Focus on ... Not Today Tuesday

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, ‘Not Today Tuesday’. Her beautifully illustrative cards are already proving really popular in Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Holly to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m Holly, the founder of Not Today Tuesday — an illustrated stationery brand creating greeting cards and notebooks inspired by hand-drawn florals, joyful colour palettes and uplifting detail.

Thoughtfully designed using eco-conscious materials, each collection celebrates the simple rituals of writing, gifting and meaningful connection. I love creating pieces that feel both beautiful and personal — little moments of joy to send, keep and treasure.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Illustration has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from designing Christmas cards to doodling in notebooks and decorating school textbooks.

After spending over ten years in the corporate world, in 2024 I decided to step away and return to what truly made me happy: creating.

Not Today Tuesday was born from that leap, inspired by a phrase my daughter says when trying something new — a reminder to keep going, even when things feel uncertain.

Biggest business achievement to date?

One of my biggest achievements has been seeing my artwork licensed across multiple brands and product lines in both Europe and the US. It’s incredibly special knowing that something I created in my studio can end up travelling so far and finding its way into shops and people’s homes around the world.

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

My designs are always rooted in hand-drawn florals, joyful colour palettes and uplifting details, and that seems to really resonate with customers. I think people are naturally drawn to cards that feel both beautiful and meaningful.

My newer baby collection has been especially popular, which has been so lovely to see. I’ve noticed that people really connect with cards that have a sentimental message and create a lovely feeling when they’re received.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think receiving a card still feels incredibly special because someone has taken the time to choose it, write it and send it just for you. In a world where so much communication is instant and digital, a handwritten card feels much more personal and meaningful. It’s something people often keep, display or tuck away to look back on years later. A small gesture that can make someone feel really loved, celebrated or remembered.

Best thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running my own business is being able to shape my own path creatively and professionally. I love having the freedom to build something that reflects my style and values, and there’s a real sense of pride in knowing that every milestone has come from my own ideas, hard work and determination. It’s definitely challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding to be in control of where the journey goes.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Start before you feel completely ready. It’s so easy to wait for the perfect timing, perfect plan or perfect confidence, but so much of learning comes from simply beginning.

I’d also say don’t underestimate the value of staying true to your own style and voice. The things that make your work different are usually the things people connect with most. Building a business takes time, patience and resilience, but if you genuinely love what you do, that passion really does shine through.

Pop into Chirpy to see our range of Holly’s cards.

Check out Not Today Tuesday’s instagram to see what she’s up to

Chapel Allerton Indies : Cinnammmm

Here’s a little interview we did with Mina from Cinnammmm to find out a little bit about her and her business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

Hello, I’m Mina. Owner and founder of Cinnammmm. Its mainly just me that runs the business from all angle, ops and behind the scenes. But I am very lucky to have a massive support network of family and friends with helping hands as I need.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I started in july  2020 during lockdown whilst on furlough as I worked for an events company and everything had come to a halt. I was baking away filling my time finding things to do to fill my time. I always wanted some sort of food business, and so this was perfectly timed by the universe to let me have a go. I wanted something niche to set me apart from all the other bakers doing cookie and brownies at the time.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Lol, a normal day? Well everyday is different.
As I mentioned I started in July 2020, and Dec 2020 I also took on a full time remote based events role and have been managing both my full time day job Mon to Fri alongside running cinnammmm for 5 years from my home based kitchen, doing weekend pop ups, markets and food festivals with supplying upto 12 local coffee shops through out the week too.

Fast forward to Dec 2025 and I’ve made it to Chapel Allerton with my first brick and mortor shop front. I now work remotely from the shop mid week, plus the shop on a weekend. A typical day involves 4am starts, fresh bakes and shop set up. Log on to laptop for day job for 9am.  Switch between the coffee machine and bakery counter, to pot washing, sweeping and doing instagram posts to then hopping back to my lap top answering emails and processing bookings for my job. Start to close down the shop and tidy up around 430pm, finish off day job and log off laptop 5pm, finish shop close down and usually out around 530pm if I’m lucky then restart again.

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date for Cinnammmm in all honesty was the guts to just start and try it. Its been progress ever since. Yes there are low and very low days with voices and doubts in my head often of what am I doing. Then I stop to pause and think right back to the beginning and the hardest scariest thing was just starting in the first place and that’s what I am most proud of because to anyone that starts any business it takes guts and courage to actually do it not just say it or write it down but actually walk the walk and try!
And it don’t stop there, everyday is a an achievement, the resillience of trying the next steps not knowing how it will be recieved or if it will work!

Favourite product you sell / make

I offer a selection of bakes, mainly american style ie whoopie pies, snickerdoodles and pecan pie, but our speciality and niche is american style cinnamon bons with our signature special homemade caramel and pecan.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running my business is the people I get to meet along the way and building relationships and friendships along the way from fellow small business owners to customers too.

Worst thing is not always having/knowing what to do but having an opportunity to ask others and try anway.

Favourite time of year in the business?

It’s my first year in the shop so not sure yet...but from previous years I love the summer months of food festivals and then winter festive markets too. It’s just a vibe and people are in a positive state of happiness.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

Ooo I’d love to have a go at Tasha's place, flavour like fancy! It just shouts out FUN all over! The colours, the products and variety and the spectrum of customers in there...oh and also Armardillo, that is just dreamy to have a play day in there!

Plans for the future?

Not sure on the year ahead, just settling in and living in the present for now!

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Times are tough right now all round, we get it. Supporting your local indies is about supporting one and other and our communities all round. It’s taking chances and trusting one and another, the multinationals are always looking at ways to take short cuts and short change us, they will replace us with tech. Keeping small businesses alive keeps connections alive, teaches younger generations the importance of communitiy and supporting as well as keeping skills and artisan maker and dreamers alive

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that customers might not know

I’m a super busy bee, I juggle lots and find it hard to sit still. I’ve been an active girlguide voluteer for over 10 years another great way to support our local young people through many experiences and adventures, plus it keeps me living my youth.

Where can we find you?

Find us the top side of Chapel Allerton, 186 Harrogate Road open weds to mon

Find us on social @cinnammmm

Chapel Allerton Indies : George & Joseph Cheesemongers

Here’s a little interview we did with Stephen from George & Joseph to find out a little bit about him and his business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

We’re George & Joseph Cheesemongers, a multi-award winning independent cheese shop in the heart of Chapel Allerton. We specialise in proper artisan cheese, with a big focus on British and Irish makers, alongside a carefully chosen selection of crackers, chutneys, wines and all the lovely bits that make a cheeseboard sing.

We opened our first shop in Chapel Allerton in 2013, then moved round the corner to our current home on Harrogate Road in 2017. Since then we’ve cut, wrapped, tasted, posted, delivered and chatted our way through more cheese than is probably sensible.

Our team is made up of enthusiastic cheesemongers who genuinely love helping people find cheeses they’ll enjoy — whether that’s a safe bet for a Friday night, something show-stopping for a dinner party, or a full cheese tower for a wedding.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

It started, as many good things do, with a love of cheese and a slightly reckless idea.

Before G&J, I’d spent years in a very different career, but cheese kept calling. I first got properly hooked through Homage2Fromage, the cheese tasting club in Leeds, and then started selling cheese at local markets and events. One of our first outings was at the CARA Easter Eggstravaganza in a Co-op car park in Chapel Allerton — very glamorous, obviously.

After a stint at farmers’ markets and Leeds Kirkgate Market, we opened the first George & Joseph shop on Regent Street in 2013. At first, the shop was open four days a week while I juggled freelance IT work on the side. By 2017, we’d moved to our bigger shop on Harrogate Road and gone full-time into cheese. No regrets — apart from maybe the occasional Christmas cheese queue-induced panic.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There’s no such thing as a completely normal day in a cheese shop, which is part of the fun.

A typical day might involve receiving cheeses from makers, checking ripeness, cutting and wrapping cheese for the counter, helping customers choose something delicious, making up online orders, planning events, putting together wedding cheese cakes, chatting about pairings, and answering excellent questions like “what cheese should I serve with this wine?” or “how much cheese is too much cheese?” — to which the answer is usually “steady on, but probably more than you think.”

We also spend a lot of time caring for the cheese. Cheese is alive, so it needs looking after properly — turning, wrapping, checking and tasting. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.

Biggest achievement to date?

Still being here after more than a decade feels like a pretty big achievement. We’ve had power cuts, floods, pandemics and everything else thrown at us, but we’re still proudly serving Chapel Allerton with brilliant cheese.

We’ve also been lucky enough to pick up some lovely awards along the way, including Best Cheese Retailer in 2018, Best Retailer at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards (twice), and People’s Choice at the Affineur of the Year competition.

But honestly, the biggest achievement is probably the community we’ve built. Seeing regular customers come back year after year, helping people discover new cheeses, hosting tastings, collaborating with other local businesses, and being part of Chapel Allerton’s independent high street — that’s the stuff that really matters.

Favourite product you sell / make / deliver

That’s a bit like asking us to choose a favourite child — dangerous territory.

We’re especially proud of our cheese wedding cakes, because they’re such a joyful thing to create. We’ve made everything from tiny towers for intimate gatherings to huge displays for weddings with more than 250 guests. Sitting down with couples, feeding them cheese, and helping them build something that’ll wow their guests is a pretty lovely part of the job.

On the counter, our favourites change all the time depending on what’s tasting great. We’ve always got a soft spot for proper artisan cheddar, beautiful blues, seasonal specials and cheeses with a good story behind them.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing is the freedom to build something that feels genuinely ours — a shop with personality, purpose and a proper place in the community. We get to choose the cheeses, tell the stories, work with brilliant makers, and create experiences for customers that go beyond just buying a bit of food.

The worst thing? You’re never really switched off. There’s always something to think about — stock, staffing, events, Christmas, deliveries, fridges, tills, invoices, social media, and whether we’ve ordered enough Baron Bigod. Running an indie business is brilliant, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Favourite time of year in the business?

Christmas is absolute chaos, but it’s also magical. The shop is buzzing, the cheese counter is groaning, and everyone’s planning something delicious.

It’s hard work — very hard work — but there’s something special about helping people choose the cheeses that’ll sit at the centre of their Christmas table. We also love the run-up to Christmas with our cheese advent calendars, festive cheeseboards and customers popping in with their annual “right, what are we having this year?” faces on.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

There are so many brilliant indies in Chapel Allerton, it’s hard to pick one. I’d probably choose somewhere I could learn a new skill — maybe one of the cafés or bars, just to see Chapel Allerton life from the other side of the counter.

Though, knowing us, we’d end up sneaking cheese onto the menu by lunchtime.

Plans for 2026 / the future?

More cheese, more events, more collaborations and more reasons for people to fall in love with artisan cheese.

Our big mission is to inspire one million love affairs with cheese, so we want to keep finding new ways to make great cheese accessible, exciting and fun. That means more tastings, more online experiences, more brilliant British and Irish cheeses, and more support for the amazing makers doing things properly.

We also want to keep strengthening Chapel Allerton as a destination for independent shopping. There’s something really special about this area, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Because local businesses make places feel like places.

When you shop local, your money stays closer to home. You’re supporting real people, local jobs, independent suppliers, community events and high streets with character. You also get better advice, better stories and a more personal experience.

In our case, you’re not just buying cheese. You’re getting the knowledge of someone who has tasted it, cared for it, knows where it came from, and can tell you exactly what to do with it. Try getting that from a supermarket shelf.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that customers might not know

Cheese at breakfast was completely normal in my family when I was growing up. I didn’t realise this was unusual until I went to university and discovered that apparently not everyone starts the day with a bit of cheese.

Looking back, that probably explains quite a lot.

Where can we find you?

George & Joseph Cheesemongers
Chapel Allerton, Leeds
Harrogate Road

Opening hours: 09:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday

Website: georgeandjoseph.co.uk
Instagram: @georgeandjoseph
Facebook: George & Joseph Cheesemongers

Focus on ... The Curious Pancake

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Claire Senior, otherwise known as The Curious Pancake.

Here’s a little interview we did with Claire to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m a woman in almost the last year of her forties, and I founded The Curious Pancake, my online store selling cards, stationery, and silly things, in 2011. I was born in Pontefract, home of liquorice and rhubarb, but I’ve lived most of my adult life in Nottingham, and, whilst my state of mind is very much A Northerner, I feel just as much a Nottingham-er too (I nearly said Midlander, but it doesn’t sound quite so mysterious).

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

 I studied art for many years, and I have always been creative. I graduated Loughborough Uni with a first class degree in illustration. There aren’t that many times you can say that sentence without sounding like a big-headed tit, and I’m not even sure I’ve got away with it now, although I suspect you will forgive me because the rest of my story is fraught with mediocrity. After graduation I worked part time in so many greeting card shops, that it felt like a natural progression to begin creating cards. I’d worked in a couple of ‘budget’ card shops, and it made me think that people deserved a better choice, and a wry and drier kind of humorous card. I started my online shop, The Curious Pancake, in 2011, but I didn’t have enough self-belief to do my own designs straight away, so I stocked my shop with lots of cards by other creatives. The focus for the curated range of cards at Pancake was always on illustration first, with a heavy leaning towards humour, swearing and random cuteness! When my mum died in 2017, it was kind of the wake up I needed to ask myself what I was doing, creatively, and why hadn’t I really gone for it with my own designs. I decided to quit my part time graphic design/marketing job (I still miss that regular income and holiday pay) and I finally started creating my own cards. I really wish I’d started doing that from the beginning, but I guess it’s no bad thing that my journey has been on the scenic side!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 I wake up anywhere between 6-9am, make a ‘posh’ coffee (posh in this case means a cafetière coffee with cream) for me and my other half, Ben. We watch a bit of news and swear. I do the Wordle. Ben always gives me a new prompt word every day to start. If zero letters are correct from his prompt word we call it a “Benji Classic”. At some point one of us will say ‘right, better go start work’ – it’s usually me, because I feel guilty for earning so little. I pick and pack all my customer orders that have come in since yesterday afternoon, which could number anything from 7 to 40, depending on the time of year. The late morning and early afternoon is often taken up with admin tedium. Anything from listing new items on Faire, or my website, or Etsy, to answering customers, paying invoices, deleting SEO spam emails. I do a post office run around 2pm (I walk there, it’s just a mile round trip, and my only regular exercise!), I mope around Tesco wondering what to get for tea that’s both healthy and tasty. I usually end up buying broccoli and fish. I come home and realise it’s too late to start anything creative. I eat my tea usually in front of Pointless or House of Games. We both agree to re-convene to watch a show around half eight. 7-8pm is creating time. I look at my greeting card ideas (I have several Google Keep files that I jot random musings down on), these are often unhinged sentences like “Happy Birthday from a non-trending cryptid” or “chicken cucumber what a kerfuffle” the origins of why I wrote that last sentence is now lost to the mists of time. Many times, I realise nothing is inspiring me and I go onto Instagram to see everyone I know doing lots better than me. I’ll often bookmark exercise routines or creative workshops I see on Insta, never to revisit them again. I play with the cats, watch TV, go to bed and read 1.5 pages of my book. I stick the Calm app on. My favourite sleep story is Journey to the Stars read by LeVar Burton. If I’m lucky, I’ll only wake 6 times before morning.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Personally and business wise I often think it’s that I’ve just kept going, and refused to go back to the “real world” of admin (despite my creative world now consisting of 80% tedious admin!). Working for yourself is a crazy thing to do, and when you see it on paper in black and white, next to those sobering, often depressingly small figures, it seems even more bonkers. And yet I genuinely love what I do, and I’m determined that one day it might even make financial sense. I guess one of my biggest business achievements came during lockdown. When the world, en masse, turned to online businesses to help them stay in touch with people. My sales went from 10-20 a day, to 200 a day. It was crazy times, because I was doing it all on my own. I made my first ever £10k month in April of 2020. And it didn’t really let up for the next 12 months. The plus side of this was that I was able to afford a new website, and I also turned our long, much under-used, home lounge into Pancake HQ. We still have a lounge, we just got rid of our dining room and created a ‘snug’ instead. I’ve always wanted a ‘snug’ since hearing about them on Grand Designs. They’re easier to heat, I’ll give you that.

Where can we find your cards?

 All online in my shop The Curious Pancake, and on Faire for retailers, and in an increasing number of highly discerning indie shops from as far north as Glasgow to as far south as Weymouth.

 Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My favourite card, so far, is one I designed at the start of this year for Valentine’s Day. It shows two people on a beach and one’s saying to the other “You’re my rock!” whilst holding out their hand with a rock-looking item on. The second person answers “Umm, that’s a poo” – it did quite well with my customers. It was my first design that I created entirely out of collaged magazines, and it’s rekindled my love for collage. It also felt good to create something that didn’t have any swearing on it (sometimes, in life, and in my designs, I find it really hard not to swear), but it was still nicely childish (poo!) and appealed to my un-developed sense of humour.

My most popular design, in contrast (actually, there’s not that much contrast because we’re still talking about poo) is a sweary card, entitled “Everyone’s Shit Except You.” I don’t mind if you wanna **** that mini swear out 😊 This card did very well on Etsy a year or so ago, and I sold 600 in the run up to Valentine’s. It’s also, historically, done well with my stockists and on my website, because swearing is funny and people are basic. I’m joking… slightly. I do sometimes feel a bit shameful that my most commercially successful card is so sweary and lacking in any real creative talent. But hey, that’s popularity for you 😉

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Not really. I don’t really follow trends because as soon as I see something once, and then 20 other cards have the same thing, I just shut off to it. I do get bored seeing the same tired old puns, the same Highland cows, the same tropes about Dads being useless or Mums being overworked or just having pink cards with flowers on for Mum. I kinda wish there was more emphasis on originality. Having said that, you do see some retailers buy the same designs year after year, and if the old stuff is selling then I guess there’s no impetus to change your offering. I do think there’s TONS of talented folk out there, I’d just like to see a better rotation of designs in some of the bigger shops sometimes – something a little unusual and different, I think customers can handle it!!

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

 Because receiving something physical in the post, especially a handwritten card, is still utterly magical and keeps us connected. We need to preserve our analogue world, and sending a card is still (even with the rising cost of stamps!) the most cost effective way of sending a hug in the post.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Not having to wake up at a set time and having my cats around me all the time. Oh yeah, and the sense of enormous satisfaction you get from being able to say to yourself that you’re ‘paying the bills’ on the back of your own creativity. I put ‘paying the bills’ in inverted commas because my money only really pays for the food, and cats. But still, it’s good. Even the shit bits are good, comparatively 😊

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

 Are you crazy? Never try to monetise your hobby unless you want to loathe something that once gave you joy and immense satisfaction.

Plans for the future?

I’m off to the post office, then Tesco to get some fish and broccoli.

 I think you’ll agree this is the most entertaining “focus on …’ interview we’ve ever done. Check out Claire’s instagram to see what she gets up to (& if she really does just eat fish & broccoli for tea!)

Focus on ... Bigfatbambini

This month’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Charles Bailey of Big Fat Bambini.

Here’s a little interview we did with Charles to find out a little more about him.

I’m Charles Bailey, illustrator and founder of Bigfatbambini. I create playful prints and greeting cards inspired by nature and the little moments of everyday life, with the aim of making people smile, laugh, or feel seen through my designs.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

After studying illustration in London, I moved back to my countryside roots in Somerset, which really rekindled my love for nature. Those influences naturally started appearing in my work, and greeting cards felt like the perfect way to share the designs with people. Once I saw how much people connected with them, it quickly snowballed into something and I’ve never looked back.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

My days are usually quite busy because I work from home with a one-year-old in the house. I tend to fit my work into the quieter moments of the day, whether that be designing new pieces or packing orders. Then in the evening, I like to switch off by heading out for a walk with my dog and spending some time outdoors with my family.

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement so far would have to be my solo exhibition in Bangkok called Rhythm of Rain, which debuted in 2024. Alongside running my paper goods business, I still take on commissions and continue developing my personal practice. This exhibition gave me the chance to create work that felt really close to my heart. Seeing it all come to life in Bangkok was an incredible and slightly surreal experience.

Where can we find your cards?

You can find my cards dotted about in cool indie shops across the country and on my website bigfatbambini.co.uk. 

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

My favourite card, and probably the most popular one, is the Happy Caterpillar Birthday card. It’s fun, a bit silly, and I think that playful humour really resonates with people.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I’ve noticed a lot of greeting cards moving away from purely digital designs towards more handmade, tactile styles. That might partly be a response to AI, but it’s really nice to see traditional mediums making a comeback. Personally, I love starting all my designs with pencil and paper, then using Photoshop to add colour digitally.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think as a country we’ll always have a place for sending cards. It’s such a simple way to show you care, and it adds a personal touch that you don’t quite get from a message or email.

Best thing about running your own business?

The best thing about it is that I get to do what I love while working around my busy family life. I feel really lucky to be at home while my son is growing up, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Don’t wait - just start. I spent a long time waiting until I felt ready, but the truth is you’re never completely ready. You figure things out as you go, and things are always evolving, so the best thing you can do is begin.

You can pick up one of Charles’ favourite Caterpillar card in Chirpy now.

Focus on ... Jade Fisher

This month’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Jade Fisher.

Here’s a little interview we did with Jade to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I have been designing our greeting cards for over 10 years. I built the business with help from my childhood best friend, my mum and my brother, and all the other family members and friends who have pitched in in some way or another along the way! Our aim is to spread paper positive vibes as far and wide as possible.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I always used to make cards for my family and friends because I couldn’t find the specific kind of things I wanted to say to them on any cards in the shops! And I knew I wanted to work for myself and I was doing bits and bobs of other art/illustration work, so it just evolved from there.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I really like to be on my feet during the day, so I am mostly picking and packing orders, starting with our website orders in the morning and trade orders afterwards, with too much coffee and a lunch time walk if I can fit it in. I work between the school run, and then I find I focus best on admin and emails in the evening time.

When I’m designing new stuff is obviously my favourite - I completely shut myself away with lovely music or background tv, coffee, snacks and paint.

 Biggest achievement to date?

I think just surviving 10 years of self employment, the last 5 of them as a single mum! I feel unbelievably lucky that I could keep my business going (and growing) amidst the absolute chaos of early motherhood.

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy, now!

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My current favourite is a new one that says, ‘You Lovely Soul.’ One of our all time best sellers is the one that says, ‘I Love You To The Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea.’

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I honestly would have no idea. I do tend to stick to what I like, and design what I want to put out into the world without really knowing much else about what’s going on.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I do feel sad about how un-human we seem to be becoming sometimes. Reading a screen just does nothing compared to feeling paper in your hands, seeing a person’s handwriting… The whole act of someone choosing a card, sitting down to write something that feels important enough to be written rather than typed, going to a post box, waiting for that card to arrive on someone else’s doorstep. It’s nostalgic and romantic and the loveliest form of connection I can think of. Also, the art! There are so many gorgeous greeting cards out there, and to gift someone a little piece of art is so much more meaningful and impactful than a digital message.

Best thing about running your own business?

Having been doing it for quite a while, the best thing now is that I have the confidence to trust my gut, to trust that I know what the best next move is.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Don’t really look around yourself too much. Stay in your lane, make stuff that you love and be completely genuine.

Plans for the future?

Honestly, hopefully just this forever!

 Check out Jade’s Instagram HERE

We’re sure Jade’s cards are going to be to popular in Chirpy so why not pop in and buy one.

Welcoming Tessa Houghton's New Exhibition 'Land, Sea & Sky'

We’re delighted to welcome back international artist Tessa Houghton to Chirpy with her new exhibition ‘Land, Sea & Sky’

Tessa’s exhibition with run between Thursday 12th March and Saturday 28th March.

She’ll be at Chirpy for a ‘Meet the Artist’ on Saturday 14th March from 12pm. Come along to chat to Tessa to find out her inspiration for her new body of work and a free informal drinks reception - all welcome.

Tessa’s exhibition with run until Saturday 28th May.

Born in Lancashire in 1976, Tessa Houghton celebrates the beauty of natural landscapes, capturing the atmosphere and drama of the elements through expressive mark-making and layers of oil paint and texture. Her new collection explores the elemental spaces of land, water, and sky, evoking light, movement, and emotion.

 The paintings hover between abstraction and figuration, inviting viewers to experience their own interpretations and connections.

Her work has been exhibited and collected extensively across the UK and internationally, including Barcelona, New York, Texas, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Artist Statement

"I am captivated by landscapes that stir memory and emotion, places that have shaped my own journey. From the tangled canal banks of my childhood to the vast solitude of the North Yorkshire moors and coastline, I explore the liminal spaces where land, water, and sky meet. Through light, texture, and expressive gesture, I explore the atmosphere, memory, and emotion of the landscape. I hope my work sparks a sense of possibility and invites the viewer into a space of reflection and wonder."

Chirpy goes back to school!

Jo McBeath has thoroughly enjoyed going back to school as the owner of indie retailer Chirpy was able to pass on her passion for greeting cards.

As part of the GCA’s Card Club initiative to get youngsters involved in sending and receiving greetings Jo joined up with St Matthew’s Church Of England Primary School in the same community as her Chapel Allerton shop for a wellbeing assembly

The school decided to combine a focus on mental health with the “simple but powerful act of sending postcards within our local community”, she explained. with pupils exploring how cards can be used to spread kindness, encouragement, and positive messages.

It was all part of last week’s Children’s Mental Health Week, organised by the Place2Be charity, and the school’s Georgia Stansfield said: “It was a heart-warming project that brings together wellbeing, creativity, and community connection.

“Drawing inspiration from a range of designs by Chirpy and their suppliers, the children studied different styles, colours, and messages before creating their own unique postcard designs. Using these ideas as a starting point, pupils developed their creativity while thinking carefully about how their words and artwork could make others feel valued and connected.

“The project not only encouraged artistic expression but also helped children reflect on empathy, communication, and the importance of reaching out to others.

“By sharing their handmade postcards within the community, pupils experienced first-hand how small gestures can have a meaningful impact on wellbeing.”

And Jo said the initiative has shown how creative projects can play a vital role in supporting children’s mental health while strengthening ties within the wider community, with the whole school getting involved throughout the week.

“It was great to come along,” Jo said, “I loved every minute, I had a wonderful morning and it was great to see the children so excited about making their postcards.”

Read the article in PG Buzz HERE

Focus on ... Martha Ratcliff

This month’s Focus on a new supplier to Chirpy, Martha Ratcliff.

Here’s a little interview we did with Martha to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m Martha, the illustrator behind Martha Ratcliff Illustration. I create hand-drawn cards and artwork inspired by motherhood, storytelling, and everyday small joyful moments. My style is playful and gentle, with a focus on designs that feel joyful, thoughtful, and timeless! I actually started out illustrating cards alongside my art degree, mainly just for fun, and selling them to friends and family. After graduating, I went on to work as an in-house card designer, which gave me a great perspective in the industry. In 2020, I decided to take the leap and set up my own freelance illustration business, and I’ve been growing Martha Ratcliff Illustration ever since and haven't looked back! As a mum, a lot of my ideas come from real life and I am constantly inspired by the small joys around us. I really love working with independent shops and brands who care about beautiful, well-made products.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

No day is the same! Two days a week I spend with my 20 month son, often at a playgroup, park or library! The rest of the week is work time and my days start with a strong cup of coffee and a hand written to do list - that is vital! One day could be packing wholesale orders, another could be working on a fun branding project, a custom family portrait or a wedding invite! Things are so varied and that is what I love about my job!! 

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

Great question and also a hard one! I love my motherhood card range - since having my boy I found there wasn’t really many cards out there that I could send to my fellow mum friends to let them know what an amazing mum they are so I designed a range of them and they are probs my fave!! In terms of most popular, my 'I love our little life' card with the two horses is a current fave!

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

In my opinion the world has become too fast paced and everything is on our phones - texts, whatsapp, social media etc.... there is something so different and thoughtful about sending a card. Going out of your way to buy the card and sitting down to write it. It means SO much more than a text. I think it is so important. The cards my husband and I received when we got married or when we had our little boy, they are my favourite and I often go through them and will keep them forever! 

Best thing about running your own business?

Another great question! I think for me, getting to connect with other amazing small biz owners and creatives is a huge win! The diverse range of client projects that come in and also the flexibility my job allows me with my son! Don't get me wrong, there are really hard things too but its worth it ten times over!! 

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Do it! Go for it!!  I’d say the biggest thing is just to start — don’t wait until it feels “perfect.” Test your ideas with friends, family, or small sales, and see what resonates. For me what was really useful was building up some freelance clients on the side whilst still working. Once I had built up enough and felt like I had enough work coming in I jumped into full time freelance illustrator life and haven't looked back 6 years on! Be prepared to learn as you go, because running a business is very different from making things for fun — there’s pricing, marketing, and customer relationships to think about. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your work. Whether that’s tools, courses, or professional advice, it can really make a difference. And most importantly, keep the joy in what you do — that passion and authenticity will show through and connect with people.

Plans for the future?

Oooh lets think! I have some exciting collabs coming up which I can't wait to share and also looking to really grow my wholesale side of my business this year and get my cards out into more shops across the UK! I'm also looking at designing some more stationery products - think notebooks, stickers, desk pads etc!

 Check out Martha’s Instagram HERE

We’re sure Martha’s cards are going to be to popular in Chirpy so why not pop in and buy one.

Focus on ... Liz aka Dicky Bird

This month’s Focus on .. is Liz, one of our favourite card suppliers Dicky Bird. Liz’s cards fly of the shelves in Chirpy and are some of the most popular we stock so we thought it was about time we shone a light on her

Here’s a little interview we did with Liz to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Dicky Bird is me - Liz - a small studio based in South East London. My aim has always been to create cards which are elegant and classic but also contemporary and fun.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I originally trained as a graphic designer at the London College of Communication but was always a fan of European illustrators such as Dick Bruna and Tove Jansson - as well as Japanese kawaii characters like Hello Kitty! A serial card buyer, I was always searching for simple, understated designs but could rarely find them.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There are lots of different days really. As a one woman show you have to do everything! But I like that. I hop from new designs to accounts, trade fairs to product research, customer service to photography.

Biggest achievement to date?

Seeing my designs for sale in the Parisian boutique Colette, once described as ‘the trendiest store in the world’ by Forbes. What can I say?!

 Where can we find your cards?

Over the years, Dicky Bird cards have graced the shelves of Liberty of London, the Design Museum, The British Museum, Tate Modern & Tate Britain, The Designers Guild and The Conran Shop – but most importantly, many amazing independents – like Chirpy!

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

That’s an impossible question! But I do really like the Black Cat design at the moment – it just reminds me of something from my childhood I think.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I honestly try not to look at what other card publishers are doing – I just like to keep in my own lane and do the things I like. Things I’ve liked lately though are toadstools, blossom flowers and nail art.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It’s still a hundred times nicer to receive a card in the post than it is to get a text message or digital card. There’s just something a bit magic about it and I don’t think that will ever change.

Best thing about running your own business?

In a nutshell, being your own boss. It gives you freedom.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

If you think there’s a market for what you do, give it a go. I started off by producing a small collection and selling at fairs and markets – it gives you a good idea of what’s popular and what doesn’t sell. Remember it can be a bit lonely at times – and don’t forget you have to do the boring stuff too, like accounts!

Plans for the future?

I‘ve done some collaborations with other designers and companies in the past and I’d like to do some more of that. It’s nice to work with other people.

 Check out Dicky Bird’s Instagram HERE

And pop into Chirpy to buy Liz’s cards, but be quick as they sell out!