Manning the Stall for Miss Jasmin Issaka: My Colourful Dive into the World of Greeting Cards

Written by Nasha Cash - A great friend and even greater Illustrator & Artist

Before the dazzling whirlwind of PG Live—where I had the honour of representing independent illustrator and psychedelic designer Jasmin Issaka—I had no idea just how vast, varied, and vibrant the greeting card world could be.

My previous encounters with cards were simple: pastel florals wishing “Happy Birthday Granddaughter,” cartoon reindeers on cheesy Christmas cards, and Father’s Day cards clinging to beer or football clichés. I was, to put it mildly, utterly naïve to the creative depths of the greeting card industry.

Sent in, near blind, I stumbled like a northern fawn into the Business Design Centre—my eyes widening as colour, pattern, and imagination unfolded before me. It was a paper dreamscape. I was struck by how seriously these creators and retailers took their craft. These cards weren’t just throwaway gestures—they were mini masterpieces, delivering care, humour, and connection in a 5x7 format.

Nasha's Video of the Greeting Cards Tradeshow Stall at Progressive Greetings Live 2025

A Rooftop Moment of Reflection

That first night, after tucking into Vietnamese food (courtesy of Bank Issaka), I found myself lounging under the sun on a private rooftop—accessed by crawling through my hotel window. London’s concrete jungle melted away for a moment, revealing a secret green oasis. It was here I realised just how much trust Jasmin had placed in me. I was determined: for the next two days, I would channel her bold, jazzy spirit and do her Manchester-born brand justice.

Day One: Dressed to Sell

Morning came. The mini fridge turned out to be a mini freezer, and my breakfast was solid. But dressed in Jasmin’s own bold psychedelic fashion line, I brushed it off and bounded off to the fair.

Nasha Cash Beautifully sporting a Jasmin Issaka print T-Shirt

We were based in the Newbie Area—home to fresh, energetic small businesses launching their ranges into the world. Our table was a psychedelic beacon of colour, bursting with quirky illustrations, trippy patterns, and Afro-inspired stationery that screamed personality. Positioned among a community of hopeful creatives, I was ready.

The first customer stopped by. I texted Jasmin with a flurry of excitement. “Get their emails!” she replied. And I did—dutifully and delightedly. Compliments rolled in. “It looks like music,” one shopper said, and I saw clearly how Jasmin’s musicality and creativity danced through her prints. Emails collected, smiles exchanged, and interest mounting—I powered through the day fuelled by tea and adrenaline, finally collapsing into a much-needed Thai curry and bed.

Jasmin Issaka at Stall 13 at the Progressive Live Greetings Card Trade show

Day Two: Traders and Tales

Day two brought a newfound confidence. I moved more freely, soaking up insights from neighbouring traders—each with their own creative journey, each grappling with the same mix of nerves and dreams. Words like “USP” and “value proposition” floated through the air like confetti. It was inspiring to see so many passionate people carving their own spaces in this kaleidoscopic industry.

I ended my trip with a perfect Neapolitan pizza and tiramisu before boarding the long train back to Manchester, where Miss Issaka herself awaited with warmth and excitement.

It had been a heady, humbling, and heartwarming few days. I left in awe of Jasmin’s unique niche—a super-saturated, soulful, and joyful world of psychedelic cards, bold illustration, and vibrant independent art that leaves a lasting impression.

If you have enjoyed my guest blog post, and love Jasmin Issaka's vibrantly trippy cards and greetings cards even more, please make sure to contact her about wholesales enquiries through hello@jasminissaka.com