Hey everyone. So we all know that the world is a very crazy place at the moment with so many unknowns and uncertainty. Working in a small family business I am very aware of the affect that this is going to have on ourselves and many others across the globe. However, as a community we have a little bit of power to help those small businesses. Now I am not asking you to go out and buy for the sake of buying, as I am aware that money is going to be a worry for many. Instead I am suggesting that we are mindful where we spend our money!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, birth or any similar celebration coming up, why not buy from a small business. I have rounded up some small businesses, some of which I’ve dealt with in the past and some that are new to me, to showcase their products in this difficulty time.
Cushions.co.uk
If we are going to be locked in our houses then they might as well be comfy right? This little business based in picturesque Lancashire (as a Yorkshire man that stuck in my throat) produces bespoke cushions, designer fabric cushion and cosy throws!
The Little Yorkshire Candle Company
A firm favourite of mine, The Little Yorkshire Candle Company now has a shop in the heart of York. The lovely Alex who runs the business has become a good friend and its so inspiring to see her follow her dream taking the business from online to high street. The shop has many little treasures for you to purchase and is well worth a visit when things settle in the world. HOWEVER a lot of the products can be bought online including the range of hand poured candles and new room diffusers.
Fun Blue Plaques
These are so fun! I was lucky enough to be sent one by Belinda (the owner) a while ago. These are fully personalised so make the perfect present for friends and family. They even do a rainbow plaque now!
Emily Smith
Emily is an incredibly talented artist based in Devon. Emily only used to paint/ draw for her children, however people were soon asking for her work and so she bowed to the people and created a range of products to showcase her work. Her prints can still be bought as prints, but they can also be purchased in form of jugs, umbrellas, cosmetic bags and so on – perfect presents for many different occasions.
Artsy Mats
Like Fun Blue Plaques I was lucky enough to receive a personalised doormat. All their doormats are fully made from coconut husk across their massive range – and yes they have leopard print – don’t worry! There are so many to choose from you are bound to find the perfect match, or if not, have a personal one like mine below (maybe change the name though haha). SIGN UP TO THEIR NEWSLETTER FOR 20% OFF
India & Albert
India & Albert is a beautiful artisan jewellery shop run by the fabulous jewellery designer Penny Albertella and is based in Devon. She really does have something for everything at many different price points making it a perfect place for either those little gifts or that big gift for a special occasion. Do you know what is even better, YOU CAN PAY LATER WITH KLARNA.
Welsh Otter
Welsh Otter is a small business I came across when at the Ideal Home Christmas Fair, I was immediately drawn in by their blue and white welsh tartan blanket. However they don’t just do blankets – They have a wide range of cushions, tapestry and items for your dresser. They have recently introduced their artisan collection too which is full of interesting products.
Karen Mabon
Karen is the Queen of silk and uses it to make beautiful scarves and pyjamas! However the scarves are so beautiful I actually have my eye on a couple to frame for the wall after seeing someone had done this on Instagram – yes i was INFLUENCED! SIGN UP TO THE NEWSLETTER FOR 15% OFF.
The Yorkshire Explorer
LETS FACE IT, WE ALL NEED A GOOD GIN AT THE MOMENT! Callum at The Yorkshire Explorer (yes another York local) has applied all of his experience from years of running bars, making cocktails and running a pop up bar company (complete with land rover!) to develop a range of gin.. I am lucky enough to have tried and tested the gin when his team provided the bar at an event I was running!
Dowsing & Reynolds
Local Leeds business Dowsing & Reynolds is the perfect place to visit for those with home improvement jobs on their to do list and seeking inspiration. There is a massive boom in home improvements at the minute with everyone having to stay in. Dowsing & Reynolds, who recently opened a showroom in Leeds, have a wide range of hardware for lighting, plumbing, paints and handle! Plus, how can I not mention lamps – like my lovely dog lamp from them. Check them out online.
Berties Of Bay
Berties of Bay is a small business based on the Yorkshire coast in Robin Hoods Bay. They specialises in heritage clothing, unique gifts, home furnishings and, in their words, ‘hints of happiness to fill your home’. The majority of their clothing is unisex and I have my eye on their Breton striped jumper!
Visit: https://www.bertiesofbay.co.uk/
House Of Oscar
In Pillaton Penkridge in Staffordshire you can find Liz and her online home store full of quirky decor pieces. I stumbled across Liz’s business on Instagram when she messaged, after seeing my lamps, to tell me they had started stocking duck foot clocks. Her site is crammed full of items that are great gifts (or a little treat to yourself!).
Visit: http://www.oscarsboutique.co.uk/
Paper Hearts Paintings
This bespoke service by Dawn is the ultimate in personal and thoughtful presents. Artist Dawn has a great way of capturing peoples personalities in her portraits. This is a great way to immortalise friends or family for their special occasions.
Thank you so much for taking your time to check our my little Small Business write up. I will continue to do this if you find it helpful, if you do just drop me a comment below or a message on Instagram. Likewise if you have, or know, a small business you would like to feature then drop me a line.
Jack D March 
Hi fella, you have a stunning page and great content. I was wondering if you could help endorse our home interiors web shop. More than happy to send you something you might be interested in to promote.
Let me know what you think anyway and in the the meantime keep doing what you are doing well and keep safe.
Love Barry xx
@bigginteriors http://www.bigginteriors.co.uk
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Hey Jack, absolutely loving your style and design and following you closely with your new beautiful home make over. I’d be really grateful if you could endorse us in some way within your future stories.
We’re a small business that set up in lockdown and not yet had our first year. However, we love what we are doing and are passionate about providing lovely items for our customers. I’d love it if you could get in touch x
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