Think Big, Shop Small

 

It's safe to say that 2020 hasn't been the best year for businesses, and some of the people that it has been hardest on is small business owners. Now that shops are reopening and some of your go to big businesses are opening their doors, it's easy to forget about the small businesses you may be leaving behind. In the shift from computer screens to window shopping. 

One of my absolute favourite small businesses I found when researching for this blog has to be @gracefullyher, an online clothing store that specialises in girly, classic items that help customers to feel their best, style outfits creatively and be authentic! This small business owner said her favourite item was the lilac tweed vest because of how it echoes fashion of decades past, and I have to say I agree. What's more, it couldn't be easier to buy some of her gorgeous clothes, with a website that is easy to navigate and accepts all major cards, as well as apple/ google pay. Delivery within the UK is £4, and with it being dispatched and arriving in around three days, you won't have to wait long for these gorgeous pieces!

Fancy rounding out those outfits with an accessory? Look no further than @emmassmallshop, a shop that sells resin keyrings, self care bundles and some of the cutest scrunchies I've ever seen. Describe the products in one word? Emma simply says happiness, and with orders packed with so much love and care I can see why. Customers can purchase through Depop, as an avid user of the app I was happy to see this small business was on there. 

And no outfit would be complete without some stylish jewellery. Do you want something pretty, handmade and original? Then I direct you to @handmade_by_lilcraftygirl. A main focus on jewellery, with the occasional art piece, makes this the perfect small business for all of your crafty needs. One of Lily's favourite products are the resin based with four leaf clovers, and as a lover of all things lucky I have to say these beautiful little trinkets are a steal!

If you're anything like me, all that online shopping will make you hungry, and I have just the solution. Operating in the Kimberley/ Nuthall area (UK), @harrietbakes is an amazing business that sells gorgeously light, homemade cakes. Harriet's favourite product in the kitchen is cupcakes, as there are so many ways to be creative- and believe me, if I lived close enough I'd be buying those delicious looking cupcakes every week. With free local delivery or the option of collection, any residents of this area need to make an order asap!

Being a blogger, organisation, stationery and notebooks are just a few of my guilty pleasures. What better way to elevate your revision notes, diaries or planners than with some handmade stickers from @sticksies? With themes varying from cute animals to laundry stickers, these stickers put the fun in functional. A personal favourite theme would have to be those inspired by designer fashion items, definitely the closest I'll get to a Birkin bag. Sticksies have an Etsy shop, making it easier than ever to buy these beautiful stickers, and as they say "Stay glued to your goals"!

These amazing small businesses are just the beginning, to find many more amazing small businesses you can take a look at @support_smallbusinesses2021, a page that describes small businesses as providing "plenty of love and care". They say that "everyone has the potential to provide services and quality products, be it original or innovative". On that note, why don't you make it your goal this week to support a small business? This could be by purchasing a product or even just giving them a shout-out, we can all help this wonderful community- so let's do it!