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Supporting Small Business this COLOUR FRIDAY!

Updated: Nov 25, 2022

I'm not taking part in black Friday; instead, I want to make some noise about COLOUR Friday! I'm talking about supporting small businesses, and I'm talking about supporting micro businesses, those teeny tiny one or few-man bands who don't stand a chance competing with the discounts offered by big businesses. If you don't already know, Colour Friday is the wonderful soul filled alternative to black Friday, a campaign launched by @hollytucker @holly.co to BE A RETAIL REBEL, to buy thoughtfully at Christmas from UK independents, and in doing so celebrating the colour and creativity that small businesses give to us all.


It can feel like we don't have much control over life’s choices at the moment, but one thing we can do which makes a difference is to vote with our money. You choose the kind of world you want to live in. You choose where and with who you spend your money. You can choose to shop with independent businesses and choose gifts made to last, not gifts made for landfill.


Small businesses are special. They may be small in some ways but in others they far outweigh big business. There is nothing quite like the expertise of a small business owner, no matter their particular area of knowledge; they know their art / craft / process / suppliers inside out, have planned and thought about your needs as a customer and truly care that what they offer does the job properly, is value for money and makes you happy. To top it all off, the skill and creativity amongst these small businesses is staggering and you can guarantee you will find gifts that you can't find anywhere else, are made with true craftsmanship and will brings joy to your days for years and years.


I've been so grateful for the support I've been shown from other businesses over the last few weeks in the lead up to Christmas, being included in gift guides, publications and online articles and being welcomed to new communities. Today is the perfect day to pay it forward and share with you some wonderful small business brands and products. Being part of this very lovely small business community means I am constantly finding new designers and makers who I love (my Christmas list is LONG). There are FAR too many to share here all in one go! The selection I have chosen to share with you today are small businesses that either I know personally, have shopped with or lusted after for a long time! I have also included some links at the bottom of this post to other gift guides put together by thoroughly wonderful human beings which showcase the glory of UK small businesses.


I hope you enjoy discovering some new small businesses, adding pages to your Christmas list (sorry!) and doing some amazing Christmas shopping this year.


Thanks so much. Beth xx


PS – I apologise in advance for the disproportionate amount of ceramics you will see listed, it’s kinda my weakness!


K Ceramics

Carved modern Rustic Pottery

@k_ceramics

https://www.etsy.com/shop/kceramicsuk/?etsrc=sdt



The Dartmoor artist

Handmade sustainable treasures

@thedartmoorartist

www.thedartmoorartist.co.uk



Julia Crimmen

Cornish Potter

@juliacrimmen

www.juliacrimmenceramics.co.uk



Doodle and Bears

Organic, planet conscious children’s clothing and accessories

@doodleandbears

https://www.doodleandbears.co.uk





The Rustic Shack

Old & New pieces to bring a timeless modern rustic aesthetic to your home & garden

@therusticshackk

www.therusticshack.co.uk



Abel Burners & Apothecary

@abelburners

www.abelburners.co.uk



Hilda Carr Pottery

@hildacarrpottery

www.hildacarrpottery.com



Lily and Sea

Cornish Coastal Art

@lily_and_sea

www.lilyandsea.co.uk



Vesta Living

Sustainable British Made Homeware

@vesta_living

Vestasustainableliving.com



Sage & Grace

Aromatherapy Home Frangrance

@sageandgraceuk

Sageandgraceliving.co.uk



Lou Tonkin

Artist print-maker

@loutonkin

www.loutonkin.com



Katy Pillinger Designs

Illustrator & Ceramicist

@katypillingerdesigns

www.katypillinger.com





The Ives

Magnesium oil to soothe sleep, restless legs, anxiety, menopause & pregnancy.

@theives.co.uk

https://theives.co.uk



Darwin & Gray

Creative Studio & Lettering. Banner painting.

@darwinandgray

www.darwinandgray.com



Clare Elizabeth Kilgour

Sustainable minimalistic jewellery & accessories

@clare_elizabeth_kilgour

Justkilgour.bigcartel.com



Thehappynewspaper

A real newspaper celebrating only wonderful positive news

@thehappynewspaper

Thehappynewspaper.com



SBH Pottery

@shbpottery

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/sbhpottery?ref=shop_sugg



The Quick Brown Fox

Artist Illustrator

@thequickbrownfox

https://www.etsy.com/shop/thequickbrownfoxuk



Our Lovely Goods

Candles, Skincare, homewares

@ourlovelygoods

https://ourlovelygoods.com





Real bricks and mortar shops (as well as online)


Berylune – Leamington Spa

Small independent shop selling homewares, gifts and accessories that make you smile.

@beryluneuk

Berylune.co.uk


The Curated Store – Stow on the Wold

A design led pop up shop showcasing a monthly rotation of small brands.

@thecuratedstore

https://www.thecuratedstore.co.uk





Kyleigh’s Papercuts - Wimborne

Papercut Artist

@kyleighspapercuts

Kyleighspapercuts.co.uk



Janet Bell Homestore - Beaumaris

@janetbell_homestore

www.janetbell.co.uk



Oxford soap company

Beauty, cosmetic & personal care

@oxfordsoapcompany

Oxfordsoapcompany.co.uk



A couple of rather wonderful gift guides celebrating small business...


The homeworker magazine Independent Christmas Gift Guide 2022

https://www.thehomeworker.com/independent-christmas-gift-guide-2022/


Isabella and Us. Christmas Gift Guide 2022

https://isabellaandus.com/blog/isabella-and-us-christmas-gift-guide-2022



Find out more about Colour Friday from Holly & Co

https://holly.co/colour-friday-2022/

@hollytucker

@holly.co



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