Focus on ... Jade Fisher
This month’s Focus on Jade Fisher, one of our new card suppliers whose beautiful illustrations are a gorgeous addition to Chirpy.
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'
Land, Sea and Sky by Tessa Houghton
Exhibition at Chirpy
12 – 28 March 2026
Tessa will be exhibiting her work from Thursday 12th March upstairs at Chirpy.
Tessa will be at Chirpy for a ‘Meet the Artist’ on Saturday 12th April from 12pm for a free informal drinks reception. Come along to chat to Tessa to find out her inspiration for her new body of work.
Tessa’s exhibition with run until Saturday 28th April - free to visit
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!
Chirpy goes back to school!
This week I’ve loved going back to school to share my love and the importance of giving and receiving cards, as part of the Wellbeing project at St Matthews 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 Martha Ratcliff, one of our new card suppliers whose hand drawn illustrations are sure to be popular in Chirpy.
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 from 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
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!
Focus on ... Fawn & Thistle
This month we’re focusing on Kirsten from Fawn & Thistle
To get to know her and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her …
This month we’re focusing on Kirsten from Fawn & Thistle. We’ve just started to stock her cards and they are proving very popular, especially with cat lovers, myself included!
To get to know Kirsten and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :
Tell me a little bit about yourself
I’m Kirsten, the illustrator and designer behind Fawn & Thistle. I run the business from my studio in Kent, where I create bold, playful stationery, greeting cards, and gifts – usually with a bit of humour, colour, and the occasional cat thrown in for good measure.
I also work as a freelance designer and marketer on the side and teach printmaking workshops.
I have three cats (one is just a 3month rescue kitten) and constantly find their antics to be a source of inspiration for my cat-themed designs.
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
Honestly, I kind of just fell in to it. I was graduating from my MA in Illustration at the time of the 2008 recession, and it was impossible to find a job in design that wasn’t a never ending unpaid internship. So I moved back to Kent from London and set up my own thing. I’d seen people selling on Etsy, and figured how hard can it be - I was very wrong!
Over the years I’ve taught myself the business side of things, as well as creating my brands signature style and voice. It’s been a steep learning curve.
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
I don’t really have a “normal” day – I try to give some structure to the week by setting aside certain days for specific tasks. Mondays are usually for catching up on emails and online orders, Wednesdays are for wholesale outreach, and so on. That said, I have to keep things flexible to juggle freelance projects alongside Fawn & Thistle. Some days I’m sketching new designs or packing up wholesale orders, and other days (more than I’d like!) are spent knee-deep in admin or running printmaking workshops.
Biggest achievement to date?
I’ve had a few recently which have really helped bolster my confidence in what I’m doing with Fawn & Thistle! Getting stocked in Oliver Bonas was a big milestone for me as it was always top of my ‘Big Dream Stockists’ list, and most recently I won Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday, which was a big boost!
Where can we find your cards?
Besides Chirpy (of course), you can find my cards on my own website, through lovely stockists throughout the UK, and I’m also on Faire if you’re a retailer. I also occasionally pop up at markets and events now and then – keep an eye on my Instagram for updates.
Most popular card design?
The cats. Always the cats. My cat cards are by far the most popular designs I have. It’s funny, after being called a Cat Lady for most of my life, I didn’t actually introduce many cat cards in to my range until recently, and I just don’t know why. I should have embraced my cat lady status sooner.
Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?
I’ve noticed the general tone of cards can be a bit more irreverent and cheeky, not just for your standard and more traditional occasions - cards that say what we actually want to say, but in a fun, thoughtful way.
Design-wise, I’m seeing so many food/fruit & veg/condiment type designs everywhere, which I really enjoy.
Why do you think sending cards is still so important?
I think despite living in a more technological, digital age, people still really enjoy tactile and tangible things. It’s heartwarming when someone gives you a card that they went out and looked for, chose because it reminded them of you and then wrote a sweet note inside.
I personally keep cards I’m given and frame some of them as mini pieces of art.
Best thing about running your own business?
The flexibility and working for yourself. I love working the hours that work for me, especially because I’m a night owl and find myself to be most creative at night.
Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?
Be curious, step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there, even if it feels scary. Also, ask for help and listen to others, there are so many knowledgeable people out there who’ve helped me get my head around Wholesale, running a business, SEO etc etc. If I don’t know something, I’ll always look for someone who does.
Plans for the future?
After moving back to fulltime self employment again, I’m finally getting to design some new cards and ranges, which I think are going to be great! I’m also working on creating a licensing portfolio to work with bigger companies and setting up my own printmaking subscription box called Printfolk. I’m so excited about Printfolk and creating a creative community around printmaking.
Check out Kirsten’s IG here
Focus on ... Studio Boketto
This month we’re focusing on Micky & Olivia from Studio Boketto.
To get to know them and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them …
This month we’re focusing on Micky & Olivia (& Yoshi the dog!) from Studio Boketto. I met them for the first time at PG Live this year and placed our first order. There cards have proven really popular, and I especially love their number milestone cards
To get to know Micky & Olivia and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :
Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company
We’re Micky and Olivia, the co-founders of Studio Boketto (that’s BO-KET-OH!). Studio Boketto is a UK based stationery brand with good vibes at the core of everything we do, which you can see in our ever-growing range of colourful, cute and super cool cards and stationery. Everything is designed in-house or in collaboration with illustrators and artists we love. We just want Boketto to be a happy place, filled with ace paper stuff!
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
Micky was working as a menswear designer when he was made redundant (twice!). To stay creative, he started designing cards — and when the second redundancy hit, he decided to give Studio Boketto a proper go. Olivia was working as a nurse in the NHS and had always helped behind the scenes, but joined full time in 2020. We’ve been building the brand together ever since.
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
No two days are the same. One minute we’re packing orders, the next we’re designing new ranges, emailing stockists, shooting content, or managing production — all from the studio in our garden. It’s a constant juggle of creativity and logistics, fuelled by coffee and a shared to-do list.
Where can we find your cards?
You’ll find our cards in lovely independent shops across the UK and beyond — and in some bigger stores too, like Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, and Utility.
Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?
Our food puns and music icon cards are always best sellers — and our full English breakfast wrap has a bit of a cult following too.
Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?
Conscious buying is in — quality and sustainability really count now.
Why do you think sending cards is still so important?
Because nothing beats that feeling of receiving a card — it’s thoughtful, tactile, and totally offline. Cards mark moments, big or small, and they stay pinned up long after the day’s passed.
Best thing about running your own business?
Total creative freedom. Building something that feels truly ‘us’ — and getting to work together every day (most of the time that’s a good thing!).
Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?
Start small, stay consistent, and back yourself. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — just get it out there and tweak as you go. And find your own voice — it’s your biggest asset.
Plans for the future?
More collaborations, more joyful designs, and (hopefully) more stockists who love what we do. We’ve got big plans bubbling… watch this space.
Chapel Allerton Indies : EJM Wealth Consultancy
This week we’re focusing on EJM Wealth Consultancy.
Here’s a little interview we did with owner Emile to find out a little bit about him and his business…
Here’s a little interview we did with Emile from EJM Wealth Consultancy to find out a little bit about him and his business…
Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business
My name is Emile Murray and I’m a financial advisor. My team is just me! My business is in partnership with St James’s Place but instead of joining an established business, I started by own business – EJM Wealth Consultancy. I live on Roundhay Avenue (just near Potternewton park). I help people make better financial decisions, pay less tax, and achieve their life goals!
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
I’ve always had an interest in numbers and investing. I was previously in media investment for around 10 years; when I was considering a change, I initially looked into starting a property investment business. I then retrained and became a qualified, regulated financial advisor and launched by own business!
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
Haha there is no normal day! It’s a good job I like coffee (shout out to House of Koko – always popping there for a meeting!). My days can vary from networking events, meeting people for coffee to have an initial chat, to analysing pensions and investments, and client meetings to get this sorted for them. I also spend a lot of time talking about the sad times in life – from illness to life cover, inheritance tax planning, and succession plans. However, helping people achieve peace of mind is very important and rewarding!
Biggest achievement to date (personally and / or business wise)?
Business wise, I’d say just getting started – it’s not easy, there are a lot of exams and assessments in order to become qualified. The tax exam alone was very tricky just with the time pressure, let alone the questions!
Personally, I’m unsure really, I’m not one to blow my own trumpet. I’ve ran two marathons before, I suppose that’s not bad!
Favourite product you deliver?
Haha what a question for a financial advisor! I’d have to say pensions. They are amazing financial products and very misunderstood. They need a rebrand as people can have a really negative view on pensions! Some protection products are also amazing, like income protection for example. People will insure everything – pets, luggage when travelling, possessions, but not themselves and their earnings, which is crazy! Think of a machine that prints money, you can never buy another one if it breaks, but you can insure it, would you? 99% of people say yes, you’re that machine.
Best & worst thing about running your own business?
The best is the flexibility and deciding how I want to work, where I work, and with who.
The worst is guaranteed money at the end of the month, but that’s all part of the journey!
Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?
Probably George & Joseph, I love wine, I love cheese… what a day that would be!
Plans for 2025 / the future?
2025 – the plan is simple; just keep speaking to people, that’s all I can control. Try to speak to people and hopefully they see how I can help them. The future, I’d love to expand in time and become a slightly bigger team, but let’s see.
Where can we find you:
39 Roundhay Avenue
07703 837920
EJM Wealth Consultancy | Leeds | Facebook
EJM Wealth Consultancy (@ejmwealthconsultancy) • Instagram photos and videos
Focus on ... EarlyBird
This month we’re focusing on Dom & Heidi from Earlybird.
To get to know them and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them …
This month we’re focusing on Don & Heidi from Earlybird. I love chatting to them both at trade shows and will see them soon at Top Drawer in September.
To get to know Dom & Heidi and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :
Tell me a little bit about yourselves.
Earlybird is husband and wife dream team :) (Dom and Heidi Early plus a small team!) publishing greetings cards, wrap and social stationery for over 20 years. We also have a retail store in London.
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
I (Dom) graduated from Central St Martins Art college in the late 90's (ahem yes that long ago) and after doing some freelance illustration for a while started to design greetings cards on the side.
I had a market stall st Spitalfields Market in London's east end, and things really took off when we started suppyling shops.
When Urban Outfitters placed a large order, it dawned on me we might be onto something.
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
Loads of cups of tea! We have 2 sides to the business, the main part is the publishing/wholesale, but we also have a shop in Stoke Newington North London.
I (Dom) run the wholelsale side, designing, commissioning artists and sorting the trade shows. Hannah (our shop manager) runs the retail side and Heidi has a foot in both camps.
I work from home in our studio and Heidi is in London 2 days a week.
I spend a lot of time in front of a computer sorting orders, designing etc so I have to make sure I get away from the desk on a reg basis, so I run and walk the dog most days.
Not at the same time!
Biggest achievement to date?
3 Retas awards for the shop is something we are very proud of, plus our card designs have been nominated for a few times in the finals of the Henries awards. Winning one would be great in the future please!.
I think surviving Covid was quite a big achievement for many small businesses and I still look back on those days I think Wow!
Also the feeling of a customer buying something we have produced is an accolade in its own right.
Where can we find your cards?
Chirpy Store of course! One of a fav indies.
We also supply Oliver Bonas. Scribbler, Waterstones, Postmark.,Utility and many many fab indies across the UK. We also distribute to USA, AUS and Germany.
Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?
HIP HOP HOORAY. I saw a very old vintage postcard of a cat sat on a record player and I thought wouldn't it be good to illustrate an actual cat with headphones on DJ ing.
I had no idea it would be a stand out seller but it is. I have designed other cards I am more proud of, but I do have a soft spot for the DJ cat.
It has been so popular I have put it on Valentines and Father's day with good sales too.
Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?
Yes the MED theme is very strong atm Tomatoes, Sardines, Olives etc. We have a range called Honey which has done very well this year using the artwork of Linsey Kelly with these flavours on.
Why do you think sending cards is still so important?
It is a small piece of art to sit on your mantel piece. It is also a personal way of communicating away from the digital age. No one writes letters anymore so please let us not lose card sending.
It is so important for connecting with people, wishing them happy birthday is so important but all the other wonderful things that happens through the year as well. We have to keep this amazing tradition alive.
Best thing about running your own business?
I can nap when I want......and I do. :)
I also love my job, creating something and watching it sell is a great feeling. Designing is the best part of the job. The creative side will always be the side of the job that excites me. Admin and invoices are a necessary element but the thing that really floats my boat is creating a range and launching it.
Also waking up and being excited about the projects ahead is so good. I couldn't do a job where I am desperate for the end of the day or the weekend. Life is too short. I am aware of how lucky I am and thankful I can earn my wages from doing something I enjoy so much.
Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?
Do some research into the already existing competition. Look at gaps in the market and see if you can come up with something different.
The card industry has a wealth of talented companies all fighting for the same customer, so we have to make sure we stand out.
Also don't stress the small stuff. Things crop up everyday to challenge you and you will have good days and bad days.
Enjoy the good days and remember the bad days will pass over.
Plans for the future?
Loads! On the immediate horizon is Little Trinkets below. Launching at Top Drawer in SEPT
Also lots of new for 2026 shows, new Humour range, New Large format cards and some new Gift Wrap.
Say Hello to Little Trinkets – the Adorably Mini Newcomers from Earlybird!
Earlybird has teamed up with kitsch queen Amy Hastings to create Little Trinkets – a brand new MINI range bursting with charm. These half pint-sized delights pair Amy’s whimsical artwork with a luxe spot UV finish on textured recycled board, all in Earlybird’s signature mini format.
“We’ve been excited to collaborate with Amy for ages,” says Earlybird. “Her passion for quirky collectables shines through in every design – they’re a perfect fit for our MINI range, and we know our customers will fall in love.”
Check out a range of Earlybird cards & wrap in Chirpy including the best selling DJ Cat!
August Discounts at Chirpy Online
Throughout August you can save money while you shop at Chirpy online with some great Chirpy discount codes …
Throughout August you can save money while you shop at Chirpy online!
Just use the codes ...
AUGUST10 to get 10% OFF when you spend £25 or more
AUGUST15 to get 15% OFF when you spend £50 or more
AUGUST20 to get 20% OFF when you spend £80 or more
Helping you with your summer gifting!
https://www.chirpystore.co.uk/