Focus on ... Fawn & Thistle

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 (& 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

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilemurray/

Focus on ... EarlyBird

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!

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/

Chapel Allerton Indies : Mini First Aid

Here’s a little interview we did with Kate from Mini First Aid to find out a little bit about her and her family business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

I’m Kate, Mum of 6 and founder of Mini First Aid. My team of first aid trainers train over 2000 families across the UK each week in life saving first aid.

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

My brother tragically died from Cardiomiopathy – those first on the scene did not know how to do CPR, and its been my mantra since that everyone should know how to save a life.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Once all my children are in school I head to our Chapel Allerton Office for a busy day of teaching, meetings and media work.

Biggest achievement to date?

I pitched Mini First Aid on Dragons’ Den and secured investment with Sara Davies MBE. Sara is a brilliant member of our team!

Favourite product you sell / make  / deliver?

Our first aid kits are a must have for everyone and our classes are available for adults, children and workplaces!

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

They call me the fun sponge as I’m always worrying about preventing accidents! 

Favourite time of year in the business?

When people put our first aid teaching into practice. Last week a Mum and Dad saved their 3 day old baby giving CPR learnt at our parents class.

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

I’d love to run the Little bookshop for a day, having my head in a book is a devine treat! 

Plans for 2025 / the future?

More Mini First Aid products for retailers!

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

Local support was the foothold for my business. Everyone should support the nurture and growth of local business.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

I’ve had two sets of twins! Bonkers!

Where can we find you :

@minifirstaid

You’ll often see Kate around Chapel Allerton with her twins so stop and say hi!

Focus on ... LoveLossDiscoballs

This month we’re focusing on Rachel & Warren from Love Loss Discoballs. I met Warren earlier in the year at a GCA Dragons Event and immediately loved their bright cards and unique outlook. Placing our first order this money at PG Live, I’m delighted to now be stocking these wonderful cards.

To get to know Rachel & Warren and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

We’re Rachel & Warren Hart-Phillips – a husband-and-wife team based in Liverpool although Warren is originally from Surrey. Warren is the designer and has worked in graphic design all his career after studying it at Uni. Rachel studied law but went into business development and account management – so we have a great range of skills and experience between us for running a card business! We got married in Ibiza (our favourite place!) last year and live with our five-year-old son Jonny, pet cat Bettie and fish, Finn.

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

 We’ve both suffered a lot of profound loss over the years and have received a lot of sympathy cards – which we didn’t think reflected us, or the people we’d lost at all. We’d dreamed of starting a meaningful business together and one day Rachel was drafting an Instagram post about a bright card her friend had got her after her first husband died, and how it really helped her. That was the spark of it – and with our backgrounds it was just such a great fit for us to design our own range of modern, uplifting sympathy and support cards.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 We have absolutely no idea! Haha! We only launched in January this year so we’re still finding our feet and establishing a routine now things are getting busier for us with customers and orders. We’ve had lots of pop-up shops and our first trade shows so every day looks very different at the moment! But we’re loving it all - especially building relationships with all of our lovely stockists like Chirpy!

 Biggest achievement to date?

 For the business the biggest thing so far was getting a last-minute spot on the ‘Dragons Speed Dating’ event, where you get to pitch your designs to retail buyers. We only found out with a day to spare, and we didn’t even have a business card, so it was like an episode of The Apprentice pulling an all-nighter to get our sample packs ready! But we managed and Warren absolutely smashed it and we even got some mentions in Progressive Greetings Magazine. It was such timely validation that we were doing something that the industry needed - and it gave us so much confidence.

Where can we find your cards?

We’re currently stocked in lots of amazing indies (like Chripy!) from the Highlands down to the South Coast and we’ll soon be in Postmark too and are talking to lots of other retailers. You can also shop on our website (loivelossdiscoballs.co.uk) or wholesale on Faire.

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

I think our original ‘You’re not broken; You are a disco ball’ card will always be a personal favourite of ours as it was one of the first ideas we had for a card and encapsulates what we are doing and even our brand name. It’s also one of our top sellers. Our other favourite is ‘Here for you Mate’ with the sunset – and we love it when a man buys this card for his friend as we’re really trying to encourage this.

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

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest shifts we’ve noticed is a growing demand for cards that acknowledge the tougher moments in life. There are so many more cards that reflect mental health awareness, grief, and real-life challenges - especially those that offer comfort without clichés. At the same time, bold colours, playful fonts and meaningful messages are taking centre stage. We feel that customers are looking for cards that stand out visually but still carry real emotional weight.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because there’s something so powerful about taking the time to put pen to paper. In a world where most messages disappear in a swipe, a card is for keeps and can be treasure forever.

Cards bring about so much connection - especially during life’s hardest or most uncertain moments. They’re small, tangible acts of care that don’t ask for anything in return. A card can carry words that are hard to say out loud and keep emotions safe inside something beautiful.

We believe the right card at the right time can change someone’s day, and sometimes, that really is everything.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Definitely being able to build something that feels meaningful. We started LoveLossDiscoballs with a real personal ‘why’ - to create cards that speak to the big, emotional moments in life with honesty, colour and care. So to wake up each day and know we’re doing work that helps people feel seen, supported and less alone is pretty special.

Also, the creative freedom and being able to put our full personalities into what we do! Getting to combine writing, design, grief support and disco balls all under one roof is just magical!

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

 Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, but momentum builds clarity. If something lights you up or helps people in a way that feels genuine – keep going with it.

Also, let it be yours. It’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing, but the magic is usually in the personal, messy, honest bits. The things that feel most ‘you’ are often what people connect with most.

And lastly, expect it to be hard sometimes, and keep going anyway. The best kind of business is one that means something to you and moves something in others.

 Plans for the future?

 Our focus right now is growing our card range and keep expanding into new categories - always with meaning at the heart of every design. We want to keep creating cards that help people feel understood in the moments that matter most, especially the ones that are often overlooked or hard to talk about.

We’re also working on building a community around what we do - opening up more conversations around grief, mental health and connection, while keeping things bright, bold and full of heart.

Long term? We'd love to see our cards stocked in even more brilliant independents, to keep collaborating with inspiring people, and to keep reminding the world that even the hardest times can still be colourful.

 You can follow LoveLoveDiscoballs HERE to see all the good work they are doing to make difficult conversations easier. They are also proud supporters of Calmzone

Focus on ... Two for Joy Illustration

This month we’re focusing on Louise from Two for Joy Illustration. We’ve just started to stock Louise’s gorgeous greetings cards which are proving popular. The thing I love most about them is many of them are more than just cards, having an activity on the back which is especially great for kids.

To get to know Louise and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Hi, I’m Louise. I’m the proud founder, designer, and one-woman band behind this independent greeting card brand, Two For Joy Illustration. From my little studio in Suffolk, I create luxury greeting cards, all on beautiful textured cardstock, incorporating beautiful and thoughtful details into my ranges; from eco-friendly foiling, to shaped cards with UV spot gloss and liquid foil, to beautiful full colour inside-prints, and even a range with cut out activities on the back. Everything is proudly made in the UK.

I am an illustrator with a love for moody colours and playful illustrations, and always my own handwriting.

I’ve got a real passion for postboxes too, there’s something magical about their history and charm, which ties beautifully into the joy of sending cards. In 2024, I took a big step by showcasing my collection at my first trade show PG Live in London, and I then got through to the finals for the Henries Awards 2024 (The Greeting Card Oscars!) and I’m so excited to see what comes next.

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

My journey here started with a degree in Decorative Arts at Nottingham Trent University, where I explored everything from screenprinting to slipcasting ceramics, 3D printing to glassblowing. Here, I fell in love with surface pattern design, printing my own fabrics - I went on to work as a childrenwear print designer, before joining a giftware company heading up their textiles department. I thought my illustration days were over but the company I worked for actually were major card producers. They asked me if I wanted ‘in’ on the latest card submissions and before I knew it I had a cards in Paperchase and in lots of indie shops all over the UK. Before long I had 200 designs, and most translated into welsh too. I’d continued designing cards, but also transitioned my career into retail buying, working all the trade shows and overseas trips for 7 years, before opting for a a slower pace of life raising my family - ha ha little did I know I would never be so busy!

I started my own card range ‘on the side’ after attending The Ladder Club at 6m pregnant with my son, and then I started developing my own ranges during maternity leave, and its just organically got bigger and bigger!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal working day for me is the school run and then sitting down with a coffee, putting the radio on, and tackling my to-do list. I don’t have much time so I lock my phone away to focus. Before long its school pick up again, and I’m back to parenting, but always packing orders or working on something most the evenings.

Biggest achievement to date?

That is a hard one. I think winning Gift of the Year award for my paper craft-kit advent calendar, in 2022 has to be up there. I was against some HUGE household names and just attended the event by myself, expecting it to essentially be a networking event for me. I could not believe I left with the trophy. The advent still sells well today and I’m now designing a range of christmas cards to match it - watch this space!

Hold on - am I meant to say something about my family here? I survived the first year raising twins! Thats a big achievement right?!

Where can we find your cards?

Well of course CHIRPY! But I sell online on Etsy and wholesale on Faire. I have around 30 stockists around the UK. 

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

My favourite cards I’ve designed are the new CAKE cards - they have literally only just launched this week, but they were just an idea in my head 6 months ago and now they’re here in my hands, shaped retro-inspired card cakes, with UV spot gloss and 3d raised ‘liquid’ foiling; I am really trying hard to ensure my cards have extra luxury details and these make me feel confident about the road ahead.

As they’ve only just launched, at the moment the most popular cards at the moment are the Bookish cards. I have over 46 designs and I’m hoping to get to 100 designs.

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

I think customers really want to know what they are getting for their money. If they’re spending £3+ on a card they need to know the story, the special finishes, is it supporting a small business, is it made in the UK - it has to be worth it. With this in mind, about 18 months ago I started putting an ‘about me’ bio on the back of my cards, with a little photo of me. It reminds us about the human connection, not just from me as an illustrator to the customer, but also the human connection that sending cards is so well known for. I also ensure my cards have something special about them.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending cards brings joy - it’s such a lovely feeling knowing that someone has been thinking of you, and also with digital media becoming so overwhelming, getting something in the mail really forces you to stop and think and feel. The fact we can create these feelings for under £5 with a stamp included feels like a real luxury in life.

Best thing about running your own business?

Hands down the flexibility. I always say I am a parent (to three littles) first, and a card publisher second. That’s the truth - and I can work when I want and not work when I dont want! Not having to book annual leave in, only to be rejected, its bliss!

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

Be a sponge. Go and learn. Talk to people in the industry before jumping in with both feet. There is so much good, free advice out there. There is enough room for everyone. Thankfully the card community is super super supportive and friendly.

Plans for the future?

My three main goals for the year ahead are 1. Create more craft kits 2. Create more innovative card ranges such as shaped cards, and 3. Work smarter not harder! I am looking to outsource the card packing so that I can concentrate on growing the ranges and also spending more time with my family.

 We’ve loved getting to know Louise a bit more and cant wait to see her new designs and crafts kits. Love the sound of her Advent Calendar too. Come and check out Louise’s designs in Chirpy and follow her on Instagram (she’s very entertaining!) HERE

Welcoming Tessa Houghton's New Exhibition 'Water Meets Sky'

We’re delighted to welcome back international artist Tessa Houghton to Chirpy with her new exhibition ‘Water Meets Sky’

Tessa will be launching her exhibition on Friday 11th April with a informal drinks reception - all welcome to come along.

She’ll then be at Chirpy for a ‘Meet the Artist’ on Saturday 12th April. Come along to chat to Tessa to find out her inspiration for her new body of work.

Tessa’s exhibition with run until Friday 25th April

Born in Lancashire in 1976 Tessa Houghton uses oils to create dreamlike ethereal landscapes that are infused with light, texture, and infinite possibilities. Inspired by nature with its inherent symbolism and contrasts, the paintings attempt to explore themes of fragility and strength, transience and endurance, death and renewal. The work ofter explores the strong emotional attachments we have with particular places and the memories that go with them.

Since receiving a BA(hons) in Fine Art from Liverpool John Moores University in 1998 Tessa's work has been exhibited and collected extensively throughout the UK and internationally including places such as Barcelona, New York, Texas, LA, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Artist statement

'Although my paintings are not direct representations of place, I am often drawn back to and inspired by landscapes that have personal significance, such as the landscape of my childhood; tangled canal banks and the vast solitude of the West Pennine moors. I'm particularly drawn to liminal spaces, where water meets land or land meets sky. These in- between areas are full of mystery and possibility, which is something I try to evoke in my work. The way light interacts with water, casting reflections and constantly shifting, is a recurring theme for me.

I see the paintings as explorations into atmosphere, memory and emotion. I trust in the power of suggestion and the paintings tend to hover between abstraction and figuration. The resulting images are ambiguous rather than definitive. I like the idea that they will trigger a memory or a sensation by being recognisable or familiar in some way and the final interpretation is left open to the viewer.'

Chapel Allerton Indies : Karma Canines

Here’s a little interview we did with Abbie from Karma Canines to find out a little bit about her and her new business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

Hi, I’m Abbie and I’m the owner of Karma Canines, a 1-2-1 dog grooming studio beside St Matthew’s school. I tailor the grooming sessions to each dog and will work with them to ensure they are calm and happy. I’ve been open since mid January and it’s going great so far – plenty of return customers now and lots of new ones as well. I’m only open on Fridays and Saturdays at the moment but hoping to be open more hours very soon.

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

I’ve always loved animals but always just worked in an office job which I’ve never really been passionate about, whilst doing animal related volunteer work outside official work. Last year I decided it was now or never to take the leap to completely change career and set up my own business, so I did the iPET Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management, got our garage converted and here I am now, loving my job!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day starts at 8am where I take the commute up my garden to my grooming salon to set up for the day! There really isn’t a typical day as I can have a complete mixture of meet and greets, full grooms, nail clipping or bath, blow dry and de-sheds so I can have between 3-6 dogs a day in, cleaning between each dog and trying to squeeze some time in for a coffee and a bite of lunch. With lots of dog cuddles included as well of course!

Favourite service you deliver

The puppy package I offer - it’s a 4 session package where the puppy comes in first for a meet and greet with their owner, second appointment is to get used to the sounds and sensations of the grooming environment, third session is a bath and blow dry and then the last one is a full groom. I love the fact that I can feel the puppy grow more confident and get to know what is expected of them during a groom. To create an environment for them where they feel comfortable and happy and they can go home with positive memories ready to come back the next time. I always end a grooming session with some treats (if the dog is allowed) and a little play!  

Plans for 2025 / the future?

Since my business is very new, the plan for 2025 is to get the word out there about my grooming salon, get lots of recommendations and build up my customer base, working up to being able to do it full time very soon.

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

The local high street is so important as it helps keep a sense of community and there are so many amazing local shops and other businesses that everyone should do their best to shop local and help keep these businesses going. 

Where can we find you :

17 Wensley View (grooming salon is at the back of the house just opposite St Matthew’s school gates)

At the moment open Fridays 8am-6pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm

www.karma-canines.co.uk

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