TBIF Conversation Series: Poppy Barley, a sustainable success story

Join us in Calgary for the next installment of The Brand is Female Conversation Series presented by TD Women in Enterprise! We'll be hosting a powerful conversation with two visionary sisters who are redefining what it means to thrive in Canada’s fashion and retail industry. This panel brings together Justine Barber and Kendall Barber, co-founders of Poppy Barley, to discuss building a values-driven accessories brand that has captured the hearts (and closets) of Canadians.

Meet the Founders:

• Justine & Kendall Barber – Co-Founders, Poppy Barley
  Sisters Justine and Kendall Barber launched Poppy Barley in 2012 with a bold vision: to make luxury footwear and accessories more accessible through transparent pricing, ethical production, and timeless design. From their first made-to-measure boots to today’s full line of shoes, handbags, and leather goods, Poppy Barley has become a leader in sustainable fashion. The brand is a Certified B Corporation and works with family-owned factories in Mexico to ensure fair wages and responsible production practices.

Recognized by outlets like Forbes, The Globe and Mail, and FASHION magazine, the Barber sisters are passionate advocates for building businesses that do good. Through their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community impact, they’ve turned Poppy Barley into a beloved Canadian success story.

Why you should join:
In this panel, Justine and Kendall will share how they built Poppy Barley from an idea into a thriving direct-to-consumer brand, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and their perspective on what it takes to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing retail landscape. Expect an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and designing for a new generation of conscious consumers.

Event details:

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

What time: 9am networking breakfast, followed by a panel from 9:30am to 10:30am

Where: Poppy Barley Calgary, Market Mall, P021A, 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW

The panel will be moderated by Eva Hartling, Founder, The Brand is Female.

Host or Publisher The Brand is Female / Femmes de marque