Poppy King

Poppy King founded Poppy Industries Pty Ltd at 18 years of age, after recognising a gap in the market for matte lipstick. She sourced manufacturers, secured capital and investment and developed the product with the first range of colours going on sale in Australia in March 1992.
The media took a great deal of interest in both the product and Poppy King the person. Brand awareness grew very quickly and within months, the lipsticks were selling in major national department stores. The business recovered the $40,000 set-up costs and was showing a profit three months after trading commenced. The company continued to grow, at one stage sales were increasing at 1200% per month. Turnover reached six million in 1994 and Poppy King was named 'Young Australian of the Year' in 1995.

Export began with sales to the exclusive 'Barney's' department store in the US. The business experienced some difficulties as it geared up to expand both the product range and export markets. Further capital was sought and the company was sold to a private syndicate of investors in 1998.

Poppy King maintains her position as Chief Executive Officer and is driving the company towards the long term goal of becoming a worldwide cosmetics and accessories brand. Poppy King has been a member of the Small Business Council and The Australian Council of Businesswomen. She is a founding member of the Australian Republican Movement and was a delegate to the 1998 Constitutional Convention.