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