Poppy!

Dear Think::

Well we are enjoying our trip and have had a great weekend in Marvelous Missouri.  I discovered one of my favorite downtown centers.  As a Midwest gal maybe you have been there.  It is is Columbia Missouri just blocks from the University of Missouri.  The streets are full of character, great food, vintage shops and one little shop that had me lured in by the just the name on the door. 

Poppy

Here is the awesome story of this great place.  The owner Barb grew up in California watching her mom volunteer at a museum help fill the gift shop with wonderful California artisans. When Barb moved to Columbia Missouri, 30 years ago  she enjoyed getting samplings of her Mom's finds in the mail.  She decided to open a shop downtown to bring the California artisans to the wonderful people of Missouri.  After time she decided to open it to artisans from all over the country  - she was a woman ahead of her time building a store that was like a Etsy live.  (seriously it was like walking through the pages of Etsy)

I so enjoyed walking through every corner of her large downtown space. When I felt like I had seen everything I would turn around to find another corner full of treasures. 
While I was in there I saw three types of customers:

1.  a Mom bringing her 5 year old in to pick out a birthday party gift for her friend
2.  a mom of a college student who was in town for graduation that asked specifically for a artist from Oregon to buy some more of her work
3.  a young man buying a Graduation gift for his girlfriend

I thought it was so telling of how this community loves her shop.  I asked Barb if she just loves coming into work.  She told me two different times "There is not a day that I don't LOVE coming in here" 
On the counter was the above hot pad from one of her Poppy Artists that had just come in and was getting tagged to go on the floor.  This hot pad was just "2 Clever!"

I brought home with me this sweet locket from Clara Beau'.


Even though I bought it for myself she gift wrapped it for me to show me how darling the gift wrap is.
Every detail was put the tissue, box and poppy that went on top.

Since I know that you and I know a lot of talented artists out there (many of them are our Eavesdroppers) I asked her how she finds and picks new artists.  She said she is open to any new artist and just needs an email with a photo.

So if anyone reading is looking for a wonderful place to sell their creations or has a friend that needs an avenue to start her business send Barb an email with a photo of what you make and tell her 2clever sent you. 
 barb@poppyarts.com

If you are ever in Columbia stop by and say hello to the staff at Poppy.  If you never make it to Columbia you visit Poppy in your pj's in your own home 24 hours a day.  Poppy Website Here

Pink::

This was my favorite piece in the shop.  Click here you will love it!!

Comments

[denise]

OK, that store is beyond cute. Is it bad that I want to plan a trip to Missouri simply to go that store?!?!?

[beckie]

That store is amazing!! So many cool things, I don't know how you settled on buying just one thing.

[Amanda]

I went to Mizzou in Columbia and used to work next door to Poppy at the Villager. How fun to see it on your blog!!!