Women We Watch: Poppy Chancellor

You just might have heard about our uplifting new collection, GIRLS GOT IDEAS.

Designed in collaboration with paper cut artist and Ru Paul’s Drag Race super fan, Poppy Chancellor, we’ve created 12 playful pieces to celebrate International’s Women’s Day, inspired by six talented women, whose individual stories just had to be told. 

We sat down with the lady herself, to talk the creative process, freelance life and “not giving up”. Get ready for some serious hair envy and wise words!

CAN YOU SUM UP WHAT YOU DO IN FIVE WORDS?

I can do it in less than five: I CUT PAPER!

FROM PODCASTS TO PLAYLISTS, WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO WHILST YOU’RE WORKING?

I love ‘This American Life’ or I play Ru Paul’s Drag Race in the background to really get me in the mood.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM PIECE TO CREATE?

I love making pieces for myself. Getting an idea, sketching, cutting and it coming out just how you wanted is so satisfying!

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM GIRLS GOT IDEAS AND WHY?

AH I love them all. They each have such a personal story. I think the Do What I Want Mouth Necklace relates to my mentality the most. I was a really naughty kid so that one makes me chuckle.

WHAT DO YOU PERSONALLY REGARD AS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT?

My biggest achievement is not giving up. Making the choice to pursue my art instead of getting ‘a real job’. I was really struggling, but with a bit of support, stubbornness and hard work this year has been a breakthrough for me.

WHAT’S THE BEST DECISION YOU EVER MADE?

Going to art school and taking it seriously. When I look back those were the most productive and exhausting years. It set me up with an amazing base of friends and skills that get me through that freelance life!

WORST DECISION?

Thinking I wasn’t good enough for a lot of my life. Growing older’s really helped me to see everyone has those thoughts and you can decide to be whatever the fuck you want because you’re alive and you’re amazing.

WHICH WOMEN ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?

Rosy Nicholas, Lakwena Maciver, Gemma Shiel, Ryannon Styles, Bwalya Newton and Marawa Ibrahim…

Thanks, Poppy. Shanté, you stay!

Discover the GIRLS GOT IDEAS collection here and at our Southbank Centre pop up until the end of March.

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