Hidden talents abound in the greetings industry – you never know what paved the way to cards
Heyyy Cards has punched above its weight since it was launched a couple of years ago by co-owners Yvette and Dan Clarkson, earning plaudits for their contemporary, crafted ranges.
However, had it not been for a shared passion for weightlifting, the industry would have never benefited from this talented couple’s card company.
Becoming a greeting card publisher isn’t a vocational calling, yet the industry is peppered with amazing people who have taken multifarious pathways into this wondrous industry, bringing their hidden talents and previous experiences with them.
Yvette takes up the story…“Dan and I both have a hidden talent for powerlifting, a competitive sport where we compete in three disciplines – squat, bench press and deadlift.
“It would be 100% true to say that Heyyy Cards would not exist if it weren’t for powerlifting as Dan and I first met at a competition in May 2017. I’m sure at that point, while we were covered in sweat and chalk, we had absolutely no idea that five years later we’d be married and owners of our own card company!
“After the competition we became good friends and trained together three to four times a week, supporting each other through various competitions where we placed for medals at the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress British, European and World finals.
“At some point in our powerlifting journey, two amazing things happened – we fell in love and we discovered we had a mutual passion for design and greeting cards.
“Weirdly, even though powerlifting and greeting cards have virtually nothing in common, training for powerlifting meets has well equipped us with the mental toughness, determination and dedication that we needed to start our own business. It also helped us forge the relationship of trust we needed to work together.
“Just as I know that if I fail a rep, Dan is there to help me lift the bar, I also know that he will be by my side helping to carry the load every step of the way no matter what our business requires.
“Many of our products are inspired by our lifting journey, probably more than you’d think. The office we built in our garden also doubles as a gym, so you’ll frequently find us on an evening breaking off in between reps to write down an idea and shop talk while lifting!”
This Hidden Talent featured in the February issue of Progressive Greetings magazine, which can be read online here, or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month. If you have a hidden talent, PG would love to hear about it, please do email Jakki at jw@max-publishing.co.uk.
