My Favourite Small Businesses
I’m a big supporter of small business and make an effort to shop small whenever I can. For Christmas last year I did my gift shopping solely from small businesses which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a small business owner myself, I know the happy feeling that comes when you get an order, and I suppose I want to share that around! I'm going to share a few (4 to be exact) of my absolute favourite small businesses with you. These are all brands that I have bought from, and would buy from again! I'll link their shops too in case you see anything you really love.
Holdy Design
Let's start with Holdy Design, which is run by the lovely Hannah Holdsworth. This is definitely one of my favourite brands, plus everything Hannah makes is sustainable too! Her screenprinted designs are beautiful, and she makes a wide range of products so there's pretty much something for everyone. Hannah uses vegan, water based ink for screenprinting, and the t-shirts and tote bags are sustainably and ethically made using organic cotton. Eco-friendly AND fun, what's not to love?
I stumbled upon Holdy Design's Instagram over a year ago, during the first lockdown, and bought a couple of face masks. Firstly, the quality was wonderful and I still use them (and have since bought more). She also kindly sent me a couple of matching scrunchies and honestly, that converted me. I’ve ditched the horrible elastic hair ties forever! I've also got the 'Squeeze The Day' print on my studio wall and it's just perfect - such a sweet design and the colours are so vivid.
Holdy Design have also just released a collection of Cow girl tees and totes and they’re just the coolest ever!
You can shop Holdy Design on Etsy if you love Hannah's work as much as I do.
Instagram: @holdy_design
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HoldyDesign
Salt Studios
So many Jesmonite goodies! For those who don’t know, Jesmonite is an eco-resin, and Salt Studios use it to create unique and colourful homewares. You can find jazzy plant pots, candle stick holders, mirrors and much much more over on their website. Salt Studios is run by Francesca, who is based in London- her products are gorgeous and so is her product photography! Definitely well worth a follow on Instagram.
I’ve got a couple of the terrazzo candle stick holders in my bedroom and the colours are so vivid! I’ve also got my eye on one of her wiggly mirrors and the checkerboard coasters. I’m moving house in the coming months so if anyone fancies buying me a housewarming gift, I’ll take one of everything please!
Francesca also runs workshops so if you fancy making your very own Jesmonite piece, you can! Head to the link below if you'd like more information.
Instagram: @_salt.studios
Website: https://www.saltstudios.co.uk/
Lazy Disco
Lazy Disco is run by the wonderful Rosie. She makes some of the cutest jewellery I’ve ever laid my eyes on! Last year I managed to get my hands on an absolutely stunning pink and red floral necklace which I wear all the time (it's pictured below).
Rosie's creations are made from polymer clay, which means they’re very lightweight- you barely notice that you’re wearing anything. I’m in awe of her attention to detail involved in bead making, loads of the beads you see are cleverly hand crafted.
Lazy Disco also has a delightful collection of art prints and greetings cards. I’d describe her work as feel good, colourful, and utterly joyous. Forever obsessed.
Instagram: @lazy_disco
Website: https://www.lazydisco.co.uk/
Ponky Wots
Firstly, what an amazing brand name. I’m the proud owner of a couple of Ponky Wot pieces, they’re handmade and they're oh so fun. I have the matching set of the lemon and the orange and they’re the cutest little pair! I remember that they were packaged up using starch dissolvable packaging peanuts – so extra points for being environmentally friendly. My boyfriend actually got the orange as a gift for me (I already had the lemon). So if you’re in the market for a lovely gift, I can confirm that these are a great option!
Ponky Wots is the creation of Jade Groves. On their website you can shop plant pots, trinket dishes, candle holders, prints and more! One of my favourite options is the 'Paint Your Own PonkyWot' - Jade will send you the base pot of your choice along with paints to decorate. What a wonderful idea! Each pot is slightly different due to the handmade nature of the product which is something I love - you're getting something unique to you!
Instagram: @ponkywots
Website: https://ponkywots.com/
Amazing, right? I can see myself writing a series of blog posts about different small businesses. It was so hard to pick 4! I have a long list of others that I would love to discuss too. Plus, I’ve really enjoyed writing about these lovely one woman brands, and the wonderful things that they create. I think it’s only fitting to end this post with the words of Rosie at Lazy Disco: HOT PEOPLE SHOP SMALL.