For many people who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, Lisa Frank was a household name, with its vibrant, rainbow-colored designs featured on school supplies and clothes. The brand was a favorite among kids and teens but gradually faded from the spotlight. Now, the company and its elusive founder have gained more notoriety, with Prime Video’s Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story shedding light on shocking insider stories from those who witnessed its rise and eventual decline.
The four-part docuseries presents interviews with key figures who were deeply involved with Lisa Frank’s business, including her ex-husband, former HR head, top designers, and collaborators who faced severe consequences from their involvement. Through these personal stories, the series unveils shocking details about the brand’s explosive rise and eventual downfall.
Here are some of the most eye-opening revelations shared in the documentary.
Former Employees Speak Out About the Toxic Work Culture
One former artist recalled working grueling 12-hour days while relying on food stamps to feed her children. Another employee spoke of being switched from a salaried role to hourly, leading to a pay cut despite the company’s booming success. A woman described how she was nearly locked out when leaving early for the bank. Perhaps most unsettling was when an accountant died at his desk, yet employees were expected to keep working as his body was removed by the coroner.
The Lavish Wedding of Lisa Frank and James Green
The docuseries showcases a striking image of Lisa Frank’s wedding to her first business partner, James Green. The ceremony was a quirky display of the brand’s charm, with characters dressed in tuxedos and Lisa wearing a flower-adorned gown. An odd moment occurred when the horse transporting her took an audible bathroom break. Adding to the oddity, the videographer, who worked for free, quickly regretted it after feeling mistreated during the event.
The Drama Behind Lisa Frank’s Divorce
James Green was one of the key figures featured in the docuseries, sharing an open and honest account of the issues he faced in both his personal and professional relationship with Lisa Frank. He argued that the company’s success was largely due to his efforts, including marketing and even creating the iconic logo. He felt that receiving a 49% stake in the company was not a generous gesture but a deserved share. As their relationship deteriorated, the publicized breakup led to Green selling his shares and being barred from the building he helped establish.
Lisa Frank’s strained relationship with her child
Frank and Green had two sons, Hunter and Forest. Hunter, the older of the two, appeared in the docuseries and shared his experience of being verbally mistreated by his mother. After the couple’s difficult divorce, he challenged the court’s decision to grant Frank primary custody. Hunter thoughtfully expressed his concerns, noting that he wouldn’t be surprised if his estranged mother decided to sue him over the situation.
Glamour Dolls Co-founders Left Devastated After Partnership with Lisa Frank
In the docuseries, the co-founders of Glamour Dolls, a makeup company, reveal their disheartening experience with Lisa Frank. After a successful Kickstarter, they collaborated with Frank, hoping it would boost their brand. However, delays in product approval and a voided contract led them to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. They claim Frank stalled approvals to force a contract renewal at a much higher price. To their shock, she later partnered with another makeup brand, offering a product almost identical to theirs.
Artist in Los Angeles Accuses Lisa Frank of Copying Her Business Idea
Tasselfairy, an artist, created a “Cloudland” apartment filled with rainbow-inspired artwork reminiscent of Lisa Frank’s childhood aesthetic. Shockingly, after Frank expressed support on social media, she later collaborated with Hotels.com to design a Lisa Frank-themed room featuring similar designs, including rainbow kitchen cabinetry and a cloud mural. Tasselfairy was taken aback by the resemblance, particularly given their earlier interaction.
Lisa Frank’s Return: What’s Next for the Iconic Brand?
In the closing statement of Glitter & Greed, Lisa Frank expressed her long-standing passion for art and the creation of her brand. She thanked the talented artists and team members who helped bring her vision to life and conveyed her excitement for the future, particularly with the next generation taking the reins. Frank ended with a message of optimism: “Stay tuned — the best has yet to come!”