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