The Rise and Fall of Lisa Frank's Rainbow Empire

For millions of girls in the '80s and '90s, Lisa Frank's vibrant creations were a must-have, transforming ordinary school supplies into a kaleidoscope of neon kittens, dolphins, and unicorns. But behind the whimsical rainbows and sparkling characters lay a tale of scandal, mismanagement, and personal strife that led to the company's decline.

A Colorful Dream Takes Shape

Lisa Frank^®, the artist and entrepreneur behind the brand, grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a wealthy suburb of Detroit. Her upbringing, steeped in art and creativity, set the stage for her future success. "I was totally a girly girl," Frank once said, according to TODAY.

She began exploring her artistic talents early, selling her paintings as a teenager and launching a jewelry line called Sticky Fingers™ before shifting to designing stationery and stickers in 1979. That same year, Lisa Frank, Inc. was born, and by 25, she secured a $1 million order from Spencer Gifts.

Throughout the '80s and '90s, Lisa Frank products dominated back-to-school aisles. The brand generated over $1 billion in retail sales between 1990 and 2005, according to the Tucson Citizen. At its peak, the Tucson headquarters spanned 320,000 square feet, housing hundreds of employees and embodying the company's vibrant aesthetic.

Behind the Rainbows: Toxic Work Culture

However, behind the bright facade was a toxic workplace environment. Former employees have described the company as oppressive, with management fostering a culture of fear and intimidation.

Employees recalled not being allowed to speak to one another, and memos outlined strict behavioral expectations, as reported by Jezebel. "It was like an abusive alcoholic home," one former illustrator said to Jezebel.

Lisa Frank's now-ex-husband, James Green, took over daily operations in the early 1990s, becoming CEO. Under Green, the workplace reportedly became even more hostile. Accounts from former staff depict Green as an abrasive, temperamental leader prone to profanity-laden outbursts. In one incident, Green allegedly ordered warehouse doors padlocked after discovering an employee left work early, Jezebel reported.

Personal Struggles and Professional Fallout

Frank and Green's personal lives further complicated the business. The couple married in 1994 but divorced in 2005 amid accusations of verbal abuse and Green's alleged infidelity. The divorce triggered a prolonged legal battle for control of the company. Frank ultimately regained control, but the turbulence took a toll on the brand. By 2013, the once-thriving company had only six employees left at its Tucson headquarters.

As Lisa Frank, Inc. dwindled, so did its cultural relevance. Despite opportunities to capitalize on '90s nostalgia, poor leadership and strained business relationships hindered its revival. "They lose relationships with people because they aren't friendly," a former employee told Jezebel.

Flickers of a Comeback

In recent years, Lisa Frank has begun to re-emerge. Limited collaborations with brands like Crocs^® and Morphe^® have introduced her iconic designs to a new generation. Frank's son, Forrest Green, now heads the brand, aiming to redefine it for the 21st century while tapping into nostalgia. "Lisa Frank is a lifestyle, and it needs to be treated as such," Forrest said to Bustle.

Despite the controversies, Lisa Frank's designs remain beloved. The enduring appeal of neon unicorns and whimsical dolphins speaks to the joy they brought to millions of fans. While the company's future remains uncertain, the Lisa Frank legacy — a mix of brilliance and chaos — continues to captivate imaginations.

References: Inside the Rainbow Gulag: The Technicolor Rise and Fall of Lisa Frank | Lisa Frank's Dulled Dreamland | Where is Lisa Frank now? Why she's not in 'Glitter and Greed', the new documentary about her company | Inside The Fiercely Private, Celebrity-Filled World Of Lisa Frank And Her Son Forrest Green