I read somewhere yesterday that the founders of Amazon and Walmart have become $133 billion richer during the pandemic. Meanwhile, a devastating 20% of all small businesses have closed forever.
So this Christmas, why not put a smile on a small business owner’s face and support those who desperately need it near and far? Below, you’ll find a selection of wonderful small businesses ranging from homemade candles to hand-tailored loungewear. Each business has either been recommended by myself, or from my lovely followers on Instagram.
Pstt, if you have a small business you’d love to recommend, then shout them out in the comments below!
Home
Illustrations by Mollie – Mollie creates gorgeous digital illustrations from family portraits to cute pup drawings and would make for a wonderful Christmas gift this year. Click here to browse her IG feed.
Good Egg Designs – I absolutely adore unique home decor and these wired words are the perfect touch to Christmas. Plus, you can create your own sayings too! Take a peep at their IG feed here.
Black & Barn – All home lovers alike will simply adore Black & Burn who provide eco-friendly home organisation solutions in the most stylish way. Honestly, you really do just have to see for yourself here.
Self care
Wink – Instead of purchasing hair products from Amazon this year, why don’t you support a hairdressers (like mine) and take a look at their online shop? From hair masks (we’re talking Olaplex) to high-quality hairbrushes, Wink are certainly a great small business to support this Christmas. Pstt, I’m obsessed with the Kevin Murphy Heated Defence! Take a look at their online shop here.
The Inspired Stories – One will certainly be on my Christmas list this year is The Inspired Stories. There’s no other way to describe their collection of diaries and journals other than beautiful. If you’re anything but a stationery lover like me, then you’ll adore The Inspired Stories. You can find their website here.
Emily Keel Training – Fancy gifting something a little different this Christmas? Try an online training community with access to virtual classes, recipe books, weekly lessons, workout programs and an online support group with PT, Emily Keel. To find out more, head to Emily’s website.
Flower power
Fig and Bramble – A local business to Hampshire, Fig & Bramble are a beautiful Florist located in the New Forest and are currently holding online wreath making workshops. Check them out here.
Smell The Roses – I’ve been following Lula from Smell The Roses on IG for a wee while now and I really couldn’t miss her beautiful flower magic off this list. I highly recommend you take a look at her IG feed here – and while you’re there, give her a follow!
The Bee Hive – The Bee Hive are an online indie department store and sell the most wonderful collection of traders near and far (they’re actually based in Portsmouth!). Whether you’re looking for something arty or for something to wear, The Bee Hive are certainly worth checking out.
Smellies
The Wax Hut South – I mean, who doesn’t love a good ol’ wax melt? These handmade wax melts come in a range of wonderful and delicious scents and are beautifully moulded too. Here’s their IG feed.
Sunny Honey Candle Co – I quickly had to add Sunny Honey Candle Co when I came across them on IG earlier this week. Not only do they create handcrafted soy candles, but they also personalise their candle scents to certain local locations and experiences. E.g, Bathe Christmas Market and West Witterings Beach! How unique, huh? You can find them on IG here and then be sure to head to their website.
Melted Scents – Melted scents have a wonderful range of handmade luxury wax melts, home fragrances and beautiful wax melters (which I’ll be adding to my list for sure). Oh, and they also add biodegradable glitter to some products too… Who doesn’t love glitter at Christmas time? Take a look here.
Clothes & Jewellery
Chloe Hayward Apparel – Recently launched this week, Chloe Hayward Apparel has the dreamiest neutral toned collection with Chloe’s most said phase… “Does that even make sense?”. Take a look at her collection here.
Verity Anne Clothing – It’s not every day you get to purchase handmade tailored clothes, is it? Verity Anne has a gorgeous online range from basic every day wear to fancy occasions all tailored to fit with custom sizes and lengths. You can browse her IG feed here.
Tomm Jewellery – I kid you not when I say 80% of my birthday list has Tomm on it. Lucy is another local business based in Chichester who sells the most gorgeous handmade jewellery. I often view Tomm as a much affordable Astrid & Miyu so if you love their stuff, then definitely check out Tomm Jewellery.
Twilight London – Twilight London is another jewellery brand I’ve slowly become obsessed with. They sell the most dainty earrings with the most unusual and gorgeous designs. If you love a bit of ear candy then certainly check out Twilight London.
Foodie at heart
Frog Hollow Catering – Based in West Sussex, Frog Hollow produce only the highest of quality plant based cakes with nuts, fruits and vegetables. All gluten and dairy free lovers will adore Frog Hollow as well as vegans too. Get ready to drool over their delicious cakes here.
Brownie Bay – Another foodie company based in West Sussex perfect for all chocoholics. Brownie Bay are the bakers of the finest Blondies & Brownies in the south coast and create the most drool dripping brownie boxes to be delivered. Click here for a treat or two.
Josie’s UK – Doug and I adore Josie’s as a local brunch spot here in Hampshire but not just that… we also love their house roast which is available to buy for all coffee lovers alike (based in Bishops Waltham, Petersfield and Romsey). If you ask me, it’d make for a perfect gift this Christmas. Check out their IG feed here. Pstt, make sure you also check out my Josie’s coffee review here for a full preview.
Elite Treats – Elite Treats are a pick & mix company who recently started their journey at the beginning of lockdown. They have over 20 different types of delicious bags/boxes of sweets as well as a variety of 50 sweets too. They’d certainly be a perfect small business to support this Christmas if you’re buying for someone with a sweet tooth. You can find them on IG here.
1 comment
Love what you’re doing to help the smaller business community and promote some of their products! Some of these businesses do such lovely products. Will definitely buy some items from Tomm Jewellery.