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!

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/