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Local Love: Poppy Barley

Guys, Fall is around the corner already and I was beyond happy I could start layering my summer clothes, isn’t it the best? We went brunch this past weekend (yes, again and again) and we visited my favorite colorful corner in the city on a gloomy day.
Transitioning my closet from summer to fall was quite easy with one exception, I needed a great pair of booties.
When I found out about Poppy Barley, I immediately died over all their collection, literally. Shoes play the most important role in my closet, like, really important especially when we are talking about TOP quality as Poppy Barley.
Their collection is full of modern cuts and they’re made-to-measure with the most beautiful luxurious fabrics you’ll absolutely adore. I had the pleasure to interview Poppy Barley and I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved so far and how these two brilliant sisters, Justine and Kendall have created not only an amazing brand but a trendy and comfortable line of footwear I won’t resist buying over and over again.
Hope you enjoy their interview and as always you can shop my look at the bottom of this post (:

Tell us a bit about this lovely idea, Poppy Barley

Like many great ideas, this one began with a plane ticket. Destination: Bali. Justine Barber, Poppy Barley’s co-founder, experienced the luxury and comfort of handcrafted boots made just for her at a shop in Seminyak. Inspired, she returned to Canada with a vision to bring custom footwear to the masses.

Gaining her first follower, Justine convinced her older sister Kendall to help build a movement. The pitch: luxury products, attainable price points, and an elevated customer experience through transparent manufacturing and a better fitting shoe. One size doesn’t fit all.

Diving into the history of shoemaking, the sisters settled on the company name, Poppy Barley, for its roots in England during the middle ages. Cobblers used poppy seeds and barleycorns as a unit of measurement; one barleycorn was equal to 1/3 inch, and four poppy seeds equaled one barleycorn.

Weeks of research and another plane ticket later, Justine and Kendall travelled to León, Mexico, known as The Shoe Capital of the World.

Their first touch point at the airport was with Laura, an English professor, translator and shoe broker, who helped Poppy Barley find a home at a rare custom shoe factory and currently acts as Poppy Barley’s operations manager.

Following an exciting meeting with the factory owner, Lupita Lyons, the four women formed a partnership with the mission to rethink every step of the footwear industry.

You can shop my heeled Chelsea booties here

What made you decide to open your business and why a footwear one?

Kendall and Justine are both avid runners, and shared a frustration with finding boots to fit their calves. They saw a gap in the market—in fact, Poppy Barley is the first company in North America to offer custom fashion boots online, at a price point unheard of in the bespoke goods industry.

While Poppy Barley solves a fit problem by offering sizes 5-12, and multiple foot and calf widths, it’s so much more than that: ethical manufacturing, female empowerment, and the fight against fast fashion. Kendall and Justine saw a huge opportunity to impact their communities and change an industry.


When we say #ShoesToLiveBy, we truly mean it; these are shoes you can stand behind and feel proud of wearing. But they’re also the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever walked in! You really can live in them!


We also say #LuxuryForThePeople, because we aim to offer customizable sizing at an attainable price. To us, luxury is not a statement to the world about riches. Luxury is a commitment to craftsmanship, thoughtful design, fair profits and a human connection to the makers.

Any tips for future entrepreneurs in the city?

Edmonton has become a city of makers and entrepreneurs. Kendall and Justine often receive emails from and go for coffee with people who want to start businesses, but want advice first. After all those emails and all those meetings, one of the biggest things we discuss in the office is about having the guts to JUST DO IT. You can do all the research in the world, but nothing will prepare you for the realities of owning a business, and sometimes there are things that you just have to experience before really knowing how to handle it. One of our tag lines for our Fall 2016 campaign was about designing shoes for women who “want to start a business—and actually do.” Because it takes guts. We’re cheering for you!

Thank you Poppy Barley, I can’t wait to see what’s next from you! 


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14 Comments

  1. Great fall look and the boots is gorgeous. Love the way you paired it.XOXhttp://kintanfashion.blogspot.de

  2. These Chelsea boots are life! You really killed these pictures and great advice for everyone; entrepreneurs and non- entrepreneurs alike. Thanks for sharing! xo AH

  3. I absolutely loved this post and your fall look is gorgeous! Those booties are such a wardrobe staple.

  4. OMG! Can I just say how chique and sexy you look. I abolutely love the boots and that yellow jacket is bae <3. Also I really like the layout of your website. You've certainly got style 😉 Good job girl :*

  5. great interview and great advice from the interviewee, loved the ankle boot in the first picture will have to check these out 🙂

  6. Wonderful interview! I sooo love Fall and I can not wait until it gets cooler here so I can wear my boots! Beautiful photos, colors and scenery .. I really need to visit Canada! Thanks for sharing!??

  7. Maca!! Love this post and company. I have a problem finding boots that fit my calfs too. Going to check them out for sure. :0

  8. So cute! I love this look, will definitely have to check out the shop :)xo Anna Elizabethwww.annaelizabethevents.com

  9. I love the idea of this type of post so so much!!! Great interview :)www.mollyonthemoveblog.com

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