This month’s Focus on .. is Niccy the founder of Type & Story, a new card range we’ve just started to stock which is proving very popular in Chirpy
Here’s a little interview we did with Niccy to find out a little more about her.
Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company
Hello I am Niccy and I am the designer / founder of Type and Story! Its rather cliche but I founded the business after having an identity crisis after having given birth to my son! I didn’t have a job to go back to as I was was a freelance graphic designer and felt completely lost in the patriacle world of demanding projects and inflexible timelines! Type and Story was essentially a passion project whilst my son slept and isn many ways was my personal exploration of desire to creatively explore this new identity that was emerging… it was less about what I was creating, more that I WAS creating.
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
I had always worked in retail either on the shop floor or as a Visual merchandiser in head office. I grew up in London and worked at ‘aspirational’ department stores such as Liberty, Selfridges, Harrods etc. Despite the diabolical salary, I came out with unbelievable friends who I am still to this day 20 years on very close too. For all the hours I spent in these fashion houses, I developed a taste level for product, good design and colour which was undoubtably shaped by my surroundings.
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
A normal day consists of 6.30am Yoga / run, school drop off, walking my dog, then 4 hours of working before I do the school run again!
Biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement to date business wise was being awarded a golden certificate at my first ever trade show for my Planet Earth range at PG Live via Paperchase who went on to order 27,000 units. I was so shocked an in awe that my tiny little stand and small collection stood out enough in the crowd. Why this moment stands out for me is that it felt validating that my messaging on my cards that is direct and soulful and that is how I want to be spoken to yet no other cards at the time we’re offering that. So the approach to my cards was being noticed and that felt important.
Where can we find your cards?
Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie, Papersmiths and loads of aspirational independent shops, concept stores, museums and art galleries, florists bookshops and coffee shops!
Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?
I think there is a move away from the traditional rectangle card with more publishers moving towards die cut cards, mini cards and cards that are inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.
Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?
Just get on with it. Ask your self why you are holding yourself back? Are you making excuses and if so what are you really hiding from?
Check out Niccy’s Instagram here