This week, one of Helston’s much-loved independent businesses opened its doors once again with new owners at the helm.

After a brief closure, Card Sharp on Meneage Street officially opened under the new management of husband-and-wife duo, Kay and Dean Phillips.

The couple told the Packet that they always ‘talked about going into business’ together, and that one of Kay’s aspirations was to open a card shop of her own.

“We often talked about going into business together, but we weren’t sure what,” Kay explained.

“I came across the shop on Right Move and sent the link to Kay, I said to her, this might do it,” Dean told the Packet.

Read Next: Arts and crafts shop embarks on a new chapter after ten years in Porthleven

Both decided that Card Sharp was what they were looking for, so Kay and Dean moved to Cornwall from the Midlands.

Kay and Dean shared their thanks for the help of former Card Sharp employee Shirley Kay and Dean shared their thanks for the help of former Card Sharp employee Shirley (Image: Kate Lockett (NQ))

However, they are both familiar with the country after several visits to their son who is a full-time student at Falmouth University.

Kay, who previously worked in the travel industry said that each visit to Cornwall to see their son, resulted in it being “harder and harder to leave each time." 

Now that the couple have firmly made Helston their new home, they explained more about their plans for the shop.

“The plan is, we’re going to keep it how it’s been,” Kay said. “We’re not going to change something that has been working so nicely.

“We will eventually introduce some gift offers, and possibly try some new stuff.”

Read Next: Owner teases details of Helston's upcoming new restaurant

Dean said that the shop now stocks gift items from Wrendale Designs, by Hannah Dale.

The couple also shared that the shop will not be selling helium filled balloons.

Kay and Dean have both shared their thanks for the Helston community on Card Sharp’s opening day on Thursday.

“Thank you everyone for being so welcome. We are both looking forward to seeing you all.”

The couple also thanked former Card Sharp employee of seven years, Shirley who came in to help them on their first day of opening.