Fast-growing online cards and gifts business Love Layla has launched its first range of downloadable e-cards, allowing it to start trading again after closing in mid-March in line with the lockdown.
The new range of over 500 designs includes thank you cards specifically for NHS and healthcare key workers, a topical ‘Tiger King’ inspired range and light-hearted lockdown inspired ideas. The entire range of Love Layla greeting cards can also be sent as an e-card.
Priced at just £1.49 the cards are ordered via the website, with a personalised message inside and then sent to the recipient’s email address or mobile phone number. A link is delivered to the recipient that opens through animation to simulate a real card. A text message sent to the recipient ensures the card is not missed.
Stacey Dennis started Love Layla from her kitchen table in 2015 with just £30 after being made redundant as a designer. The company has since established a franchise in Australia and is eyeing new markets around the world.
Stacey’s six-year-old daughter Layla, after whom the business is named, has even got in on the act designing her own thank you NHS e-card with £1 from every sale donated to NHS charities.
Stacey chose to close her business for the duration of lockdown to protect her staff, customers and suppliers and has only this week launched the e-card versions of her comprehensive range. Last month she created specially designed colouring sheets or ‘adult learning packs’ to help parents relax during the lockdown.
The free to download colouring sheets which even included a Captain Tom variant, quickly went viral, with thousands of shares and downloads.
The Pontefract based business is known for its range of risque greetings cards and cheeky novelty wrapping paper designed to make the gift recipient blush. In just four years, Love Layla has grown to become a multi-million-pound operation with over a million fans on social media.
Love Layla’s extensive design range attracts an international customer base as well as interest from some of the UK’s largest card retailers. The brand has also established a cult following.
Founder and owner of Love Layla, Stacey Dennis said: “The decision to launch our first range of e-cards followed the overwhelming reaction we had to the colouring sheets that we made available on the website simply as something for frustrated parents to do. We had such a positive response, and lots of people were asking when we’d be sending out cards again.
“Understandably, there have been some issues with items arriving late in the post due to coronavirus, so e-cards seemed like the perfect way of ensuring people weren’t left disappointed by late or no show cards. It also prompted me to come up with a positive way for people to thank NHS workers in a fun and meaningful way, something that many people are very keen to do. The lockdown has effectively changed the way we do business by adapting our model to offer personalised e-cards as well as traditional cards.”
