We recently had the chance to connect with Karla Schulze-Dyer and have shared our conversation below.
Karla, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The changing of the seasons is bringing me joy. Northern California is at peak fall color right now, so I’m making sure to carve out time to get outside and fully experience it before the holiday season starts. Last year was our store’s first year, and October through December felt like a blur; I didn’t have time to savor it. Now, with our first holiday season behind us, I feel more prepared and able to step away to enjoy the season.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Karla Schulze-Dyer, and I’m the proud owner of Ghost Poppy. We are a home fragrance company and an indie retail store, both located in the charming town of Chico, California. The story of Ghost Poppy began in 2017, when I first started creating our scents in my San Diego kitchen. Over time, Ghost Poppy evolved from a passion project and enjoyable side hustle into a full-time venture, a reality that came to fruition in 2022. Fast forward to 2024, and we’ve taken our brand to the next level by opening our very own retail store. Now, we’re excited to offer our customers an even broader selection of unique and thoughtfully curated items, going beyond our signature fragrances to create truly inviting and memorable shopping experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was an intern at a fashion house in New York City, I noticed that many of the designers, sewers, and staff couldn’t afford the clothing they were creating. It was a powerful moment that reshaped how I see work and value. I realized how often talent and creativity are undervalued, and it taught me to always consider the people behind the product. That experience really deepened my appreciation for fairness, accessibility, and integrity in any industry I work in.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2021, I was working in the nonprofit sector, running a food pantry and assisting high-need clients six days a week. While I loved the work, it left me completely drained. I no longer had the time or energy for my small business, and I had decided to close it down to focus on my job. Then, just four days before Christmas, the nonprofit closed its doors. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. However, in that moment, I realized Ghost Poppy was something I could rebuild on my own terms. What seemed like an ending became a new beginning, and that experience taught me a great deal about resilience and trusting myself when things fall apart.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that running a retail store was a bad idea, too risky, too unpredictable, and not financially sustainable. But over time, I realized that was a pretty narrow way of looking at it. Small, niche shops bring so much character and connection to a community. They’re often built on passion and creativity, not just profit. Now, I can’t imagine wanting to live in a world without them. Supporting and creating spaces like that feels not only worthwhile, but essential.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
The good smells!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ghostpoppy.com
- Instagram: ghost_poppy_
Image Credits
Shawn Dyer
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