Focus on ... Studio Boketto

This month we’re focusing on Micky & Olivia (& Yoshi the dog!) from Studio Boketto. I met them for the first time at PG Live this year and placed our first order. There cards have proven really popular, and I especially love their number milestone cards

To get to know Micky & Olivia and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

We’re Micky and Olivia, the co-founders of Studio Boketto (that’s BO-KET-OH!). Studio Boketto is a UK based stationery brand with good vibes at the core of everything we do, which you can see in our ever-growing range of colourful, cute and super cool cards and stationery. Everything is designed in-house or in collaboration with illustrators and artists we love. We just want Boketto to be a happy place, filled with ace paper stuff!

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

Micky was working as a menswear designer when he was made redundant (twice!). To stay creative, he started designing cards — and when the second redundancy hit, he decided to give Studio Boketto a proper go. Olivia was working as a nurse in the NHS and had always helped behind the scenes, but joined full time in 2020. We’ve been building the brand together ever since.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

No two days are the same. One minute we’re packing orders, the next we’re designing new ranges, emailing stockists, shooting content, or managing production — all from the studio in our garden. It’s a constant juggle of creativity and logistics, fuelled by coffee and a shared to-do list.

Where can we find your cards?

You’ll find our cards in lovely independent shops across the UK and beyond — and in some bigger stores too, like Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, and Utility.

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

Our food puns and music icon cards are always best sellers — and our full English breakfast wrap has a bit of a cult following too.

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

Conscious buying is in — quality and sustainability really count now.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because nothing beats that feeling of receiving a card — it’s thoughtful, tactile, and totally offline. Cards mark moments, big or small, and they stay pinned up long after the day’s passed.

 Best thing about running your own business?

Total creative freedom. Building something that feels truly ‘us’ — and getting to work together every day (most of the time that’s a good thing!).

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

Start small, stay consistent, and back yourself. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — just get it out there and tweak as you go. And find your own voice — it’s your biggest asset.

 Plans for the future?

More collaborations, more joyful designs, and (hopefully) more stockists who love what we do. We’ve got big plans bubbling… watch this space.

Chirpy supports Chapel Allerton Arts Festival

Friday 29th - Sunday 31st August sees the return of Chapel Allerton Arts Festival.

A community arts festival in the heart of Chapel Allerton every year brings you a wealth of bands, musicians, food and fringe events.

We delighted to be supporting the festival again - pick up your prepaid Festival wristbands from Chirpy. Anyone wearing a wristband can get 10% off over the festival weekend.

Wristbands can be bought here

Chirpy will be Open on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th From 9:30am - 5pm but closed on Sunday while we enjoy the festival ourselves!

See you there!

Have you visited us yet? You should!

We’re delighted to have made it onto the ‘Awesome Indie Stores You Need to Visit at Least Once’ you need to visit at least once’ from Leeds List

Check it our HERE

The list contains lots of great independent retailers in Leeds, including a couple of our neighbours ; The Little Bookshop, Armadillo, Flavour Like Fancy & Wayward Wines.

Also included are several of our favourite indie shops including Colours May Vary in Leeds Corn Exchange and Tandem in Meanwood.

So why not pop into visit them soon (hopefully more than once!)

Check out the article here

https://leeds-list.com/culture/awesome-indie-stores-you-need-to-visit-at-least-once/

Chapel Allerton Indies : EJM Wealth Consultancy

Here’s a little interview we did with Emile from EJM Wealth Consultancy to find out a little bit about him and his business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

My name is Emile Murray and I’m a financial advisor. My team is just me! My business is in partnership with St James’s Place but instead of joining an established business, I started by own business – EJM Wealth Consultancy. I live on Roundhay Avenue (just near Potternewton park). I help people make better financial decisions, pay less tax, and achieve their life goals!

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

I’ve always had an interest in numbers and investing. I was previously in media investment for around 10 years; when I was considering a change, I initially looked into starting a property investment business. I then retrained and became a qualified, regulated financial advisor and launched by own business!

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Haha there is no normal day! It’s a good job I like coffee (shout out to House of Koko – always popping there for a meeting!). My days can vary from networking events, meeting people for coffee to have an initial chat, to analysing pensions and investments, and client meetings to get this sorted for them. I also spend a lot of time talking about the sad times in life – from illness to life cover, inheritance tax planning, and succession plans. However, helping people achieve peace of mind is very important and rewarding!

Biggest achievement to date (personally and / or business wise)?

Business wise, I’d say just getting started – it’s not easy, there are a lot of exams and assessments in order to become qualified. The tax exam alone was very tricky just with the time pressure, let alone the questions!

Personally, I’m unsure really, I’m not one to blow my own trumpet. I’ve ran two marathons before, I suppose that’s not bad!

Favourite product you deliver?

Haha what a question for a financial advisor! I’d have to say pensions. They are amazing financial products and very misunderstood. They need a rebrand as people can have a really negative view on pensions! Some protection products are also amazing, like income protection for example. People will insure everything – pets, luggage when travelling, possessions, but not themselves and their earnings, which is crazy! Think of a machine that prints money, you can never buy another one if it breaks, but you can insure it, would you? 99% of people say yes, you’re that machine.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best is the flexibility and deciding how I want to work, where I work, and with who.

The worst is guaranteed money at the end of the month, but that’s all part of the journey!

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

Probably George & Joseph, I love wine, I love cheese… what a day that would be!

Plans for 2025 / the future?

2025 – the plan is simple; just keep speaking to people, that’s all I can control. Try to speak to people and hopefully they see how I can help them. The future, I’d love to expand in time and become a slightly bigger team, but let’s see.

Where can we find you:

39 Roundhay Avenue

07703 837920

EJM Wealth Consultancy | Leeds | Facebook

EJM Wealth Consultancy (@ejmwealthconsultancy) • Instagram photos and videos

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilemurray/

Focus on ... EarlyBird

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!

6 of the best creative workshops coming up at Chirpy this Autumn

Photo credit : Brandphotosbychrista

What’s different about Chirpy?

We’re not just a fabulous gift shop fulfilling all your gifting needs for all occasions but we’ve also got a wonderful workshop space dedicated to bring our customers great creative workshops. All perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, the workshops offer a chance to enjoy a couple of hours of creative “you time” away from the huddle & bustle of everyday life. Come on your own or bring some friends, we’re a friendly lot!

Here’s 6 of the best workshops we’ve got coming up this Autumn

1. Jesmonite coaster workshop

Thursday 11th Sept 7-9pm Book here

Jesmonite seems to be everywhere unsurprisingly as bits such a fun material to work with. In this workshop you’ll create 2 unique hexagonal trays with a terrazzo design, perfect to using as coasters or trinket trays. As Jesmonite dries quickly you’ll take away your creations on the night

2 . Fused Glass Autumn Wreath

Thursday 18th September 7-8:30pm book here

Join Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker, to make a Spring themed glass wreath.

Made by applying  frit (crushed glass) and modelled glass pieces to a fused glass wreath which on completion will be taken away and fired and returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

The piece measures 9 cm in diameter and after firing a matching ribbon will be added.

3. Mindful Calligraphy

Thursday 25th September 7-9pm book here

A relaxing and mindful two hour workshop exploring the art of modern calligraphy. Suitable for complete beginners.

We start with warm up exercises and basic strokes, practice letterforms and then have a go at crafting your name, before moving into writing our own affirmations. This is an opportunity to tap into your creative flow and take a moment out of our hectic lives to be present and explore something new.

4. Ocean Reef painting workshop

Thursday October 2nd 7-9:15pm book here

Even if you haven’t touched a pencil since primary school, with step-by-step guidance of professional local artist Joyce Buzeman of BuzemanArt, you will create your very own master piece. For those more experienced, we assure you will go away with new paint tips and paint ideas.

We provide all the paint, brushes a 30 x 40cm canvas and other materials that are required. All you need is a to turn up with a good dose of enthusiasm. Why not bring your friends, family or colleagues…

Our aim is to unleash your own painting style and encourage you where needed. It’s your masterpiece and at the end your painting will be unique to you.

5. Fused Glass Highland Cow

Thursday 15th May 7-8:30pm- book here

Ever fancied making an item from fused glass?  Well here is your opportunity from Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker.

In this workshop you will design your piece and then apply frit (crushed glass) stringers (glass rods) and modelled glass pieces to make a fused glass Highland Cow picture, perfect as a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one. No cutting or grinding required!

On completion your item will be taken away and fused plus a wooden frame added.  It will then be returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

6. Doodlemap workshop

Thursday 23rd October 6:30 - 8:30pm book here

Find yourself Doodling in meetings or while on the phone? Always fancied a go at illustrating?

This 2 hour masterclass with Dave Draws will give you the chance to doodle your favourite area and create a unique map and piece of art for you to take home, under the guidance of Dave. All you need is an idea of where you want to doodle.

August Discounts at Chirpy Online

Throughout August you can save money while you shop at Chirpy online!

Just use the codes ...

AUGUST10 to get 10% OFF when you spend £25 or more

AUGUST15 to get 15% OFF when you spend £50 or more

AUGUST20 to get 20% OFF when you spend £80 or more
 

Helping you with your summer gifting!

https://www.chirpystore.co.uk/

Chapel Allerton Indies : Mini First Aid

Here’s a little interview we did with Kate from Mini First Aid to find out a little bit about her and her family business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

I’m Kate, Mum of 6 and founder of Mini First Aid. My team of first aid trainers train over 2000 families across the UK each week in life saving first aid.

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

My brother tragically died from Cardiomiopathy – those first on the scene did not know how to do CPR, and its been my mantra since that everyone should know how to save a life.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Once all my children are in school I head to our Chapel Allerton Office for a busy day of teaching, meetings and media work.

Biggest achievement to date?

I pitched Mini First Aid on Dragons’ Den and secured investment with Sara Davies MBE. Sara is a brilliant member of our team!

Favourite product you sell / make  / deliver?

Our first aid kits are a must have for everyone and our classes are available for adults, children and workplaces!

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

They call me the fun sponge as I’m always worrying about preventing accidents! 

Favourite time of year in the business?

When people put our first aid teaching into practice. Last week a Mum and Dad saved their 3 day old baby giving CPR learnt at our parents class.

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

I’d love to run the Little bookshop for a day, having my head in a book is a devine treat! 

Plans for 2025 / the future?

More Mini First Aid products for retailers!

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

Local support was the foothold for my business. Everyone should support the nurture and growth of local business.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

I’ve had two sets of twins! Bonkers!

Where can we find you :

@minifirstaid

You’ll often see Kate around Chapel Allerton with her twins so stop and say hi!

Thank You Teacher!

Can you believe the it’s nearly the end of term?

If you’re looking for a great card or gift then check out what we have in store or online HERE

Or if you’re looking to buy something bigger as part of a class collection then we’ve got lots of lovely things too, or why not buy a CHIRPY GIFT CARD?

Available in £5 increments available in store or online, a guarantee that the teacher will get something they really want. We’ll even add a FREE Thank you card. Pick up a Gift Card online here

Wishing everyone a great last few weeks of term - enjoy your parties, end of term performances and sports days!

Focus on ... LoveLossDiscoballs

This month we’re focusing on Rachel & Warren from Love Loss Discoballs. I met Warren earlier in the year at a GCA Dragons Event and immediately loved their bright cards and unique outlook. Placing our first order this money at PG Live, I’m delighted to now be stocking these wonderful cards.

To get to know Rachel & Warren and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

We’re Rachel & Warren Hart-Phillips – a husband-and-wife team based in Liverpool although Warren is originally from Surrey. Warren is the designer and has worked in graphic design all his career after studying it at Uni. Rachel studied law but went into business development and account management – so we have a great range of skills and experience between us for running a card business! We got married in Ibiza (our favourite place!) last year and live with our five-year-old son Jonny, pet cat Bettie and fish, Finn.

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

 We’ve both suffered a lot of profound loss over the years and have received a lot of sympathy cards – which we didn’t think reflected us, or the people we’d lost at all. We’d dreamed of starting a meaningful business together and one day Rachel was drafting an Instagram post about a bright card her friend had got her after her first husband died, and how it really helped her. That was the spark of it – and with our backgrounds it was just such a great fit for us to design our own range of modern, uplifting sympathy and support cards.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 We have absolutely no idea! Haha! We only launched in January this year so we’re still finding our feet and establishing a routine now things are getting busier for us with customers and orders. We’ve had lots of pop-up shops and our first trade shows so every day looks very different at the moment! But we’re loving it all - especially building relationships with all of our lovely stockists like Chirpy!

 Biggest achievement to date?

 For the business the biggest thing so far was getting a last-minute spot on the ‘Dragons Speed Dating’ event, where you get to pitch your designs to retail buyers. We only found out with a day to spare, and we didn’t even have a business card, so it was like an episode of The Apprentice pulling an all-nighter to get our sample packs ready! But we managed and Warren absolutely smashed it and we even got some mentions in Progressive Greetings Magazine. It was such timely validation that we were doing something that the industry needed - and it gave us so much confidence.

Where can we find your cards?

We’re currently stocked in lots of amazing indies (like Chripy!) from the Highlands down to the South Coast and we’ll soon be in Postmark too and are talking to lots of other retailers. You can also shop on our website (loivelossdiscoballs.co.uk) or wholesale on Faire.

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

I think our original ‘You’re not broken; You are a disco ball’ card will always be a personal favourite of ours as it was one of the first ideas we had for a card and encapsulates what we are doing and even our brand name. It’s also one of our top sellers. Our other favourite is ‘Here for you Mate’ with the sunset – and we love it when a man buys this card for his friend as we’re really trying to encourage this.

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

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest shifts we’ve noticed is a growing demand for cards that acknowledge the tougher moments in life. There are so many more cards that reflect mental health awareness, grief, and real-life challenges - especially those that offer comfort without clichés. At the same time, bold colours, playful fonts and meaningful messages are taking centre stage. We feel that customers are looking for cards that stand out visually but still carry real emotional weight.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because there’s something so powerful about taking the time to put pen to paper. In a world where most messages disappear in a swipe, a card is for keeps and can be treasure forever.

Cards bring about so much connection - especially during life’s hardest or most uncertain moments. They’re small, tangible acts of care that don’t ask for anything in return. A card can carry words that are hard to say out loud and keep emotions safe inside something beautiful.

We believe the right card at the right time can change someone’s day, and sometimes, that really is everything.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Definitely being able to build something that feels meaningful. We started LoveLossDiscoballs with a real personal ‘why’ - to create cards that speak to the big, emotional moments in life with honesty, colour and care. So to wake up each day and know we’re doing work that helps people feel seen, supported and less alone is pretty special.

Also, the creative freedom and being able to put our full personalities into what we do! Getting to combine writing, design, grief support and disco balls all under one roof is just magical!

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

 Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, but momentum builds clarity. If something lights you up or helps people in a way that feels genuine – keep going with it.

Also, let it be yours. It’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing, but the magic is usually in the personal, messy, honest bits. The things that feel most ‘you’ are often what people connect with most.

And lastly, expect it to be hard sometimes, and keep going anyway. The best kind of business is one that means something to you and moves something in others.

 Plans for the future?

 Our focus right now is growing our card range and keep expanding into new categories - always with meaning at the heart of every design. We want to keep creating cards that help people feel understood in the moments that matter most, especially the ones that are often overlooked or hard to talk about.

We’re also working on building a community around what we do - opening up more conversations around grief, mental health and connection, while keeping things bright, bold and full of heart.

Long term? We'd love to see our cards stocked in even more brilliant independents, to keep collaborating with inspiring people, and to keep reminding the world that even the hardest times can still be colourful.

 You can follow LoveLoveDiscoballs HERE to see all the good work they are doing to make difficult conversations easier. They are also proud supporters of Calmzone