We recently connected with Samantha and Savannah and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Samantha and Savannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
In general, there is a lot of waste in the event industry. Trends come and go in the blink of an eye and a lot of people are so focused on getting their aesthetic “just right” that they purchase items that may fit the theme but have no practical use after the event has occurred. Maybe you can use these items once or twice but quickly the next trend will emerge and those items that they bought from big box stores and online sellers become single use items and soon end up in a landfill.
At Poppy, our purpose is rooted in a dedication to sustainability. Our primary goal is clear: to minimize waste while crafting exceptional experiences. Rather than contributing to the cycle of disposable décor, we embrace a sustainable ethos by sourcing vintage, thrifted, or upcycled items for our picnics. This allows us to all but eliminate the waste and at the same time we’re able to create unique and beautiful designs that are absolutely one of a kind.
Using vintage items not only minimizes waste but also allows us to create truly unique and beautiful designs that capture the charm of bygone eras. We eschew fleeting trends in favor of uncovering the enduring beauty of repurposed items.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond décor. At our events, waste is minimized to the bare essentials. In fact, after a lakeside elopement picnic for 14 guests, we generated only half a bathroom-sized trash bag of waste. The remainder is carefully collected, cleaned, and sanitized for reuse, ensuring that our impact on the environment is minimal.
As proud stewards of Bend, Oregon’s stunning landscape, we adhere to a strict Leave No Trace policy, ensuring that our picnics leave behind only memories, not waste. By prioritizing sustainability in every aspect of our business, we strive to set a new standard for eco-conscious event planning.
Samantha and Savannah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After the pandemic brought about a period of self-discovery, we found ourselves craving a means of self-expression outside of motherhood, having both welcomed our “pandemic babies.” It was during a casual conversation on a summer day that Samantha first broached the idea of launching a pop-up picnic business, inspired by similar ventures happening in other parts of the country. As we discussed the concept further, we recognized the opportunity to fill a void in Bend’s vibrant community, offering a unique experience that combined our love for the outdoors with our desire for sustainability.
Sustainability quickly emerged as a core value for us. Witnessing the staggering amount of waste generated by events and parties, we were determined to prioritize eco-conscious practices in our business model. We committed to sourcing materials from thrift stores, repurposing heirlooms, and upcycling vintage pieces, giving new life to items that would otherwise be discarded.
The decision to embark on this journey together wasn’t made lightly. With trepidation, we adopted the motto “why not us,” recognizing that countless individuals start businesses every day, and there was no reason why we couldn’t do the same. Armed with determination and a shared vision, we delved into research, meetings, and eventually, the realization of our dream.
At Poppy, we specialize in providing luxury pop-up picnic experiences throughout Central Oregon. Our meticulously curated tablescapes and themes, crafted from thrifted and upcycled materials, offer a one-of-a-kind setting for gatherings, whether indoors or outdoors. We pride ourselves on taking the stress out of event planning, allowing our clients to fully immerse themselves in the moment and create cherished memories with their loved ones.
What sets us apart is our dedication to understanding the essence of each celebration and translating it into a personalized experience for our clients. From curating themes to coordinating every detail, we strive to ensure that each event reflects our clients’ unique vision and embodies the emotions they wish to evoke.
We’re incredibly proud of the journey we’ve embarked on with Poppy. Starting with minimal capital, we’ve grown into a profitable business within two years and become an integral part of the local small business community as a woman-owned enterprise. More than anything, we’re passionate about the work we do and the impact it has on our clients. Seeing the joy, wonder, and gratitude on their faces as they experience our creations is truly priceless and reaffirms our commitment to creating unforgettable moments that last a lifetime.
How’d you meet your business partner?
We crossed paths back in 2017 through a local mom’s group called “Hike it Baby” here in Bend, Oregon. Both of us were newcomers to the area, navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon with our little ones in tow.
Bonding over shared experiences of early motherhood, we found ourselves drawn together during our regular hikes and strolls with the babies. What started as casual conversations soon blossomed into a deep friendship as we realized just how much we had in common. From identical wallets and diaper bags to matching sunglasses and sandals, it became clear that we were kindred spirits. In fact, it was not uncommon for us to unintentionally coordinate our outfits haha!
As our friendship grew, so did our shared passions. During one memorable hike, we discovered our mutual love for thrifting, creating tablescapes, and event planning – interests that would later become the foundation of Poppy. Reflecting on that moment now, it’s funny to think that our journey towards entrepreneurship began with a picnic planned during a hike!
Fast forward five years, and our friendship has flourished alongside our families. With two kids each, born within months of one another and fast friends just like their moms, we embarked on the adventure of launching Poppy together. Today, we feel incredibly fortunate to combine our shared interests and entrepreneurial spirit to create unforgettable picnic experiences that showcase the natural beauty of Central Oregon.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
A lot of people will see our picnics and comment that they “could never come up with something like that” or “I don’t have any idea where to start, I don’t have a creative bone in my body” However, I often challenge such beliefs. I firmly believe that creativity is an intrinsic aspect of the human experience. It’s not reserved for a select few but rather inherent in all of us. There are so many different types of ways to express your creativity, even if you think it’s not worth doing because you think you’re not good enough, Whether it’s painting, gardening, sewing, or even something as simple as wrapping gifts or decorating your home, each act of creation holds its own beauty and significance.
In the process of creating, we inevitably encounter both successes and setbacks. However, each experience contributes to our growth and understanding of our creative capabilities. As Rick Rubin aptly said, “The audience comes last. I’m not making it for them, I’m making it for me.” This philosophy underscores the importance of creating from a place of authenticity and passion, rather than seeking external validation.
In essence, by tapping into our inner artist and fearlessly sharing our creations with the world, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.poppycentraloregon.com
- Instagram: @poppycentraloregon
- Facebook: Poppy Central Oregon
Image Credits
Divine Sol Collective Kassandra Out West