Focus on ... Ornament Art

This week’s ‘Focus on…’ is Jo & David from Ornament Art.

Their colourful, vintage inspired cards are something a little bit different for Chirpy and are proving popular already.

Read their interview to get to know a bit more about them.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

We are Jo and David; we are a couple who started our greetings card business in 2024. We have what you might call an eclectic home, full of antiques, ceramics, mid-century glass and paintings and when we moved into our house we managed to find an enormous display cabinet which sits in our living room that we soon filled with stuff. When a friend came round with her daughter who was about 8 at the time she asked her mum “Does anyone live in this museum?”  I think then we realised it was all a bit unusual.

Our card designs tap into that love of collecting, featuring photographs of the treasures that fill our home and studio space. We reimagine them mixing vintage vibes with modern humour, using bold, contemporary colours to result in Ornament Art’s distinct style. We like to take people down memory lane and inspire feelings of warmth and nostalgia, raising smiles and sometimes eyebrows too. Everything we create is photographed for real, sourced and styled by us, object by object, with No AI involved.

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

In 2024 I was made redundant from a job I’d had for 25 years – I was too young to retire but too old to want to stay in the corporate world. David and I had worked on photographic shoots together for over 10 years – he’s an advertising photographer and I’d been a marketing director for a clothing brand. We knew we made a good team; we loved coming up with ideas and the buzz of creativity, and we had a big cupboard full of objects crying out to be photographed! The idea for Ornament Art arrived whilst we were on away in Prague, we found some amazing antique shops packed with the most wonderful ceramics and bought a few holiday souvenirs with the intention to take some photos of them... and so Ornament Art was born.

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Our live is split between home in Manchester and our studio space in Sheffield so a normal day usually starts early with a drive over the Snake Pass. We’ll arrive at the studio, put the kettle on and make sure we sort any orders as a priority. Then it’s often all about creating which can mean anything from making dozens of “Plaster of Paris” cakes in vintage jelly moulds to sourcing bridal wear for toy dinosaurs or heading to the antique and charity shops of Sheffield to find our next inspiration.

Biggest achievement to date?

To be honest getting our cards into stores like Chirpy is the big achievement for us.  We look out for shops we’d really love to be in and work to make ourselves relevant to them. We found you when we started creating our first designs, so we followed you on socials to understand more about what you like and sell, got in touch, sent some samples, followed up with a chat … so when that first order arrived it felt like a huge achievement.

Where can we find your cards?

We are very popular in Brighton so you ‘ll find us well represented there and are growing with lovely independents around the country. We have been busy attending most of the card and gift industries trade shows to help us meet more customers.

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

This is a tough one because I really love some of the very cute, sentimental ones we have but also some of our cheeky ones really make me chuckle and our favourites change the more we create. Our new “Hot Cakes” range  of bright kitsch cakes for all occasions have been very popular recently but if I must pick just one I’d go for Diva Dog, staring a very handsome whippet wearing a string of pearls. The ornament lives in the cupboard in our living room so I spend time admiring him most days and the card is a big favourite with lots of customers.

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

I think cards with photos of ornaments have become very popular!

Joking aside, we have been so busy building our brand and defining what Ornament Art is we haven’t really thought about trends, we’ve just been creating what felt right for us and hopefully in doing that we’ve designed some cards that people enjoy.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

 Picking a card is that moment where you stop and think about someone – would this make them smile, laugh, feel better, feel loved? It’s about memories of fun times, in jokes, connection and it feels good to do. Then when you send the card as the recipient it feels lovely to open something that’s personal. You feel good, they feel good – and it’s such a simple thing.

Best thing about running your own business?

The support and enthusiasm from other small business owners, customers and fellow publishers. You would think it would be quite a lonely thing working for yourself but to be honest I realise now I felt on my own when I worked for a big company than I do now. And I get to spend a lot of time with cute ceramic cats!

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

If you really want it, go for it – just be ready for the fact that you’ll have to do a bit of everything, not just the bits you like – however you‘ll be surprised by the things you can do that you never knew you could.

Plans for the future?

We’d really love to see our designs on other product categories – stationery, homewares, ceramics – but for now the focus is cards and gift wrap, introducing Ornament Art to as many people as we can and finding lovely independents who we can work with to get our cards out there for customers to enjoy

 Pop into Chirpy to see our range of Ornament Art cards.

Check out their instagram to see what she’s up to.

Focus on ... Popsy & Plum

This week’s ‘Focus on…’ is Danielle from Popsy & Plum

Her colourful distinctive greeting cards are a lovely new addition to Chirpy

Read her interview to get to know a bit more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

 Popsy & Plum is a vibrant, artist led British stationery brand known for it’s bold, joyful aesthetic and strong commitment to sustainability.  Founded by Illustrator & Digital Artist, Danielle Rogers, the brand reflects a love of colour, nature and thoughtful design.  In short, Popsy & Plum is a feel-good, design-forward brand with a conscience, offering beautifully illustrated products that celebrate everyday moments with charm and sustainability.

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

 After 10 years as a Wedding & Events Manager, I decided to redirect my creative passions from designing people's weddings to designing my own wedding favours, and thus Popsy & Plum was established.  Initially producing handcrafted products from my own fabric designs, I attended the Ladder Club in 2019 and subsequently launched my first greeting card collection in 2020. 

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day for me always begins with a cup of tea! I then spend the morning processing any orders that have come through from the previous evening after which, I take a walk to the post office ably assisted by my two Cairn Terriers. The afternoon is usually spent catching up on admin, emailing stockists, updating listings on my online platforms, stock taking, planning social media content and, if I get around to it, drafting ideas for future collections.

Biggest achievement to date?

Twelve months after launching my first greetings card collection, I was privileged to become a Henries finalist in the category of ‘Best Contemporary Words & Sentiments Range' and two years later, I followed this up with being shortlisted in the category of 'Best Male Range’. I am also proud to be a recipient of the Theo Paphitis 'Small Business Sunday' award.

Where can we find your cards? 

 Popsy & Plum products are lovingly designed and printed in England and available in independent retailers around the UK … and now you can find them at the wonderful Chirpy!

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

 I’ve always struggled with this one.  It’s like asking me my favourite child!  However, if I have to pick one card design, I’d have to say the ‘lemon’.  It’s bright, fun and zesty with a fresh, contemporary style and looks great as a framed print. Interestingly, ‘Shine Like The Star You Are’ is one of my simplest designs and by far my most popular card.

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

I’ve noticed that consumers are moving more towards cards in ‘micro areas’ such dog birthdays, niche humour and emotional / neurodiverse support. Buyers want to connect at a deeper level and finding a card with the right words helps this.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

The act of choosing, writing, and posting a card shows a tangible proof of care.  A physical card shows the recipient that you’ve taken time and effort to connect and strengthens bonds and demonstrates thoughtfulness.  I also love that a card can often become a valued keepsake in a way that emails never can.

Best thing about running your own business?

The excitement I still get whenever anyone places an order, be that a wholesale order or one singular card, and the feeling of gratitude I have knowing that someone has chosen one of my designs to convey their sentiments.

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

I’m 10 years in and still working that one out!  

Plans for the future?

To continue doing what I love and to evolve the Popsy & Plum brand one collection at a time. 

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

Check out Popsy & Plum’s instagram to see what she’s up to.

Focus on ... Gail Myerscough

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Gail Myerscough. Her colourful contemporary cards are already proving really popular in Chirpy.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m Gail Myerscough, a surface pattern designer and illustrator from Manchester. I create bold, colourful designs inspired by mid-century style, architecture, music, and everyday nostalgia. I make art prints, greeting cards, stationery, and homewares, and I also take on commissions and licensing projects.

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

Creativity has always been important to me. For years I worked as a retail manager at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, but I enjoyed designing in my spare time. When I was made redundant during the pandemic, it gave me the push to turn my side project into a full-time business.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Every day is different, but I enjoy that aspect of it.

It's usually a combination of designing, packing orders, writing product copy and answering emails, working on commissions, wholesale outreach, the list goes on…

Pete the cat, my studio assistant, supervises most of it.

Biggest achievement to date?

Turning my creative side hustle into a full-time, sustainable business is probably what I’m most proud of. I’ve also had the chance to work with some amazing clients like Tim Burgess, Dave Rowntree, Gerry Anderson, and Manchester Museum.

Where can we find your cards?

On my website at gailmyerscough.co.uk, on Etsy, and in independent shops across the UK.

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

My personal favourite shifts depending on what I've made most recently, which is probably a designer thing. My most popular design this year is the FAB birthday card.

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

People seem to want cards that feel specific rather than generic. Architectural, regional and niche-interest stuff sells well for me. There’s also more support for independent artists and small businesses, as customers want cards that feel unique instead of mass-produced.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because it takes thirty seconds to send a text, but it takes actual thought to pick a card, write something in it and post it.

Best thing about running your own business?

Creative freedom. Every decision and every design is mine, and that’s not something I take for granted. I love being able to build a business that reflects my style, interests and values.

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

Start small and slowly build your business. It won’t happen overnight.

Be prepared for a lot of hard work.

Build a social media following of people who love your work. They will spread the word and help market your business.

Know that your business will be financially viable before taking the leap.

When you’re confident and ready, go for it!

Plans for the future?

More collections, more stockists, more commissions. I've got ideas for new work that I'm excited about. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. I love it. 

Pop into Chirpy to see our range of Gail’s cards. Check out Gail’s instagram to see what she’s up to

Focus on ... You’ve got pen on your face

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, You’ve got pen on your face. Her quirky illustrative cards are already proving really popular in Chirpy.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m Frankie, founder of You’ve Got Pen On Your Face, a greeting card brand based in beautiful Pembrokeshire. What started as just me has slowly grown into a small female-led team creating playful hand-drawn cards inspired by humour, nostalgia and all the weird little things people love. A lot of our designs tap into retro references and everyday moments that people instantly connect with.

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

I actually started the business while living in Moscow. A friend suggested I put some of my illustrations onto cards, so I did, and the first cards I ever sold were in Russian. When I moved back to the UK, I started selling on Etsy and then did my first trade show just before the pandemic. I never planned to end up making greeting cards but I genuinely love what I do now.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Honestly, chaos. Most days involve driving my kids 40 minutes to school, grabbing a couple of hours work in a café, doing pickups, making dinner, replying to emails in between everything else and then working on new designs late at night in bed with my laptop. It’s a constant juggle around motherhood and business.

Biggest achievement to date?

Seeing our cards stocked in shops we used to admire ourselves has been really surreal, especially places like John Lewis and Waitrose alongside hundreds of amazing independents. Exhibiting in New York was also a huge moment for me, and this year we’re doing shows in both New York and Paris which feels pretty wild considering how it all started.

Where can we find your cards?

Our cards are stocked in hundreds of independent shops as well as places like Liberty, Fortnum & Mason, Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie and Waterstones.

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

My personal favourite is probably the “To My Luvvva” beaver card. I don’t really know why, I just love him. Our most popular designs are still the retro ones though, especially the “Not Old, Just Retro” phone card and the “Old But Still Cool” record card.

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

Mini cards have definitely become more popular and there seems to be a move towards more playful formats, shaped cards and designs that feel a bit more collectable or giftable rather than just traditional greetings cards.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Cards are one of the few things that haven’t really gone digital properly. People have tried with e-cards but it’s just not the same as receiving something physical with a handwritten message inside. Cards become little snapshots of time. I’ve kept loads from birthdays, when my children were born, special moments in life, and years later it’s so nice reading those messages back again.

Best thing about running your own business?

The freedom. I love being able to build my life in a way that works for me and my family rather than the other way round. Being able to be present with my children while also creating something completely my own means everything to me.

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

Just start. I really believe that if you’re drawn towards something creatively, there’s usually a reason for it. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. There’s a quote I love about ‘jumping into the abyss and discovering it’s a feather bed’ and I think that’s often true when you trust yourself and actually go for it.

Plans for the future?

Just to keep creating, keep growing internationally and keep bringing out new products. I’ve just finished designing loads of new cards and sticker sheets which I’m really excited about. Mostly though, I just want to keep building a business that gives me freedom, creativity and a good life with my family.

Pop into Chirpy to see our range of Frankie’s cards. Check out Frankie’s instagram to see what she’s up to

Focus on ... Not Today Tuesday

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

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biggest business achievement to date?

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

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

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

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

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

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

Best thing about running your own business?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapel Allerton Indies : Cinnammmm

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

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

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

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

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

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

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

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

Biggest achievement to date?

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

Favourite product you sell / make

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

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

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

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

Favourite time of year in the business?

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

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

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

Plans for the future?

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

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

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

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

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

Where can we find you?

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

Find us on social @cinnammmm

Chapel Allerton Indies : George & Joseph Cheesemongers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

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

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

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

Biggest achievement to date?

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

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

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

Favourite product you sell / make / deliver

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

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

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

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

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

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

Favourite time of year in the business?

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

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

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

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

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

Plans for 2026 / the future?

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

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

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

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

Because local businesses make places feel like places.

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

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

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

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

Looking back, that probably explains quite a lot.

Where can we find you?

George & Joseph Cheesemongers
Chapel Allerton, Leeds
Harrogate Road

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

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

Focus on ... The Curious Pancake

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

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

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

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

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

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

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

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

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

Where can we find your cards?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

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

Best thing about running your own business?

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

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

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

Plans for the future?

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

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

Focus on ... Bigfatbambini

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

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

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

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

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

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

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

Biggest achievement to date?

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

Where can we find your cards?

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

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

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

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

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

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

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

Best thing about running your own business?

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

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

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

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

Focus on ... Jade Fisher

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

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

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

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

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

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

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

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

 Biggest achievement to date?

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

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy, now!

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

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

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

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

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

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

Best thing about running your own business?

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

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

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

Plans for the future?

Honestly, hopefully just this forever!

 Check out Jade’s Instagram HERE

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