This is what we stand for- individually and as a business

We’ve been building Poppy Bee for years now — making backdrops by hand in our Vermont studio, teaching food photography, running workshops, growing something we’re genuinely proud of. And for most of that time, we’ve kept our heads down and let the work speak for itself.

But we’re done being quiet.

Because here’s the truth: we are living in a moment where women are not believed. Where men face little to no consequence for crimes against women and girls. Where women earn less, are promoted less, are taken seriously less — and are called “bitch” when they dare to push back. Where women’s bodies, reproductive choices and healthcare are being legislated by people who will never experience any of it. Where women are talked down to, gaslit, condescended to, and constantly asked to justify their existence and their choices in ways that men simply are not.

We see it. We are furious about it. And we are not willing to just keep making beautiful things and pretend it isn’t happening.

Poppy Bee has always been built by two people — a woman and a man, partners in life and in work. And I want to say something about Joe, because it matters here.

In twenty years of building a life and a business together, he has never once made me feel like my voice mattered less. He has never talked over me, dismissed my instincts, or taken credit for what I built. He has listened, deferred, championed and stood beside me — not in front of me. When I walk into a room, he makes sure people know whose ideas they’re hearing.

I don’t take that for granted for one single second. Because I know that is not every woman’s experience. And it is exactly the kind of thing I want to be part of changing for every woman who hasn’t had it.

I also want to say this: some of our most passionate students and community members are men. Men who show up, who listen, who champion the women around them in their own creative communities. We don’t want to build something that excludes them — we want to build something that inspires everyone to do better for the women in their lives. Real equity isn’t built by women alone. It’s built when the people who benefit from the current system decide they give a damn too.

So here is where Poppy Bee stands, clearly and without apology:

We believe women. We believe their experiences, their pain, their expertise and their genius.

We believe girls deserve access to education, opportunity and the chance to discover what they’re capable of — regardless of where they were born or how much money their family has.

We believe creative work is political. Who we amplify, who we teach, who we make space for in our workshops and in our content — these are not neutral choices. We are making them intentionally, on the side of women.

We believe the men who get it are part of the solution. We are glad they’re here, and we expect them to use whatever platform and privilege they have to do the same.

Here is what that looks like in practice at Poppy Bee:

We donate to the Global Fund for Women every month. Not when revenue is good. Not as a percentage of what you spend. Every single month, as a fixed commitment — because that’s what a real commitment looks like. The Global Fund for Women has put over $169 million directly into the hands of grassroots women-led organizations in 176 countries. Not into bureaucracies. Into women.

We offer a full scholarship to one woman per workshop. Every workshop we run has one seat reserved for a woman who couldn’t otherwise afford to be there. She applies, she’s selected based on financial need, and she shows up as a full and equal participant. 
(If you'd like to apply for a scholarship spot, APPLY HERE.)

We will be creating women-only retreat experiences. Alongside our regular workshops — which are and always will be open to everyone — we are building retreats specifically for women. Spaces where women can create, learn, be challenged and be deeply seen without having to navigate anything else. These are not replacements. They are additions. 
More to come on these soon.

We amplify women intentionally. Whose work we feature, whose stories we tell, whose photographs we share — we are making those choices deliberately, with women at the center. Not exclusively, but consciously.

We pursue partnerships with women-led businesses. The brands we collaborate with, the vendors we recommend, the people we send our community to — we are paying attention to who is behind those businesses, and we are prioritizing women.

This isn’t a marketing strategy. This is who we are.

If it resonates with you — welcome. We’re glad you’re here.

If it’s not for you — we understand, and we wish you well.

-Clare & Joe