Focus on ... Sophie Eloise Calligraphy

This month we’re focusing on Sophie from Sophie Eloise Calligraphy. Sophie will be running her Mindful Calligraphy workshop in Chirpy on 13th March.

To get to know Sophie a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her…

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m Sophie, mum to a toddler and a whippet. I am a calligraphy artist, creating wedding signage and teaching workshops and also dabble in watercolour. I love trying new creative things but calligraphy has been consistent for me - I love the mindful nature and creating beautiful words!

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

I attended a calligraphy workshop myself in 2017 and spent a lot of time practicing and making cards for family and friends. I then set up my instagram page in 2021 after hand painting signage and stationery for my own wedding. I wasn’t loving my day job and this provided me a lovely creative outlet. The following year I handcrafted wedding signage for 8 friends & family alongside my full time job. It was a huge learning curve but I got so much satisfaction from the end results. I started teaching workshops after requests and love sharing the practice!

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

I love my bespoke handpainted birth moon artwork. These combine my loves of calligraphy, watercolour and all things celestial! Sometimes it feels like the whole world is going digital, but nothing beats real, tangible pen and paper for me.

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

Just go for it! It’s cliche but stop waiting for the perfect time and just get started. I remember such a tingle when I first set up my instagram and business email address! Then my Etsy shop and everything else flowed from there. It’s brave taking the leap but so worth it and I love looking back at my journey to see how things have evolved and grown.

 Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

I’d love to try making my own jewellery!

What do you love best about running workshops?

Supporting people to relax and enjoy trying something new, whilst simultaneously slowing down and being really mindful about what they’re doing. We live in such a fast paced world, I like to see my workshops as two hours of calm, presence and screen free time!

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

 I love how supporting local businesses is championing someone else’s dream, and keeping local areas interesting and unique! I made a real effort to shop local for Christmas this year - every time you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in ✨🌎

You can join Sophie on her next Calligraphy workshop on Thursday 13th March - click HERE to find out more and book

Focus on ... Ricicle Cards

This month we’re focusing on David from Ricicle Cards.I always look forward to seeing David at tradeshows and events, he’s a bit of a social butterfly!

To get to know David a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with him…

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Hello! I'm David, the founder & proud small business owner of Ricicle. I love to create colourful, contemporary & beautiful greeting cards.

The name Ricicle comes from my married name. Before my husband & I married, he was Rice & I was Nichols - together, we are the Ricicles! I knew instantly that this would be the perfect name for the brand. While Steve, my husband doesn’t work with me and has his own job, he supports me at trade shows and at home during meltdowns, haha! 

I really enjoy designing my own cards, but I also relish in art directing. Putting together a brief for a new greeting card collection and finding the perfect artist to bring those ideas to life - it’s a really exciting process. Plus I get to play around with different print techniques too, whether it’s adding hot foiling or some die-cutting for extra pizzazz.

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

2024 marks my 10th year working with greeting cards! Prior to launching Ricicle Cards in January 2020, I worked in the greeting card industry on wholesale/client management, photography, creative design - lots of things! I knew I wanted to create my own collection, so I launched at Top Drawer January 2020 just before Covid hit.

I’ve always loved stationery and greeting cards - whether it was my school planner or thank you cards after Christmas and birthdays, it’s a true privilege to run a business based off a life-long passion.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Becoming a Henries Award finalist three years running. I can’t believe it, really. My business is still quite young, so to be recognised among the greats of the industry as a finalist in these prestigious awards is wonderful and something I’m so proud of. I might not have won one yet, but I’m hopeful to one day!

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy, of course! I’m so lucky to be stocked in some of the UK’s most wonderful retailers, whether they’re larger shops or small but mighty independent boutiques. I’m fortunate enough to partner with distributors in a couple of countries worldwide too, which is really cool.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

 I've always thought that a greeting card, whether it's a birthday card or one sent just to say 'hello', is like receiving a hug in the post. Surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture combined with a stunning greeting card design can spark so much joy - both for you and the recipient!

That's where my passion comes from - helping people enjoy these moments. We cover all milestone occasions & seasonal events, so you’ll never miss an opportunity to send some love in the form of a bright and colourful greeting card with a heartfelt message, printed on luxury card stock.

Best thing about running your own business? 

The community, absolutely. Whether it’s making friends with other greeting card publishers or building relationships that turn into friendships with my retailer customers, that’s the best bit. It’s one of the main reasons I love to do trade shows, I get to get out of my house and see lots of familiar faces that love greeting cards as much as I do.  

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

Success and growth doesn’t happen overnight. Building your brand presence takes time, sometimes a great deal of time. You need to be present at trade shows each year to be visible. Be consistent, communicate with your customers well and embrace the fact that you can’t do everything - you just need to make the best decisions you can at the time. Whenever I’m stressed about an order deadline or something goes wrong with a print run, I’ve learned to take a breath and say ‘It’s just cards. It’s not life or death’.

You can find a selection of Ricicle’s Christmas cards online and in store 

Focus on ... Katie Roe

This month we’re welcoming Katie Roe to Chirpy to run a NEW workshop to make your own Personalised Leather Bookmark and Key Ring Set

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

Tell me a little about yourself.

I live in Meanwood with my husband & 2 little boys, we moved back to Leeds almost 9 years ago after spending 12 years living in America. I'm from Leeds originally so it's lovely to be back “home” raising our boys near family. I have always loved art and design and spent my school years putting all my energy into those subjects. I also love to run, running for me is an instant de-stress and time to escape the chaos.

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

I studied Fashion Design and after graduation I packed my portfolio &  jumped on a plane to New York in search of a job. I landed an assistant designer position at Abercrombie & Fitch. I went on to spend a big chunk of my 20s and 30s in New York working as a womenswear designer for various brands including American Eagle, Gap and J.Crew. When we moved back home I was craving a change, so I learnt the traditonal skills of hand leatherwork and set up Katie Roe Studio. I make leather accessories that combine traditional skills with a modern aesthetic and put responsible, sustainable design at the forefront of my work.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 My week days vary, but always start in a rush with my boys school and nursery drop off. A couple of days a week I try squeeze in a run and then spend time in my home studio doing leatherwork - this can be anything from developing new ideas to making bags or prepping for workshops (the fun bits) to social media, catching up on emails or costing out new ideas (for me the less fun aspect).  My workspace is usually a mess when I’m desiging or making but I think that's often the case for creative people. Two days a week I head into Leeds Arts University where I lecture on the Fashion Design degree. This involves working in the studios with our students supporting them with designing, portfolios and making garments. I always get to spend at least a day in the week with my youngest before he starts school in September - this generally involves mud and a park!

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I think having my boys for sure. The transition into becoming a parent is huge and no one could have ever prepared me both mentally and phyically, so yes that definitely feels like my bigeest achievement.

 What do you love best about running workshops?

I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of both designing & traditional leatherwork. Helping people to design & create a leather case that they will own for years and that they are really proud of is extremley rewarding, especially if it is someone who has never picked up a sewing needle or is new to “crafting”. 

 Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

Oh I would love to try so many - anything that involves working with my hands and creating stuff! Pottery and carving would be high up on the list, glass blowing looks fascinating and when I was younger I always wanted to get into millinery (hat making). Basically I think I could give you a huge list if we had enough time!

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

Shopping locally is putting your hard earned money into the livelihoods of an indie artist or shop owner that works so passionately and hard to do what they do - rather than giving your money to huge corporations that focus on mass production, often at the expense of quality and the impact it has on our environment. Shopping locally keeps our highstreets alive and really does mean the world to the artist and shopkeeper, plus you are guaranteed to purchase something that is more unique.

You can join Katie on her workshop on Wednesday 19th March at 7pm

Book your place HERE

Focus on ... Feel Good Supplies

This month we’re focusing on Gemma from Feel Good Supplies . I'm excited to meet Gemma for the first time on Monday at Top Drawer, my favourite trade show. Her cards have already become really popular in Chirpy

To get to know Gemma a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her …

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

I’m Gemma, the founder of Feel Good Supplies, a stationery and gifting brand with a focus on positivity and things that make you feel good. I started the business in 2024 and currently am the wearer of all the hats when it comes to running the business.

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

I studied Graphic Design Communication at Chelsea School of Art and have worked in design and art direction ever since. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the biggest names in fashion like Rankin, Simon Emmett and Ellen Von Unwerth and am currently working for the BBC; creating campaigns for their new programs and have worked on shows such as Killing Eve, This Is Going To Hurt and Happy Valley. That does mean that my day-to-day is somewhat hectic! But really drove my passion for wanting to create something lasting for myself. So with a love of stationery (and a childhood obsession with smelly gel pens), I knew building a stationery and gifting brand was the right path for me.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I love making a list! So my normal definitely follow a structure to help me with the admin side of the business. There’s a lot of checking in with printers, processing orders and speaking to customers; which I really enjoy. I love the design days, where I get to work on new product ranges. I block out a good amount of time to allow myself the ability to really get into designing and not be distracted by the outside world. I try not to force the process, I spend time researching and getting inspiration from galleries and exhibitions, then bring those references to the design phase.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I get such a buzz when people buy my cards to gift to their friends and family. Knowing that something you have designed is being given to celebrate a special moment gives me tingles. That for me will always be something I’m grateful for.

Where can we find your cards?

I’m super lucky to be stocked in some incredible indie stores (obviously Chirpy being one of them) plus some larger nationals as well. It’s a growing list and I’m excited to see where the next 12 months takes me.

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

I really love the HITCHED card. It’s really bold, bright and colourful. A close second would be the NO SLEEP CLUB, again for the same reasons. I’m always drawn to big typographic moments, so those have a special place for me.

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

People are definitely on the lookout for something unique or that catches their eye. You can’t rely on doing the same as you’ve always done, you have to challenge your aesthetic to keep bringing newness to customers. Sustainability is also key and there’s been a real move towards cards without any packaging, which is something that’s been built into the Feel Good Supplies ethos from the start. But it’s important to listen to customers and find out what they value, so you can be as relevant as possible to them in such a saturated market.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Cards are a moment to share how you feel about someone in a physical item. Sending a card to say you’re thinking of them in tough times or just to say how brilliant you think someone is; that physical connection is something that, on a human level, we all need. In a time where so much of our interactions are on our phones, it’s a moment to connect with one another via something as simple as a piece of paper.

Best thing about running your own business?

Getting to meet so many lovely people is a real positive for me. I’m able to discover new shops in new places and the brilliant people behind these stores. Another thing I like about running Feel Good Supplies is that I get to fulfil so many roles and really challenge myself. It’s made me grow so much as a creative and I’m always learning something new.

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

It’s definitely not an easy path and a lot of time and hard work goes into running a business. However, seeing the positive responses to your dedication and hard work makes it worth it.

Plans for the future?

My next twelve months is all about growing the business and trying to reach as many lovely shops as possible and connecting with new customers. Expect new designs and ranges and also developing the range into more homeware and gifting pieces as well!

To see Feel Good Supplies’ gorgeous cards then pop into Chirpy

Meet the Chirpy team ... Lizzie

Thought it was about time to introduce Team Chirpy, Lizzie,

You’ll usually see Lizzie in Chirpy on a Thursday morning and covering days when I’m on holiday.

We also stock Lizzie Lino prints cards and tote bags in Chirpy

So here’s a bit more about her …

I’m Lizzie and I work as a potter here in Leeds. I grew up down South but moved up to Leeds for university about 12 years ago and haven’t looked back.

Fave time of year & why
I love summer! Long evenings, al fresco dining, warm river swims… need I say more?!

Fave chirpy product
I love the pocket flower presses that we sell. They’re so cute, and a lovely thing to pop in your bag when you go for a walk and come home with a memory of your day out.

Thing you like about working in chirpy / chirpy customers
I love it when people discover the shop and are so clearly thrilled with what we have. I met a lovely customer yesterday who said how much of a joy it was to find us, as she loved everything we had and felt so welcome in the shop. Those sorts of interactions with people are such a highlight!

Unusual fact about yourself
I studied Ecology at uni, which comes as a surprise to most people!

Why not give Lizzie a follow at Lizzie Fry Ceramics

Meet the Chirpy team ... Jenna

Thought it was about time to introduce Team Chirpy, starting with Jenna,

You’ll usually see Jenna in Chirpy on a Monday, the 1st Sunday of the month when the Chapel Allerton Market in running and covering days when I’m on holiday.

We also stock Jenna’s cards and stationery in Chirpy, which are always popular.

So here’s a bit more about her …

Hi! My name’s Jenna, I’m 33 and grew up in Derbyshire. I moved to Leeds for uni 15 years ago and never left! I’m an artist and I run a paper goods business called @joyjenstudio - selling greetings & stationery items online and in some lovely shops around the country (like Chirpy!).

My favourite time of year is summer, not so much for the heat (any fellow redheads can relate I’m sure!), but for the long daylight and all the gorgeous blooming nature. I feel most myself when I’m outside, and while I’ll happily brave all seasons, it’s certainly a little nicer in the Spring & Summer months!

My favourite Chirpy product at the moment is the Liga Beach Clean passport holder. I just think it’s so cute and I’m always eyeing it up!

My favourite thing about working at Chirpy is the lovely chats I have with the customers about the gorgeous items we have in store. I love when someone picks something out that I love too.

An unusual fact about me is that I seem to be acquiring Dad hobbies as I get older. I’ve gotten super into Formula 1 and bird-watching in the last few years and I’m both delighted and baffled by those developments… 😂

(I do have normal girl hobbies too, like pottery, yoga and reading!)

Focus on ...Stormy Knight

This month we’re focusing on Sarah from Stormy Knight.We’ve just restocked with Sarah’s cards following PG Live last month and loved catching up with her again at the RETA Awards

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

Tell me a little bit about yourself

 I’m Sarah and I run Stormy Knight – a greeting card company that specialises in contemporary illustrated designs with an extra special finish! I run the business with my sister, who takes care of a lot of the day to day running of the business while I focus on the creative side of things! I set the business up in 2013 and I am pleased to say it was one of the best decisions I ever made!

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

My degree was in illustration, and after graduating I got a job as a graphic designer for a local newspaper company. I spent a lot of evenings screen printing small batches of cards and prints alongside my day job, until I finally plucked up the courage to run the business full time. It took a while… I launched Stormy Knight in 2013 and went full time in 2018 - by that time I was heading up a graphic design team for a well loved kids travel project and was lucky enough to have a very understanding boss who supported me while I reduced my hours and grew my business until I was ready to make that leap of faith!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

It’s very unglamorous – a lot of it is admin… processing orders, making sure we have enough stock, helping our customers with any queries. But then there’s also the designing – when I’m working on a new range I take myself out of the office so emails don’t distract me and sit drawing on my iPad. Working on new designs, either by myself or with other illustrators, is my favourite part!

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Our two Henries awards – it felt so good receiving those awards! Personally – it’s managing to juggle a small business with a small child… That’s hard!

Where can we find your cards?

We’re stocked across the UK in some of the best high street card, gift and lifestyle shops, as well as in the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe – we’ve over 500 stockist across the world!

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

Oooh that’s so hard! I can’t pick a favouruite but our best selling card at the moment is our Fave human Bean card by Holly Maguire!

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

I think people are always on the look out for something different, whether that’s be design style, finish or concept, so we are always trying to be innovative and look for something that isn’t already out there at the moment. And that can be hard in the saturated world of greeting cards! We are currently working on a range of support & friendship cards that have a more contemporary look and sentiment to a lot of the cards out there in the support/sympathy genre (launching in a couple of months so watch this space!)

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I love cards. I believe they have the power to make people feel good – whether that’s by sending some birthday wishes, welcoming a new baby to the world or by giving someone a hug when they need it the most, so our company mission is to make the world a brighter place with each and every card we design.

Best thing about running your own business?

 So many things – the flexibility is brilliant as it allows you fit your work around other life commitments. But the main thing is that I get to choose how I shape my business and what I want to do with it. I get such a swell of pride knowing I’ve built this business to where it is today.

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

You’re gonna have to be willing to work hard – passion alone is not enough (but if you are passionate then it won’t feel like such hard work!). Don’t be too influenced by what everyone else is doing – you need to find your place in the market and pave your own way!

Plans for the future?

More of what we are doing – keep designing new cards that are exciting and relevant in todays society. We may look into branching out into other paper products in the future too.

You can find Sarah’s cards in Chirpy and just let us know if you’d like us tp include them as part of our card bundles

Focus on ... Letterbox Lane

This month we’re focusing on Leanne (& James) from Letterbox Lane. I met Leanne when I first owned Chirpy so it was lovely to see up again this year at PG Live tradeshow. We’re delighted to be restocking her gorgeous cards.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Hello I am Leanne and I am the owner of Letterbox Lane, a joyful stationery and paper goods brand based in Nottingham. I started my business around ten years ago with the hope of being able to draw for a living and scatter joy with my designs at the same time. I run Letterbox Lane around my two children who are now at school. My husband James helps out with the business side of Letterbox Lane too when he isn't at his 9-5, maths is definitely more his skillset than mine! 

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

 I have always created and loved to draw from a very young age, but I actually studied drama at university and carried on acting for a few years after I graduated. I then worked in a school but I found I was creating on the side of work most days. I started off just making cards for friends and family and for the first couple of years my work was all handmade. Then I discovered procreate and found a brilliant local printers and my work really developed from that point. I have learnt everything on the job which has meant it has been a slow journey sometimes,but I am really proud of the progress I have made.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day starts with having a coffee after the chaos of getting two children ready for school. I have a small studio room in our house so the commute is rather easy.

My working day starts around 9am and I finish around 2.30pm ready for the school run. I try to get outside most days and when I start the day with a walk or a jog around the park I always feel better for it. Most days are different but I package online orders most days and have a daily walk to the post office. I spend a bit of time posting on instagram stories and chatting to other creatives on instagram. As an introvert I actually enjoy working alone, but I do go a bit crazy if I don't chat to people, so I kind of see Instagram dms and stories as my staff room. I have been working hard on the wholesale side of my business recently so I will try and reach out to stockists too or package shop orders each week. I also make sure that I structure in time to draw in my sketchbook or on my ipad too, because turning your hobby into a business means that you actually don’t get as much time to create if you don’t make space for it. 

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I think pushing myself last year to do my first trade show felt like such a big step for me and my business. There is so much thought that goes into the stand and how you present your business. I recently completed my second trade show and it was brilliant to see how far I had grown in confidence since the previous year.

Where can we find your cards?  

You can find a selection of my work in Chirpy and nearly 30 other shops around the uk. I also have my own website if you want to see my designs online at letterboxlane.co.uk 

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

One of my favourite cards and also a bestseller is the ‘you make the world brighter’ card which has lots of brightly coloured tulips on it. It is fun and I love the joy it brings.  

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

I have seen more people buying cards to encourage rather than just cards for occasions or milestones. 

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think cards are a way of connecting people. There is something so simple and yet so beautiful knowing someone has gone out of their way to let you know that they are thinking of you, whether that is on your birthday or just because they want to remind you of how brilliant you are. I love that I get to be a part of that. 

Best thing about running your own business?

Bringing ideas from my head onto paper then seeing them made into a product is pretty cool. I also love that I get to work around my family too and buying stuff from charity shops and justifying it as buying props for photoshoots!

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

I would say get around others that are already doing it well, find a community to cheer you on and give you advice. I would also say keep creating just for you, create things that you have no intention of sharing on instagram. 

Plans for the future?

I really want to keep growing the wholesale side of my business. I would love Letterbox Lane to be in at least one shop in every city in the uk. I also want to keep developing my illustrations and would love one day to illustrate a children's book.

To see Letterbox Lane’s gorgeous cards then pop into Chirpy

Focus on ... Holly of Lucky Ink

This month we’re focusing on Holly from Lucky Ink. I found Holly at this month’s PG Live tradeshow and loved her cards so much that she got my Sunshine Ticket. Her cards have just arrived in Chirpy snd few love them!

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Hello : ) I’m Holly and I have a card making studio in Dunmow, Essex. I’ve been creating and hot foiling cards ‘properly’ for the last 4 years from my garden workshop. It’s very much a family affair with Madge (my Mum) and Matt (my partner) that dive in to help when it gets busy.

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

I worked in publishing for about 15 years and had the urge to craft something from scratch. So I started learning about letterpress, countless video and books and I volunteered at Letterpress Design when it was based in Rayne. Learning on the job was a brilliant insight. Then I had to juggle working full time in London, volunteering and setting up a small wedding stationery business.

I finally took the leap to go full time self employment after a couple of years and although it’s tough, anxiety inducing and full of unknowns it has been the best decision for me and my family.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A typical good day looks like, up at 5:30am, gym at 6am (more for the old mental wellbeing), home 6:45, coffee & emails, organise kids for school, order anything needed like prints/packaging. Switch on foiler and print any orders. Package and do post runs ideally before school pickup. I juggle this with my 3 year old in tow normally. And if I have time I’ll potter about my garden.

A typical bad day is procrastinating over the to do list and not getting very far and looking at quotes that tangle my head. As well as eating my body weight in sugar and drinking fair too much coffee.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I felt proud to do my second trade show at Top Drawer, I was in the stationery section. I took a webinar to help with confidence and be proud to show the product I was making.

Anytime someone puts in a second order makes me really proud, the confirmation that the cards are selling well. Up until that point it’s all nerves!

And personal achievement I would say working in different countries. I went through a stage of just saying yes and thinking about it afterwards. I got a few good stories from my travels : ) I don’t have the energy to do it now!

Where can we find your cards?

Slowly building up a lovely indie stockist list. Obviously now at the lovely Chirpy store as well as Otherletters (South-On-Sea), The Baytree Company (Edinburgh), Lathams Home (Epping), Loola Loves (Macclesfield), Bartrums & Co (Hay-on-Wye).

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

I love a pink & red clash so any cards with that combo. My Monochrome and gold collection that is super graphic and bold. My most popular card is Happy Birthday Lovely in gold foil on a black scallop background.

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

For me the changing of technology seems to be creating less exposure for people. It’s harder just to come across businesses by chance. That’s why trade fairs are key to be able to chat and have meaningful interactions.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It’s important to show someone you’re thinking about them. For me I don’t get to catch up with friends a lot so a card means a person has taken time to think about only you, put their words on paper and pop in the post so you receive a sweet surprise on your doormat.

Best thing about running your own business?

I get to juggle. I have time for my family and work from my garden. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do that. And for my children to pop in and make cards with me is wonderful.

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

More action and less thinking about practicalities. Obviously don’t just jump ship but do have the belief and confidence to make it happen, because it will.

Plans for the future?

More designing and maybe expanding into gift wrap. My kids are small so I want to grow things slowly and be able to provide the quality always to my stockists and have a good life balance too

You can check out Holly’s gorgeous cards in Chirpy now!

Focus on ... Onneke Studio

This month we’re focusing on Onneke Studio. We just started to stock her great cards and journals, which are quickly becoming popular.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

My name is Onneke and I am an illustrator and designer and I own a gift shop with my design studio attached to it.

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

I became a ‘proper’ greeting card designer in the first lockdown. My gift shop just turned two when we had to close the shop and with me and my husband both self-employed, panic set in and I came up with a plan to pull the shop through. I thought it would be a good idea to sell greeting cards of our local area to my lovely customers. I illustrated the cards as I went along and came up with a little campaign to target people online and it said: You can still send cards to your family, friends and neighbours. At first it was just my customers who bought the cards but as more and more people started to buy them and send them out my reach grew bigger and bigger. By the end of the first lockdown I had sold over 10000 cards and I had the first shops in Sussex request to sell my cards. After that I started to design cards that could be sold all over the UK with a focus on the coastal areas because I love the seaside and I live in a coastal town myself.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I get to my studio/shop around 10 in the morning and always have a long to-do list. I do most of the things myself, though I do get help sometimes packing larger orders and I also have someone who helps me in the shop a couple of days a week. I pack wholesale and online orders every day, order stock, design new cards and prints and work on other products that sit well in the range and I also make sure the shop looks tip top and the studio doesn’t look like a bomb went off.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I designed a whole new range of notebooks this year and I have been very pleased with how well they are doing. They are staple bound A5 notebooks that you can send out instead of a card (they come with an envelope and a little card to add a message). There is a wild swimming logbook, a running logbook, two different walking logbooks and there are two gratitude journals.

Where can we find your cards?

You can find my cards, prints and notebooks in independent shops all over the UK, though mostly in places closer to the sea.

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

All my wild swimming cards are very popular at the moment, along with the wild swimming logbook.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending a card connects us on an emotional level with people that are important to us, much more than a text message or comment on social media can do. It can have such a big impact to send someone a card, or at the very least bring a smile to someone’s face.

Best thing about running your own business?

It’s hard work but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love all sides of my business. The shop gives me face to face interaction with customers and the studio gives me a place to be creative and turn my illustrations into cards that sell around the UK. It’s a dream!

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

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t give up too quickly. We live in a great time where you can learn a lot just by looking them up online. I learned to design my own website, do my own marketing, and I still learn new things all the time.

Plans for the future?

I have lots of ideas for new card ranges. And I also want to add more notebooks to the new range. I am thinking of a cycling logbook and a travel journal to start with. Watch this space! 

You can find a range of Onneke cards and her Journals in Chirpy