Poppy Cards began when Stephanie Bell and her family moved to Whanganui in 2007, looking for a lifestyle change and the chance to create a more creative, flexible working life after years in corporate roles.

Whanganui is a city known for its creativity, beauty and artistic energy, and is recognised by UNESCO as a City of Design. It is a place where creativity flourishes — in its gardens, galleries, architecture, river, makers and artists. That spirit of place flows through the Poppy Cards range, bringing together Whanganui’s distinct character, its awa and its boutique creative offering.

Before launching Poppy Cards, Stephanie channelled much of her creative energy into developing a one-acre garden haven, raising two children and deepening her love of design, colour and composition.

In 2015, Poppy Cards was created from a simple idea: New Zealand deserved a greeting card brand with the creative range of a larger card company, but with more heart, stronger design values and a distinctly local point of view. Stephanie wanted to offer retailers and their customers cards that felt beautiful, thoughtful and contemporary — with elegant typography, memorable imagery, carefully chosen colours and meaningful messages for life’s important milestones. It was equally important that the cards were lovely, joyful and fun — just like Poppy, the much-loved family dog who inspired the business name.

Poppy Cards works with local graphic designers, illustrators and New Zealand artists to create a wide range of distinctive styles. The collection is intentionally not defined by one single look; instead, it offers breadth, freshness and individuality while avoiding the predictable or overly familiar. This variety is part of what makes the range special, helping retailers offer cards that feel original, design-led and different from what customers see everywhere else.

Each card is printed locally on high-quality sustainable paper and paired with a quality envelope, with selected designs hand-finished for an extra level of care.