In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I’m joined by illustrator and calligrapher Kate, the creative mind behind Peggy and Kate. Kate’s nostalgic, story-led cards, prints, and wrapping paper all begin as hand-painted illustrations, capturing the small glimmers of happiness in everyday life.

We talk about how she’s grown her wholesale to around 50 stockists, the reality of doing just one trade show a year, and why she’s never really felt “ready” – but started anyway. From learning the ropes at her first Top Drawer, to creating visual cues (including her “f*** it button”) to push through fear, Kate shares how imperfect action and small steps built her confidence and her brand.

If you’ve ever hesitated to pitch, felt vulnerable about sharing your work, or wondered whether you need to wait until you’re “ready” – Kate’s story will resonate. And if you want support to take bold action this season, make sure you join me for my free workshop Cracking Christmas: Build Your Sales Plan for Your Best Q4 Yet on Wednesday, 24th September at 11 AM UK time.

👉 Sign up here: smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/workshop

00:00 Welcome to Let’s Talk Shop

00:28 Meet Kate: The Illustrator Behind Peggy and Kate

01:02 Kate’s Journey into Illustration

01:57 Navigating Wholesale and Trade Shows

03:07 Starting the Business: Challenges and Learnings

07:56 The Evolution of Social Media and Marketing

08:56 Lessons from the First Trade Show

13:22 The Importance of Honesty and Learning on the Job

14:45 Overcoming Vulnerability in Sharing Work

14:54 Building Confidence Through Imperfect Action

15:54 The Power of Sharing Work in Progress

18:54 Visual Cues and Overcoming Fear

21:43 The Importance of Pushing Yourself

25:03 Starting Small in Wholesale

26:43 Proudest Moments in the Wholesale Journey

28:59 Where to Find and Buy My Work

• Kate’s website: katepeggycronk.com

• Follow Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/peggyandkate

• Wholesale on Faire (direct link, no commission): faire.com/direct/peggyandkate

• Sign up for Cracking Christmas: smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/workshop

• My website: smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk

• Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/smallbusinesscollaborative