Hey everyone, it’s Dani here!
This week’s blog post was inspired by a lovely customer named Patricia, who left us this question a little while ago:
“Is there a story behind the name Merry People, or was the intention to literally make people merry about boots?”
I love answering this question. Let’s get into it!
The Story Behind My Brand, Merry People
Merry People started as an idea, born out of a practical frustration, in 2014.
At the time, I was working in a corporate job in Melbourne, Australia (notorious for its unreliable weather!) and looking for a comfortable, quality, everyday pair of boots I could wear on my commutes that would also be suitable to walk into my corporate office.
Growing up on a farm in South Gippsland, Victoria, I was familiar with just how useful gumboots can be… but couldn’t find a pair that bridged the gap between city and country life.
During this time, I was searching for more creativity and happiness from my work. I took a pretty crazy leap of faith and set out to create my own boots. Sketches in hand, I reached out to a friend for some technical help and the first Merry People boot was born.
I wrote up a business plan and booked some flights to China to meet some potential suppliers.
I was scared, nervous but also very excited with my idea!
Photographer: Charlie Kinross
I started selling very grass-roots, at weekend farmers markets which was hard work (having days with zero or only one or two sales was very deflating!).
But the experience taught me so much and gave me the opportunity to meet our customers.
Merry People has slowly grown over the following years and I feel so grateful for it to be living my own dream adventure - creating a product I genuinely love that makes people happy!
So, Why The Name ‘Merry People’?
Ultimately, I wanted to create a brand that was positive.
Gumboots always reminded me of happy times as a child; putting my boots on and getting messy outside was fun!
I want to inspire people of all ages to put on your boots and find what makes you happy and alive - whether that be in the garden, in the art studio, at a music festival, out walking the dog or out at the park with the kids.
