'I feel very thankful to the people of Derry' Ferry Clever celebrates 5 years of business
Five years ago, Derry man Chris Ferry launched what has since become a local success story, as Ferry Clever marks its fifth anniversary, the entrepreneur is reflecting on the journey and thanking the people of Derry for their unwavering support.
Before Ferry Clever cards became a familiar sight on mantelpieces across Derry, Chris worked as a graphic designer and marketing manager until the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill.
“Covid happened, so I lost all my work,” said Chris. “I knew I always wanted to open my own business one day, so I said, ‘This is the time to do it.’ I started making some cards in the house, drawing them on my graphics pad, set up an Etsy shop and it just took off from there. Five years later, I’m here with a shop doing it, we’re in 46 supermarkets and we have post cards all over the world, so it’s going good.”
Working from home, Chris began designing greeting cards on his graphics pad before setting up an Etsy shop.
“I started making cards at home, designing them on my graphics pad, set up an Etsy shop and it just took off from there,” he said.
Launching a business during a global pandemic was a gamble, but one Chris believes was worth taking.
“It’s always a risk, but I think life is about taking risks,” he said. “Whatever savings I had, I put into it. It’s a risk that worked out, but that’s what I say to everybody. If you think something is worth taking a risk for, just go for it because you never know. Otherwise, you could spend your whole life wondering what might have happened.”
What began as a home-based venture has since grown into a bustling Bishop Street shop, stocked with greeting cards, clothing, mugs and a variety of Derry-themed gifts and merchandise.
As Ferry Clever prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary on October 24, Chris said he is overwhelmed by the support the business has received from people across Derry.
Chris said: "I feel very thankful to the people of Derry for supporting me since day one.”
Chris said he has also changed over the course of five years of being self-employed.
“Everyone has this preconceived idea that when you're self-employed, you choose your own hours, but that's not the case at all,” he said. “You find yourself working a lot harder than you would in a nine-to-five job, but I love it. I love the fact that I'm disciplined like that and I love the fact that I work hard. I think that's why the business works.”
Looking back on the past five years, Chris said there have been many memorable moments.
From celebrity visits to successful social media campaigns, one of the standout milestones came when global greeting card giant Moonpig approached Ferry Clever.
Chris said: “Moonpig knocking on our front door was a massive compliment. They are arguably one of the biggest greeting card companies in the world. You know you're doing something right when they're knocking on your door and asking if you can help design cards for them.”
Ferry Clever has also built a strong presence on social media, with Chris collaborating with local videographers to produce high-quality content. The videos tackle a range of subjects, from powerful issues such as child loss and the mental health crisis facing the city, to celebrating what makes Derry unique in his most popular video ‘Choose Derry’, which drew inspiration from the film Trainspotting.
While the growth of the business has been a major achievement, Chris said he is just as proud of Ferry Clever’s efforts to give back to the local community.
This Sunday, Chris will take on the Dublin Marathon in support of Derry’s Foyle Hospice, with the Ferry Clever JustGiving page having raised almost £3,000 so far.
"I will always give back to this town," said Chris. "I love Derry. This business is based around Derry and I will always give back in any way I can to local charities.”
Over the five years of creating greeting cards, Chris said Derry Girls-themed cards will always hold a special place in his heart.
He said: “I’ll always feel indebted to Lisa McGee because I started out making Derry Girls cards, and that’s where it all came from. It’s not just because it’s Derry Girls, it’s the magic of Derry and our unique sense of humour.
“Derry Girls cards will always have a place in my heart because that’s where the business really took off.”
Ferry Clever is also well known for its political satire cards, and Chris spoke about striking the balance between comedy and politics.
“Everything I do is not meant to be taken too seriously. Don’t overthink it, it’s only a bit of craic,” said Chris. “We’ve had such a troubled past, so why not start laughing? Why not start smiling? That’s what this business is about.”
Turning Ferry Clever into a family business is something Chris said he is particularly proud of. The company now employs both his father Danny and sister Lisa.
“I like to think of it as a family-run business. We also have Leona, who has been working here for over a year, and she now feels like part of the family,” said Chris.
Marking five years of Ferry Clever on October 24, Chris said he is proud of everything he has achieved, particularly seeing his name above the shopfront. However, he added that none of it would have been possible without the support of the people of Derry over the years.
To celebrate the milestone, Ferry Clever will be offering discounts of up to 50% on October 24.
You can find Ferry Clever on Bishop Street or online here: https://ferryclever.co.uk/