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PG Live Newbies
Everyone has a story… Inset: Behind every card company is a story to tell.
From retailer to publisher
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ith next month’s Progressive Greetings Live (June 67, at London’s Business Design Centre) seeing a whole array of publishers making their debut at the show, especially in the Springboard/ Springboard Intro areas, PG was all ears to hear chapter and verse about some of these PG Live newbies and their respective journeys into this wonderful industry.
A show of stories Progressive Greetings Live 2023 will bring together over 200 greeting card and allied companies, from the largest leading brands right through to brand new start-ups, each with a tale to tell. This vibrant show takes place on Tuesday 6 June and Wednesday 7 June at London’s Business Design Centre. To register, go to www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Sophie Edwards, founder of Petimo… Once upon a time: “I think I was always destined to become a greeting card designer, I’ve just taken a while to get around to it! Petimo is the product of my lifelong love of cards. I collected them as child and my teenage bedroom walls were covered in a collage of cards rather than pop stars. I’ve been a professional greeting card buyer for almost three decades for my shop, More Than Just A Gift [in Narborough Hall]. For years I’d dismissed the idea of designing my own greeting cards as there is so much amazing talent out there already. Finally, I’ve decided to ignore the nagging imposter syndrome, feel the fear and do it anyway, so here I am! Having the opportunity to test the designs in my own shop first has been invaluable. The customer response has been amazing. It’s given me a lot of confidence that there’s an enthusiastic market for my cards as they’re consistently featuring in our best seller list.” Your product plotline: “I am launching with a lot of cards! I’ve effectively had a 30year apprenticeship in greeting cards and now that I’ve started designing I just can’t stop! My aim is for Petimo to be a one-stop-shop for every kind of card that retailers need. On my website, so far, there are 11 different ranges, encompassing around 400 cards, and I’m adding to them all the time. My stand is going to be groaning under the weight!” Happy ever after: “Firstly, I’m hoping to take some orders for my cards! I’m also really looking forward to seeing what it’s like on the other side of the fence after so many years as a buyer. I absolutely love trade fairs, they’re incredibly inspirational. Its amazing to be around so many creative people, all with a shared passion for greeting cards. I can’t wait!” Above: Looking to build on the success of her longstanding retailing business, Sophie is embracing card publishing too. Right: Just a few of Petimo’s extensive greeting card collection.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 29