Our Story

It all started with a little card and gift shop, with a tiny counter stand of chocolates, I opened in Battle in 1994. Since then the business has grown and taken me on lots of exciting journeys!

Over the years I have learnt and discovered my own style and vision that I strive to achieve through my designing, buying and displays, all of which I am always trying to improve. Throughout this journey I have always had the support from my family, friends and lovely customers.

In the year 2000 we branched out to Bexhill and opened our second shop. A bigger space allowed us to expand in different areas and offer a more diverse selection of products. With the new 1,000 square foot space everything was bigger… The new chocolate counter was triple the size, we had units built in store to accommodate fashion and accessories, and a whole new shop front was built for a full window display. My husband Paul did a fantastic job reconstructing the shop. 

Hearts Designs

I have always had a love of art and design, which lead me to create my first collection of greetings cards for the shop. We then decided to exhibit our cards at the NEC gift fair, (where I would normally go as a visitor to buy for the shop). 
And so Hearts Designs was born!!
My son and husband took lead rolls in our new business, Hearts Designs, producers of luxury greetings cards and stationery products. Hearts Designs has become an established greetings card company which supplies high end gift shops throughout the UK and around the world. Our cards can even be found in Selfridges Oxford Street.






Elliott Bennett

I am so grateful that my son Elliott has been able to help me further my vision for Hearts with his art and graphic designing talent. Elliott is now a full partner in both businesses.


Over the years with our combined forces the concept of Hearts has grown into more than we could have ever imagined or dreamt of. We are both very proud to design products for a major gift company under license, with our successful brand, Mad Dots. I am so grateful that I am lucky enough to do what I love. 

Elliott and Dionne At the NEC Autumn Fair                           

Hearts & Co

For years I have been asked time and time again if we have an online store, (mainly from customers who love to visit the high street shop but only come to Bexhill once in a while).
I really do feel that we offer something special at Hearts from our carefully selected products and themes, attention to detail with our packaging, and our own branded products.


So at last for almost a year in the making I am proud that we now have Hearts & Co online. 

None of this would have been possible without my husband Paul, my sons Elliott & Lewis, my sisters, Sarah our manager, and all the ladies that have been involved with Hearts, past and present. I would like to thank them all so much!

Thank you also to all my lovely customers for your continued support and for allowing us to do what we love.