Biggenden business Poppy Laine celebrates fourth birthday

A Biggenden business has celebrated four years of operation, and owner Kirsten Robinson has shared the secret to success against a global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and operating in the sticks.

Kirsten Robinson and her line of Poppy Laine boutique candles and diffusers.

What began as a small boutique pop-up at Dallarnil sports day has grown into one of the most beloved local businesses in the North Burnett.

Opened in 2019, the team behind Poppy Laine have come together to celebrate their ongoing success four years later.

Over the years, the business has grown from a simple marquee to a cafe and shop front in Biggenden with multiple pop-up stalls at the biggest events in the region and the launch of a unique candle and diffuser range.

The celebration held in the Biggenden store on Edward Street was attended by dozens, ready to celebrate the success of a regional business which has battled pandemics, droughts, local bank closures and a cost-of-living crisis.

Poppy Laine.

Speaking on four years of success, owner Kirsten Robinson said it was hard to say what her secret was.

“I always just try to keep prices down, we always try to give good customer service and it’s always growing,” she said.

“The fashion has doubled, tripled and now we have the coffee as well, but there’s always other ideas to come.”

Watching the customers and visitors taking part in the celebrations, it’s clear the customer-service relationship has paid off, with Kirsten knowing almost everyone by name, and their personal preferences.

She also credits her long-term success to the relationships built with suppliers, many of which predate the business shopfront.

Walking through the boutique, Kirsten knows many of her suppliers, artisans and creators on a first-name basis, and shares loving memories about her relationship with many of the products she puts her business behind.

Poppy Laine’s line of diffusers available at the Biggenden boutique.

However, it is clear Kirsten has a soft spot for the ongoing support of her family, many of whom work part time or full time in the shop, which was named to honour her father.

“It was named after my dad, he was Poppy to my niece and nephew and we lost him six years ago,” she said.

“I wanted him to be involved in it, and there is a picture of my dad behind my counter which has been there since the start.”

As part of the 2023 celebration, Kirsten Robinson launched a brand new candle as part of her growing range, a staple of her yearly celebrations.

She said the range represents a future of growth for the business, and the many ideas yet to come to life.