How Onneke Grew Her Illustration Brand to 350 Shops Across the UK

 

In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I’m joined by illustrator and brand founder Onneke, whose coastal and nature-inspired designs have found their way into 350 shops across the UK. From her beginnings in Sussex with a gift shop and a small collection of greeting cards, to building a nationwide wholesale business stocked everywhere from city boutiques to island gift shops, Onneke’s journey is both inspiring and practical.

 

We talk about the realities of scaling wholesale, the power of collections, how innovative products like her logbooks transformed her business, and what it takes to plan strategically while staying true to your creative roots.

 

If you have ever wondered how to grow wholesale beyond a handful of stockists, this conversation is packed with lessons and encouragement.

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:39 Meet Onneke: The Journey of a Coastal Brand

03:21 Expanding the Brand: From Local to National

05:47 Challenges and Growth in Wholesale

08:25 Innovative Products and Market Response

15:35 Strategic Planning and Future Goals

21:22 Reflecting on Smaller Shows

21:36 Preparing for Top Drawer

21:52 Product Design and Market Trends

23:52 Wholesale Business Strategy

26:36 Advice for Aspiring Wholesalers

32:46 Proudest Wholesale Moments

36:11 Where to Find My Work

Connect with Onneke

Website: onneke.uk

Faire direct link: faire.com/direct/onneke

Instagram: @onnekestudio

Wholesale website: onneke.orderspace.com

Free Resource for Listeners

Want to send stronger, more confident wholesale emails?

Grab my Email Pitch Checklist. It is quick, clear, and helps you pitch without second-guessing every sentence.

Download the checklist

Connect with me

Website: smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk

Instagram: @small_business_collaborative

 

Subscribe to Let’s Talk Shop on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.