Interview with Mallory Martin
Mallory Martin
People Pops Land - Founder at 10 years old
California, USA
Mallory Martin is a 10 year old entrepreneur with a passion for creativity and imagination. Her brainchild, People Pops, are a collectable toy that can be kept in the freezer. With hopes to soon expand her line of People Pops and to release several complimentary products, Mallory is only getting started on her business journey.
Kebloom got in touch with Mallory to chat passions, future plans and goals.
1) Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Mallory. I’m 10 years old and I live in Los Angeles, California.
“People Pops are interchangeable, collectable, adorable little popsicle people.”
2) What is your business name?
The name of my business is People Pops Land.
3) How did you come up with your business name?
The toys I am selling are called People Pops. People Pops Land is where they live and is located at the back of your freezer.
4) Tell us a little bit about your business?
People Pops are interchangeable, collectable, adorable little popsicle people. There is Josh the Jock, Oscar Orangesicle, a mad scientist who loves explosions, and Queen Glashia, she rules People Pops Land.
“My ultimate goal? That would be to get a licensing deal.”
5) Who are your customers?
The customers for my resin hand painted People Pops are toy collectors. But, once I get an injection mold machine, I will be able to make People Pops in plastic. Then, my customers will be kids of all ages with a great imagination.
6) What passions inspired your business idea?
One Christmas, my mum gave me this lipstick and it was shaped like a popsicle. I took it and traced it. I thought it looked like an adorable little human, so I turned them into people. These are my first sketches (shows sketches). I have always been able to ‘see’ things. First, I saw a flower and turned it into a dolls dress. I have also used plastic inserts in cardboard boxes to turn them into toy’s play lands. So, the passion for my business has come from how I always like to draw and make things.
7) What skills have you developed since becoming a business owner?
On the technical side, I’ve learnt Tinkercad, bits of ZBrush, how to set up parts for 3D printing, Photoshop and Sketchbook Pro. On the business side, I’ve learned about material and production costs, manufacturing and packaging and the importance of mentors… but I’m still learning so much.
8) What are your current goals and ultimate goal?
My current goal is to get my People Pop colouring book produced, to produce Series 2 of People Pops, and buy my injection model machine so I can produce at least 500 more People Pops. My ultimate goal? That would be to get a licensing deal.
9) What is your advice for other young entrepreneurs?
The advice I would give is, know your market and your competition. Know every aspect of your business. Don’t just be a figurehead, you need to run your business. Do research and make sure you love what you do. Be prepared to work hard and learn from your wins and losses.
…and anything else you’d like to add!
You can find me on Instagram @peoplepopsland where you can support my crowdfunding campaign, and learn more about the People Pops and their adventures.
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.
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