Poppy Things is a small shop in the heart of Suttons Bay, MI.

She sits on the beautiful stretch of road, famously known as M22. Here is where we celebrate the art of handmade through a curated collection of goods. We highlight artists local to the Leelanau region + Michigan as a whole, as well as artists from throughout the United States and handmade women’s collectives from around the globe.

We believe in kindness, human rights, taking care of our planet, and knowing where our art, clothing, and goods come from. We hope to see you soon!

Chelsey Skowronski, Owner, Maker & Curator

The idea of a space that was totally and completely mine to curate how I pleased and share with the community has been a dream since I was only twelve years old.  

I was gifted with an overactive imagination and feel grateful to have grown up on a 40 acre farm in Leelanau County to roam, dream, collect wildflowers, and breathe in the breeze rolling off of Lake Michigan.

I have a BFA in Fashion Design from Kendall College of Art & Design. Poppy Things opened with a lot of my own clothing designs, but my current focus is oil and watercolor painting. I may get back to designing clothing someday.

I have met so many talented artists along my journey that focus on their medium and do it with passion, detail, and quality. The shop focuses on these people. The artists. The makers. The friends who have turned something they love into their livelihood. I love knowing that by carrying their items to compliment my own--my customers are able to enjoy these makers while supporting them, and when I can continue to stock their items we support each other.

Sam Wakeman, Store Manager

Sam joined the Poppy Things team in March of 2023. Sam has a Bachelor’s of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Minor in Business from Western Michigan University, utilizing her skills on a daily basis to enhance the overall experience here at Poppy Things.

Local to Cedar, MI she is a Leelanau native. On her days off, Sam can be found curled up with a good book, enjoying a good meal at Farm Club, or on a hike with her husband and beloved dog Bentley!

Contrary to the name, the shop is not full of poppy flower prints and goods (however there are a few.)  The shop’s name stems from how I felt when I first laid eyes on a poppy flower. 

Bold, resilient, delicate, layered. I wanted to be a poppy. I grew up next to an abandoned farmhouse that overlooks South Lake Leelanau. I’ve been riding my bike there since I was twelve. I’ve always had an odd connection to the house and property. In a past life maybe it was mine. 

One day, as I rode my bike down the gravel two track, I noticed a brilliant burst of orange-red against the weathered white wooden siding. I had never seen a poppy before that day.  I remember being in such awe. The color was so striking and the leaves were so plush and strong.

I became obsessed with all things poppy. Poppy Things kind of stuck, as whatever I created moving forward was somehow inspired by the house or poppies.  I call the farmhouse the Poppy House, which is where my home goods such as my tea towels get their name.