Small Business Love
Well, here we are in November already - how did that happen? This year for so many of us has simply been nothing short of rotten. Businesses have now had two hits which has had a knock on effect for so many people. If you are struggling right now, know that you are not alone. We may not be in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm.
That is the purpose of this blog, to share the love of some of my favourite small businesses because I want everyone to know how amazing they are. So if you need a little pick me up, a little gift to you from you, or perhaps you are starting your Christmas shopping, then I am almost certain that you will find something from at least one of these small businesses. I can assure you that they will be SO grateful for every single little piece of support that they get. There are beautiful, beautiful people behind these small business which I am now going to list below.
Let’s start off with some pretties…
CRYSTALS
Maya Moon Crystals
Riceal who owns and runs Maya Moon Crystals is one of the nicest people that I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. I purchased a crystal from her during Lockdown 1.0, and I was totally blown away by her love and kindness. She sells the most beautiful ethically sourced crystals and I am now the proud owner of lots of different crystals from her as pictured below. I love using the crystals in my candle photos (if you haven't already noticed). If you like what you see, go check her out and give her some love.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maya.moon.crystals/
Website https://www.mayamooncrystals.co.uk/
Quayside Crystal Company
The Quayside Crystal Company is a brand new small business run by such a lovely lady called Bella who also happens to be from Exeter, too! I got this gorgeous Amethyst Cluster from her and I am in love, look how incredible it is!! Bella has lots of different crystals available and will take additional photos and videos of anything that you are interested if you wanted a closer look. Take a look at all of her other crystal babies!
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/quaysidecrystalcompany/
Arcadias Gemstones
Arcadias Gemstones is a small business lovingly run by a beautiful couple called Jess and Chris. These guys sell some gorgeous crystals including gemstone bracelets like these two which I purchased from them recently at only £5 each!! They are also working on some new and exciting releases in between doing fantastic crystal live sales. Please show them some support and give them a follow.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arcadias_gemstones/
EDIBLE TREATS
Now on to something edible, because who doesn’t love incredible tasting vegan treats? (trust me, with these two small businesses that I am about to introduce, their bakes are nothing short of amazing and you would never know that they were vegan. You have my promise!
Blossom & Bee Vegan Bakehouse
Heidi has become someone I can’t live without (how dramatic does that sound!), she makes the BEST shortbread topped icing that I have ever tasted. So much so that I find myself ordering a box of 20 so that I can eat them all myself…!! Anyway, she bakes more than just shortbread, she makes the most gorgeous custom made cakes and cupcakes too. She is so talented. So vegan or not, you need to give her bakes a go! A case of cupcakes or box of biscuits make a lovely gift too.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blossomandbeebakehouse/
Website http://www.blossomandbeebakehouse.co.uk/
Naturally Bread
I came across Naturally Bread when I saw a fellow small business owner giving them a shout out (see how powerful a little share can be?) and I saw that they baked Cinnamon Buns. Now you guys know that we have a Cinnamon Buns candle, so I reached out to Patrick and asked if he’d like to do a swap as a way of supporting each other. So he baked up some of his AMAZING Cinnamon Buns and he chose a Vanilla Hazelnut candle. Well, let me tell you – they were absolutely delicious. They came with a pot of caramel which you could heat up and pour all over (I actually ended up becoming a feral human eating most of the caramel on its on with a spoon because it was that good). Wow, just wow. They also do plenty of other vegan treats and breads, and can ship across the UK. Something like this makes a perfect care package for a loved one!
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/naturallybread/
Website https://naturallybread.com/
HOMEWARES
We all want/need things which make us happy around our homes, there’s no doubt about that. Filling your safe space with items which bring you joy – that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it.
Under a Gypsy Moon
Danielle, the lovely creator of the most amazing macrame pretties including dream catchers, plant holders and wall hangings. I am fascinated by the level of detail that she puts into these. She also makes Essential oil rollers which are just divine and perfect to keep in your bag or bedside table. She does a ‘Lift me up’ one which has Sweet Orange, Bergamot and Clary Sage essential oil, Jojoba oil and Carnelian, Marigold Calendula and Eucalptus leaves in – how incredible does this sound? Only £10 each so they make perfect little gifts.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/underagypsymoon/
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/UnderAGypsyMoon
A Salvage Stitch
Making beautiful art from salvaged and scrap fabrics, Laura’s work brings me a lot of joy. She has the creative flare that I don’t, so I am very appreciative of her creations. She also loves to work on custom orders so do get in touch with her if you’d like to discuss something that you’d like.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/a.salvaged.stitch/
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ASalvagedStitch
Self-Care/a gift for a loved one
We all need to participate in self-care. There is nothing wrong with needing a splash of TLC or wanting to treat a loved one. So here are a few things which I am loving at the moment.
The Beauty Lounge
Sam who owns and runs The Beauty Lounge in Topsham, Devon has just added lots of great stock to her website and has a number of luxurious skincare products available for sale. But one thing which I am loving at the moment are the Spongelles. These are body wash infused buffers which are formulated with exotic extracts, rich moisturizers and gentle cleansers to keep your skin feeling silky smoooooth. I have the Honey Blossom one and I LOVE it. Of course, they are 100% vegan and cruelty free. £10.50 each only.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeautyloungetopsham/
Website https://www.thebeautyloungetopsham.co.uk/
Secret Garden Beauty Boutique
Secret Garden Beauty is another one of my local faves in Exeter. Owned by Amy who is creating a beautiful space in her new salon. As Salons have had to close due to lock down, Amy has put together these amazing nail soak off kits which I highly recommend. She also has some other lovely beauty products which she is selling as well as our candles!! So you can grab yourself a soak off kit and candle all in one place.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/secretgardenexeter/
Website https://www.secretgardenbeautyboutique.com/
On The Wright Page
Some of you may have seen me talking about my amazing embroidered tote bag made by Kaylor which I absolutely love. Perfect for when I pop to the shops to grab a few bits. You may have recognised On The Wright Page as Kaylor has created the most beautiful bag for our giveaway which is running now (so don't forget to enter). She also makes custom made aprons and song glass art. So this has become one of my favourite small businesses to support this year! (I have a couple of goodies being made at the moment for Christmas presents so I can’t wait to see them).
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onthewrightpage/ #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #smallbusinessowners