Our Story
“Poppy & Protea is more than just a business to us- it's a place of inspiration and connection to the natural world. It’s a way of life; an outlet for healing and learning through creativity.”
I’m Leila, the face behind Poppy & Protea, our family’s small shop featuring home and kitchen goods made thoughtfully in our home, especially for yours.
My husband, Nico and I met in his hometown of Still Bay, South Africa in 2007 and have been raising our children and pets in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 10 years. While my background is in hospitality and catering, Nico’s is in plumbing (with the occasional dabble in carpentry). Together, we share an affinity for all things creative and enjoy cultivating our “maker’s” mindset. I’m a sucker for a good, old-fashioned farm store and while we don’t have a retail space, we invite you into our virtual storefront!
About Us
We believe in kindness towards others and towards Mother Earth. Our shop is more than just a business - it's a place of inspiration and connection to the natural world. We strive to create products that are comforting and nourishing that are good for your body, soul and the planet. Our small-batch recipes are made using sustainable ingredients, including herbs and flowers from our own garden, beeswax from local beekeepers and ethically-made items from other local growers and vendors.
Look out for us at the occasional Maker’s Market. Find us enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry at one of our favorite local cafe’s or exploring a California botanical garden. If we aren’t there, we’re likely at home, creating mud pies in the yard with our kids or snuggling up to a movie by the fireplace. Whether you’re near or far, we thank you for being here and we wish you happiness and good health as you seek out your own simple pleasures.
