Stationery firm off to a flyer
WHEN Megan Hicklin first came up with the idea of a unicorn alphabet, it was as a joke. But it quickly turned into an unexpected business opportunity.
The former fashion communication student now runs her own stationery company with her husband, Chris, after launching Neon Magpie in 2015.
Here, Megan, 27, from Edinburgh, tells us about her working day.
Can you tell us about Neon Magpie and the products you sell?
We design and create unique hand-illustrated stationery. Our unicorn-inspired cards, prints, notepads and mugs are sold via retailers Etsy and Not On the High Street, as well as in gift shops across Edinburgh.
Where did the inspiration come from?
We came up with an idea for an A-Z of Unicorns colouring book and, due to its popularity, we used the same theme to illustrate and create greetings cards.
The idea of a unicorn alphabet started as a joke and, even when I started sketching the characters out, it was just for fun.
It was only when I showed the characters to my husband, Chris, that we thought about putting them on greetings cards.
What has the journey of the business been like so far?
We had no idea our colouring book would prove so popular and, after we sold out our first batch of greeting cards in two days, we decided to set up Neon Magpie.
We have many repeat customers and, so far, the feedback and reviews we’ve had from the public have been fantastic and have played a big part in us selling more. We are now getting up to 100 online sales a week and we’ve recently launched a collection of invitations and party accessories.
How does the creative partnership between you and Chris work?
I illustrate then Chris digitally colours my work. Chris and I have always worked well together and, when it comes to the business, we always seem to be on the same page.
We have a young son so we do most of our work in the evenings after he has gone to bed. This works really well because it means that we get to spend lots of time with him.
What training/qualifications did you need for the role?
I graduated in fashion communication and Chris studied painting. I have also recently started an online children’s book illustration course, which is really helping develop my illustrative style further.
Have you always been passionate about working in the creative industries?
I have always had my heart set on having a creative job. I worked in the fashion industry after graduating and, from there, got into the greetings card sector. I’ve been creative since I was a child and wanted this to carry on into a career.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day starts by fulfilling orders and going to the Post Office with them. Then I will spend the rest of my time drawing and creating products or working on our website.
When the products are designed, I then send them off to the manufacturer to be made.
Highs and lows of having your own business?
The best thing about having my