GCA podcasts – capturing greeting card history to inspire the industry of the future
Talking Cards with Industry Leaders, the Greeting Card Association’s podcast series, is a look at key greeting card designers, publishers and individuals whose passion, drive and talent has influenced and shaped the history of our industry.
It is hoped that listening to those who have made a major contribution to our industry talk about their journey, and advice they’d give their younger self, will help and inspire the next generation of our wonderful industry.
GCA Meets – Mark Callaby co-owner and MD of Ohh Deer
GCA CEO Amanda Fergusson met Mark Callaby, co-founder and co-owner of Loughborough-based greetings card, stationery and gift company Ohh Deer.
Mark, and partner, Jamie Mitchell, started their online shop, Ohh Deer, in one of their grandparents’ attics in 2011. Today, their business has grown into a huge success story – boasting 34 employees operating out of the Old Art College in Loughborough with a 25,000 sq ft warehouse in a neighbouring village.
Mark was elected to the GCA Council in 2019 and heads up the Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee. He spoke passionately at the GCA’s Conference in 2021 about what it was like growing up gay in a Daily Mail reading household.
Ohh Deer co-owners Jamie and Mark
Timeline
Ohh Deer Ltd
Mark and Jamie met at Kingston University, where Mark was studying illustration and Jamie architecture. Ohh Deer was conceived as an business idea that took Jamie out of architecture, which he’d decided against as a career. Within a year Mark gave up his day job and joined as the business went from strength to strength.
Today Ohh Deer represents over 100 popular artists, collaborating with the likes of Urban Outfitters and supplying retailers across the world from independents through to major retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Barnes and Noble.
Mark talks about how they grew their online shop, the key part played by social media, and developing their business into supplying retailers across the world.
Mark also reflects on the 2020 pandemic and the impact that had on Ohh Deer, how they managed that challenging period, and the changes they’ve made in their business as a result of that experience.
The move from digital printing to litho, along with other key steps in the growth of Ohh Deer are shared, with Mark offering his top tips and explaining why running your own business isn’t for everyone!
- Jamie & Mark & Ohh Deer 2020 Henrie Award
- Scout
- Ohh Deer shop
Reflecting with pride on the awards won by Ohh Deer, Mark speaks about the importance of the whole team, the company recruitment philosophy and the importance of involving their team in decision making. And the part played by the office dogs!
- Ohh Deer team celebrate another award win
Importance of Community
Mark talks about the importance and benefits of giving back; talking about the charities Ohh Deer supports, and the about local entrepreneurs group he set up highlighting the benefits of networking and learning from others.
He also highlights the strength of community, and the ‘lovely people’, in the UK greeting card industry and how this contributes to our world-leading position.
Mark also explains why he stood for election to the GCA Council, talking with passion about encouraging diversity across the industry – and the importance of a sense of humour!
As chair of the GCA Diversity and Inclusion committee Mark secured a place for the GCA at London Pride 2023. Bringing together a fantastic GCA community to represent our industry on the day!
Listen to the Podcast
Links
The GCA Talking Cards podcast is also other platforms. Just search for “Talking Cards with Industry Leaders“.
