave community I learned that talking to strangers is the only way to truly connect, make friends, and get to know another person! I think unlearning the lesson “don’t talk to strangers” was the best thing I could’ve done! Talking to strangers has helped me grow and build everything I do!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Networking! Ask for EVERYONES social medias, information, and get to know people! If you build your circle and community and you’re a good and kind person people will talk about you. And word of mouth is the best form of marketing there is!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppydog_games?igsh=MXJrMnBlcnJla2o3aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16arqKcBnr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Afuafina and RipnFilm