Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the people behind the product.
What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Heather Kelly, the artist behind our new Planet Lollipops.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist/artisan/maker?
Being an artist/artisan came about purely by accident. I have always had a crafty way about me but after my sister opened an Etsy shop to sell hair ribbons and told me about a relative of ours that made one pillow and sold it on the same venue, I was intrigued. I enjoy being in the kitchen and decided I would make fortune cookies with custom messages. It all started there. Curiosity drove me to other custom edibles including lollipops, which we make exclusively today. The days of those fortune cookies are long gone.
What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist/artisan/maker?
It is particularly exciting to be noticed by big names. That what you’re doing is special enough and unique enough to get noticed; Martha Stewart, CNET–my business has received a lot of attention for some big names and creating a “wow factor” with them is great fun.
What does your typical day in the studio look like?
I have about 30 employees now so my day is spent managing people mainly. I am also deeply involved in customer service, sales, web development and social media. Luckily I get to apply creative license across many platforms. And they do still take my ideas in the kitchen.
Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
My inspiration honestly is my family. I have four boys and I want them to come up seeing me work hard and be rewarded for that. I hope that example rubs off on them and they lead productive, hard working lives and contribute to whatever career they ultimately decide on.
Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartener for the first time. What do you think they would say?
This has happened! We have donated lollipops to schools studying space and the solar system. Almost all of them start identifying the planets in each lollipop and “Wow…cool…” is almost always the first thing they say. Right before they say “Yummy”.
What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
I have a few quotes that I keep handy. Three from others. One is my own.
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
– Arthur O’Shaughnessy & Willy Wonka
Creativity is intelligence having fun.
-Albert Einstein
Creativity is a continual surprise.
– Ray Bradbury
It’s simply not good enough to just be capable of greatness.
-Me
13 Comments
The planet pops are wonderful!!! My son has a nut allergy… Are they nut free?
Thanks for your question, Pamela. Yes, our Planet Pops are nut-free.
Curious on the shelf life of the planet pops. My son intends to study aerospace engineering, next year, and I’d like to have these as HS graduation favors.
Ditto what Candice asked. My astronomy club hosts the largest astronomy event in CT each year. I would love to get some of these for each registration packet and a few extras for the kids that attend. I just need to know how early I can order them.
Hi Cheryl,
Good question! The lollipops can last a year if they’re stored in an environment that’s less than 70 degrees F and less than 40% humidity. If not, they’re guaranteed to stay fresh for a minimum of two weeks.
Hope this helps! Thanks for reading the blog.
Oh no! I LOVE the planet pops, but my party is June 9! My daughter is graduating from high school and hopes to work at NASA. She will be going to astronaut and astronomy camp this summer! Your pops would be perfect for the party. We live om Oregon. Am I too late?!
Hi Holly. I’m checking in with our shipping team now to see whether there’s enough time for the planet pops to make their way to you. Stay tuned!
Hi again, Holly! I just heard back, and our shipping team suggests placing your planet pops order with at least Preferred 3 Business Days shipping. Then, once you receive your order number, send an e-mail to custom@uncommongoods.com with your order number, name, and delivery request. That way, our team can contact the artist and let her know when you need the pops to arrive. This should give you the best chance of receiving them in time. Hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any further questions!
Hi,
I would love to order the planet pops for a party I’m going to on October 25th. Will they be in stock and able to be delivered by then?
Hi, Lori! The pops are actually in stock right now, and you can select your shipping preference at check-out. Whatever you choose, they should arrive before the 25th if you order today.
I would like to have an order of planet lollipops shipped to canada. Is this possible?
Hi, Donna. Unfortunately, our Planet Lollipops are currently only available to ship within the US.
I have a creative idea to share with Heather. If she is interested please have someone from her team contact me!!