“A boob-shaped mould to make boob-shaped soaps, clothes (unnecessary when housebound) and a paddling pool.” Jess, founder of Rumble Cards on three things she bought during lockdown
As my eyes scanned down Jess from Rumble Cards ‘ WFH Diary entry and picked out the words: “A boob shaped mould to make boob shaped soaps” I knew it was going to be a good read. This East London-based greeting cards company brings a whole load of SASS to the table in the form of Kim K-themed wrapping paper, Instagram-worthy cards and other ADD.TO.CART immediately items and accessories. Primarily focused on modern celebrity and media culture – this gal has wit and I love it. Founded in 2015, she’s been churning out seriously good designs for five years now and is only gathering pace. I caught up with Jess to talk all things lockdown…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
“Before: Ground Hog Day”
“After: Freedom. Creative. Fear (of going back into lockdown).”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine and how this was changed by lockdown…
“I was actually very lucky to sneak a holiday in just before lockdown, so at the start I was very jet-lagged and waking up stupidly early…making me more productive which was a plus. Then my routine pretty much went back to normal as I had a 12:30pm deadline at the Post Office everyday so my mornings were the busiest time of the day – packing orders. Now I am back in a new studio, and my daily routine is exactly how it was pre-lockdown…for the time being anyway.”
#3 How did lockdown impact your business, and how can people support you now?
“All the shops shutting meant I had lots of orders cancelled or just not coming in. But, on a more positive note my online shop has been even crazier than Christmas and over a longer period of time, so there has been highs and lows and lots of learning! I’ve really felt the small business love during this time so thats really helped.”
#5 What is/what was your favourite isolation snack?
“Chocolate buttons, the giant ones from M&S.”
#6 Before lockdown eased slightly, what was your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you were feeling down?
“Definitely wine and a FaceTime.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“Probably the week before we actually went into lockdown, as I was traveling from Australia to Vietnam, and then back to the UK. So, it was interesting to see how each country was reacting differently to what was happening in the world.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“WhatsApp and Instagram.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Zoom quizzes. Sorry!”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Not setting an alarm.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“All the babies born during lockdown, my best friends and my sisters!”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“The birthday love I received, in the form of presents, cards and flowers to my house! My 30th birthday was at the end of March, so peak lockdown!”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“Face masks! I managed to get these out pretty quickly at the start of lockdown, it was fun creating a new product and seeing a great reaction from them. Other new products include silk hair scrunchies and eye masks, which have been really popular.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Takeaway apps.”
No.2 “Leaving my old studio, and then finding a brand new one!”
No.3 “The internet, what would we do without that during lockdown?! We wouldn’t be able to FaceTime our friends, watch Netflix or carry on working.”
#16 Which restaurant did you dine at once restrictions were lifted?
“Bubala and Gunpowder – both in Shoreditch and both amazing!!”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Many, many series have been completed during lockdown. A couple of fave’s are:
- Ozark (yes, the whole thing)
- Big Little Fires (Amazon Prime)
- Unorthodox
- I May Destroy You (BBC)”
#18 What would be on your quarantine book list?
“Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King.”
#19 For a little Instagram-escapism, what three accounts would you recommend?
“Here are some of my fave happy, silly, and creative accounts!
#20 Name three things you bought online during lockdown.
- “A boob-shaped mould to make boob-shaped soaps
- Clothes (unnecessary when housebound)
- Paddling pool”
#21 What was your ‘lockdown’ outfit most days?
“Shorts and a hoodie, keep it comfy and casual.”
#22 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“I have found a new love for Rosé.”
Discover all of the cool designs from Rumble Cards by clicking here.
To read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, designers and businesses on Bridal Editor, click here.
