This month we’re focusing on Don & Heidi from Earlybird. I love chatting to them both at trade shows and will see them soon at Top Drawer in September.
To get to know Dom & Heidi and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :
Tell me a little bit about yourselves.
Earlybird is husband and wife dream team :) (Dom and Heidi Early plus a small team!) publishing greetings cards, wrap and social stationery for over 20 years. We also have a retail store in London.
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
I (Dom) graduated from Central St Martins Art college in the late 90's (ahem yes that long ago) and after doing some freelance illustration for a while started to design greetings cards on the side.
I had a market stall st Spitalfields Market in London's east end, and things really took off when we started suppyling shops.
When Urban Outfitters placed a large order, it dawned on me we might be onto something.
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
Loads of cups of tea! We have 2 sides to the business, the main part is the publishing/wholesale, but we also have a shop in Stoke Newington North London.
I (Dom) run the wholelsale side, designing, commissioning artists and sorting the trade shows. Hannah (our shop manager) runs the retail side and Heidi has a foot in both camps.
I work from home in our studio and Heidi is in London 2 days a week.
I spend a lot of time in front of a computer sorting orders, designing etc so I have to make sure I get away from the desk on a reg basis, so I run and walk the dog most days.
Not at the same time!
Biggest achievement to date?
3 Retas awards for the shop is something we are very proud of, plus our card designs have been nominated for a few times in the finals of the Henries awards. Winning one would be great in the future please!.
I think surviving Covid was quite a big achievement for many small businesses and I still look back on those days I think Wow!
Also the feeling of a customer buying something we have produced is an accolade in its own right.
Where can we find your cards?
Chirpy Store of course! One of a fav indies.
We also supply Oliver Bonas. Scribbler, Waterstones, Postmark.,Utility and many many fab indies across the UK. We also distribute to USA, AUS and Germany.
Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?
HIP HOP HOORAY. I saw a very old vintage postcard of a cat sat on a record player and I thought wouldn't it be good to illustrate an actual cat with headphones on DJ ing.
I had no idea it would be a stand out seller but it is. I have designed other cards I am more proud of, but I do have a soft spot for the DJ cat.
It has been so popular I have put it on Valentines and Father's day with good sales too.
Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?
Yes the MED theme is very strong atm Tomatoes, Sardines, Olives etc. We have a range called Honey which has done very well this year using the artwork of Linsey Kelly with these flavours on.
Why do you think sending cards is still so important?
It is a small piece of art to sit on your mantel piece. It is also a personal way of communicating away from the digital age. No one writes letters anymore so please let us not lose card sending.
It is so important for connecting with people, wishing them happy birthday is so important but all the other wonderful things that happens through the year as well. We have to keep this amazing tradition alive.
Best thing about running your own business?
I can nap when I want......and I do. :)
I also love my job, creating something and watching it sell is a great feeling. Designing is the best part of the job. The creative side will always be the side of the job that excites me. Admin and invoices are a necessary element but the thing that really floats my boat is creating a range and launching it.
Also waking up and being excited about the projects ahead is so good. I couldn't do a job where I am desperate for the end of the day or the weekend. Life is too short. I am aware of how lucky I am and thankful I can earn my wages from doing something I enjoy so much.
Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?
Do some research into the already existing competition. Look at gaps in the market and see if you can come up with something different.
The card industry has a wealth of talented companies all fighting for the same customer, so we have to make sure we stand out.
Also don't stress the small stuff. Things crop up everyday to challenge you and you will have good days and bad days.
Enjoy the good days and remember the bad days will pass over.
Plans for the future?
Loads! On the immediate horizon is Little Trinkets below. Launching at Top Drawer in SEPT
Also lots of new for 2026 shows, new Humour range, New Large format cards and some new Gift Wrap.
Say Hello to Little Trinkets – the Adorably Mini Newcomers from Earlybird!
Earlybird has teamed up with kitsch queen Amy Hastings to create Little Trinkets – a brand new MINI range bursting with charm. These half pint-sized delights pair Amy’s whimsical artwork with a luxe spot UV finish on textured recycled board, all in Earlybird’s signature mini format.
“We’ve been excited to collaborate with Amy for ages,” says Earlybird. “Her passion for quirky collectables shines through in every design – they’re a perfect fit for our MINI range, and we know our customers will fall in love.”
Check out a range of Earlybird cards & wrap in Chirpy including the best selling DJ Cat!