Jillian has always been artistic and creative. As the founder of Poppylab, a Malaysian jewellery line known for its colourful and unique designs, Jillian has transformed her creativity into a brand that not only adorns but also uplifts.
In this podcast interview, she shared how she came to start Poppylab in 2014 and she is thrilled at “how far Poppylab has come with just blood, sweat, tears, guts, no prior experience and a very limited budget.”
A Burst of Color and Joy
Poppylab is not just a jewellery brand; it’s a celebration of colour and happiness. Jillian describes her creations as “understated yet interesting,” designed to make wearers feel confident such as vibrant polymer clay earrings to elegant metal necklaces.
Jillian’s journey began in 2014 when she decided to turn her love for jewellery into a business. Inspired by her experiences in Australia and a desire to bring joy through her designs, she launched Poppylab. The brand’s name, a nod to the cheerful imagery of poppy flowers, encapsulates the happiness and positivity she aims to spread.
Crafting Emotional Connections
For Jillian, jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s a means of connection. She values the emotional ties people have with their jewellery, often linked to cherished memories and milestones. This understanding drives her to create pieces that resonate with her customers on a personal level.
From Pop-Up Events To Ecommerce
Starting a jewellery business is no small feat and Jillian has faced her share of challenges. From fierce competition to establishing a strong brand identity, she has navigated the complexities of the industry with tenacity.
Her focus on quality and helping customers buy their perfect pieces has been instrumental in building trust and loyalty among her clientele starting with her early days of doing pop-up events. Jillian’s mantra? “Fail fast, learn faster.”
She derives inspiration from different people. She names entrepreneur Gretta van Riel as someone she really looks up to. Plus “I aspire to be just like Stephanie Tchamanian of Lili Claspe one day.”
(Gretta is an Australian entrepreneur who built million-dollar brands such as SkinnyMe Tea, The 5th, The Drop Bottle and Hey Influencers from scratch while Stephanie founded a jewellery line based in California that uses luxury techniques and semi-precious gemstones and minerals in its designs.)
Engaging With Supporters And Fans
Jillian’s marketing strategy has evolved over the years, from leveraging social media to hosting pop-up events. These events allow customers to experience Poppylab’s creations firsthand, fostering personal connections that enhance brand loyalty. Jillian also values customer feedback using insights from these interactions garnered in pop-up events to inform her designs and strategies.
As Poppylab continues to grow, Jillian remains committed to innovation and customer engagement.
She plans to explore new ways to connect with her audience, ensuring that her brand remains fresh and exciting. Collaborations with other brands and nonprofit organizations are also on the horizon, reflecting her belief in the power of community and partnership.
Don’t Be Swayed By Competitors
Jillian’s journey shows us the power of starting small and staying true to one’s vision. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on their purpose and not be swayed by competition.
It comes as a surprise to know that Jillian still loves creating jewellery as a hobby! She admits, “Not really to sell but just for myself and just for the fun of creating and exploring.” Besides, Jillian enthuses, ”I love going to concerts, all types of concerts. I just love the energy!”
A big thank you to Ida Othman of Gogy Natural, a previous podcast guest for recommending Jillian Tan to our podcast.
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