Interview: Lizzie Evans – Funky Poppy

Liz funky poppy plymouth barbicanCan you tell me a bit about yourself?

Having returned to my hometown of Plymouth after living in New Zealand for 3 years where I managed a Skydiving Drop Zone, I decided I needed a new challenge. Not having any luck with my job search, I started to look into things I loved – buttons! With inspiration from my sister I had already changed all the buttons I had on all my cardigans to funk them all up a bit. Plymouth didn’t really have anywhere you could go to buy really cool buttons or unique buttons so I took the challenge upon myself. I found a little shop in the House That Jack Built on The Barbican and thought it would be perfect. In order to secure the unit – I had just three weeks to source all my buttons and buttonful stock and open for business. I moved into the shop on the 1st August and was open for business on the 2nd August 2010. Within a few weeks it was if I had always been in the House That Jack Built.

What is your role within the Funky Poppy?

I do everything!

What can people expect to see in a visit to Funky Poppy?

You’ll find all sorts of buttons. I have sourced buttons from all over the world – from just down the road in Cornwall, to South Africa, Singapore and Germany. My main aim is to go for unusual buttons, and not just buttons, but everything you can do with them. So I make my own jewellery, gift cards, mugs, all sorts of things you can do with buttons. As the months have gone by I have developed the shop and introduced many new items from the gorgeous different types of button jewellery (which can be made to order and suit any outfit) to the fabulous (and increasingly famous!) Funky Poppy button T-shirts. After moving into a larger shop in April 2011 I started to sell other local artists work. Selling other local peoples work is great it helps them out and adds products to the shop that I can’t make myself. So Funky Poppy is not only a great place to find your unusual buttons but also that great locally hand crafted gift.

Do you run any workshops?

I run workshops where people can create their own button necklace or bracelet, right here in the Button Shop. The sessions last approximately 1½ hours and just need a minimum of two people to go ahead. You can sign up for a scheduled workshop or arrange one at a time convenient for you.

What are the Funky Poppy’s plans for the future?

Well that is the thousand dollar question I just can’t answer right now. I am currently working on the website so that I can sell my lovely buttons online but after that who knows, maybe another Funky Poppy somewhere?!!

What is your favourite button / collection of buttons?

A button is not just a button anymore; it’s a piece of artwork in itself.
I really don’t think I could choose one particular button or collection of buttons. There are so many different things you can do with buttons and each individual button has it’s own character, attraction and beauty. So I’m afraid I can’t choose. Sorry! 🙂

Where can people found out more about Funky Poppy?

Come visit!
The House That Jack Built
10 Southside Street
The Barbican
Plymouth
PL1 2LA
Opening times are: Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 5pm; Sundays 12-4pm; closed on Tuesdays (Jan – March)
email: info@funkypoppy.com
phone: 01752 261837
website: http://www.funkypoppy.com
You can follow Funky Poppy on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FunkyPoppy
and Twitter: @funkypoppy

What is your view on the Barbican today?

The Barbican is a great location! Not only is it accessible for locals but attracts lots of tourists in the summer. The Barbican offers so much with wonderful independent shops, beautiful art galleries and heaps of lovely bars and restaurants.

The House That Jack Built is a great little arcade of small individual shops with florists jewellers and heaps more, it is a lovely place to come and explore.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed on the Barbican?

The Barbican is a great location, I think the Barbican would benefit greatly from Southside St being pedestrianized to main traffic. Also more shops and not as many bars and eateries, you need a good balance between the two types of businesses and soon that balance will be lost. The Barbican area has so much history and natural beauty that we just need to promote what we already have.

Finally, what would you say about the Barbican to locals / tourists who have never visited it before?

The Barbican is my favourite place in Plymouth. It’s got amazing shops, lots of nice bars and restaurants, and so much history and beauty. The best part of all is that it’s right by the water.

Be sure to read more interviews with local Businesses and the people who make the Barbican what it is today.