Popolo: A Love Affair with Italian Culture - exclusive interview with the founder Elise Tissot

Meet Elise and her story

of creating Popolo!

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In the heart of Rome, where the essence of la Dolce Vita infuses the air, a French brand with an unmistakable Italian heart emerges – Popolo. More than just an e-shop, Popolo is a sensory journey, a fusion of culture and craftsmanship curated by its passionate founder, Elise Tissot, who we had the pleasure of interviewing!

Popolo is not just a brand; it's an ode to the beautiful things in life, as perceived through the discerning eyes of Elise and her husband, who embarked on a journey through the enchanting landscapes of Italy. Their discoveries became the soul of Popolo, a space where authenticity thrives.

The story of Popolo is, at its core, a love story – one that unfolded as Elise and her husband traversed Italy, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of its culture. Elise, devoted to the artistry of these workshops, started buying pieces that spoke to her heart.

As her collection grew, so did the inquiries from friends and admirers eager to know where she found such unique treasures. That's when the spark of inspiration ignited – Popolo was born not out of a grand plan, but from the genuine desire to share the beauty discovered during those Italian sojourns.

Popolo isn't confined to transactions; it's a personal journey documented in a travel diary. Here, you'll find restaurant tips, decor inspirations, and hidden gems with a unique perspective on the talented artists encountered along the way. It's like having a conversation with a dear friend who passionately shares their most cherished discoveries.

Elise Tissot, the visionary behind Popolo, isn't just a businesswoman; she's a storyteller, a curator of experiences, and a conduit between artisans and admirers. Her transition into cutlery wasn't a calculated move but a natural evolution fuelled by a genuine connection to the craft.

Hello Elise, thank you for taking the time to answer us!

Elise Tissot

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm Elise, 37, and I worked for 10 years for Les Galeries Lafayette in Paris in marketing and purchasing. When my first son arrived, I wanted to take a break and take some time. We moved to Italy for a few years for my husband's job, and this expatriation to Rome changed my life. 

I wanted to organise my life differently, to have my own project... That was the beginning of Popolo. 

I've always had a love for objects, decoration... To have a different interior by mixing objects that I'd come across, family heirlooms and more modern objects. I love it when there's a story behind an object (a manufacturing secret, an anecdote, a personality...) Today, the Popolo adventure seems very consistent with my career and what I like to do.

In the early stages of Popolo, what were some of the challenges you faced as you transformed your personal collection of Italian ceramics into a brand that resonates with others?     

Things happened naturally, I made my collections, my photos, I created an insta account, a webshop... I always wanted to make the photos myself because I wanted to show this spirit, this mix of colours. I'm always on the lookout for new shapes and decors, because I love to mix....

I think customers are looking for colour, good humour... and to be able to mix a table as they wish, without necessarily respecting codes.

As the sole driving force behind Popolo's creation, can you share a pivotal moment or decision that defined the direction of the brand during its formative years? 

Maybe I'll say do what I've learned to do...There are lots of techniques for producing crockery (choice of material, painting techniques...) so perhaps at first I accepted and tried to make projects using other techniques.  We wasted a lot of time, the workshops didn't know how and I didn't necessarily find the POPOLO soul in the style...

So I'd say keep your starting line in mind, and don't try to do for the sake of doing.

You are alone behind Popolo, but when we see the brand we feel it is a full team. How do you manage to do everything?

Popolo is a part of me, a part of my history, a part of the incredible encounters I've had that drive me every day in a very natural way to continue, to move forward, to create... It's a daily driving force that takes up a lot of my time, but that's how I like it.

There's also an advantage: I'm also free and I can organise my time as I wish and do what I want.

How do you infuse your own experiences and stories into the curation of products?

I love imagining new models, new shapes. I work on a whim. There's no planning... The offer is constantly renewed, without really taking into account seasons or collections... 

My experience in a department store was very formative, I learned to be daring, to take risks.

Popolo's story seems intertwined with personal connections and encounters. Can you share an anecdote about a particularly meaningful relationship or collaboration that has left a lasting imprint on both you and the brand? 

That's always the case, but when I first met with a workshop, I never knew what the outcome will be. Will we be able to work together? Will they produce on time? ..... And they too have to ask themselves: who is Popolo? What does she want from us?

A workshop told me several years after we started working together that, at first, they thought olalala, the little French girl... The French don't always have a good reputation. Popolo was really tiny when I first contacted them, 4 years ago. 

Today it's my first workshop and the founder is like a second mother. And I think that if it weren't for this relationship between us, certain projects would be impossible.

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself when you first started this journey, and how has your perception of Popolo's purpose evolved since then?

Go for it! Do what you love. When I started out, I did what I liked, without really knowing what it would lead to. I often need to return to Italy to go back to the beginning of the Popolo story.

What is your favourite place in Italy?

Roma because I lived there for 3 years and have so many memories. It's as if I was born in Roma, I have more need to return there than to the region of my childhood.

Lastly, what are your favourite pieces of the Popolo collection?

It's hard to choose, because when I see the decorations, I immediately think of my workshops and the craftsmen behind them, the regions, the memories... It's like a family, I can't favour one or the other.

Thank you Elise!

If you enjoyed this article, you should check out our article Sole Mio, Série 09 - new at Margaux Keller Collections.