There’s a funny thing that happens in business: everyone thinks they know their audience. Or at least, they think they have a pretty good idea. You hear people say things like, “Our customers like convenience,” or “People want quality,” or the classic, “Our product is...
If you run a product-based business, you’ve probably lost hours to the same spiral: "Places to sell products" “Markets near me.” “Best craft fairs UK.” “Where to sell handmade products.” And somehow, you still end up at the same five markets, the same Facebook groups,...
Running a small business is an amazing thing to do, but it’s certainly not easy, and it’s not a good idea to go into things thinking that it will be. The reality is that there’s never quite enough time, money, or resources to do everything you want, and that can be...
Most sellers don’t start out thinking about systems. You just want to create and get your work into people’s hands. But then the admin creeps in. Suddenly, you’re copying and pasting addresses from Etsy into a courier site. You’re checking messages from three...
Running a product-based business is rewarding—but it’s also hard work. In this blog, creative founder Ayesha of AyestheticsArt shares honest insights into burnout, imposter syndrome, and learning to treat her art like a real business.
Discover the small Scottish brands that featured at The Handmade Village during the Ideal Home Show Scotland – from bespoke jewellery to hand-poured candles.
Thinking of changing direction in your business? Read this inspiring story of how Sharon Turner, founder of Smooth Scribe, pivoted her stationery brand toward sustainability shows how bold moves can lead to lasting growth.
Sherelle Henry, founder of FHL Natural Products, shares how unexpected redundancy led her to pursue her purpose, start a business aligned with her values, and find the freedom and confidence she never knew she needed.
Our curated gift guide features the perfect gifts for summer from UK small businesses.
With Easter just around the corner, explore our gift guide for some unique ideas!
Data suggests there were more than 30 million e-commerce websites in 2024. There are myriad advantages of shopping online, but how do you ensure your store stands out? Drawing attention and convincing customers to buy from your brand or website are among the most...
Starting a small business feels a bit like showing up to a fight where the other guy has a full suit of armour, a horse, and an army… and you're standing there with a wooden spoon, (unless you’re buying a franchise that has already been established). Just the idea...
We believe that Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the special people in your life, whether it's a loved one, an amazing friend, or a sibling. Our curated selection of products from UK small businesses includes delightful handmade...
January is the perfect time to hit the reset button and focus on your mental and physical well-being. Our Wellness Edit Gift Guide is here to help you embrace mindfulness and self-care in 2025 and support small businesses. Whether you want to treat yourself or find...
Struggling to find the perfect presents for your loved ones, well this something for everyone gift will help? To celebrate the opening of the Handmade Village which is taking place at The Christmas Ideal Home Show this year in Olympia we've scoured to bring you a...
Calling all hardworking entrepreneurs! The holiday season can be extremely busy with it usually being the busiest time sales. It's so easy to feel so much pressure, but please don't forget to take care of yourself! Here are some quick self-care ideas, plus some...
I Do Handmade will be hosting a Handmade Village at The Christmas Ideal Home Show in London, from 27 November to 1 December 2024. We're excited to introduce you to four fantastic small businesses who will be at the village to showcase their products. Let's meet...
If you can't visit the Handmade Village at The Christmas Ideal Home Show, we've collated a gift guide featuring over 20 brands taking part! Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can feel overwhelming so use this helpful gift guide offering something for...
Do you have your own business that you are looking to take to the next level? We asked lots of our stallholders taking part in our Handmade Village at The Christmas Ideal Home Show on their advice for anyone looking for small business growth and success! 1....
In the fast-paced world of business, understanding your business' strengths and areas for improvement can help be the difference between success and failure. One powerful tool that can help you uncover these insights is a SWOT analysis. Here are the steps for...
Being self-employed is an incredible adventure, but it is just that: an adventure, There’s always something new to learn or to brush up your skills on. That’s where the wisdom of other professionals comes in so handy, and if you don’t have anyone in your network or...
If you were unable to get to our Small Biz Village at The Ideal Home Show Scotland, we've collated a roundup of some of the gifts and accessories from the small businesses that popped up with us with a few exclusive offers 🫶 Fairy Doors - £25 by Highland Fairy Doors 1...
We're working with The Ideal Home Show Scotland, to host The Small Biz Village, for the first time in the show’s history. From 24-27 May 2024 at the SEC in Glasgow, shoppers can discover up to 24 different handmade brands each day offering a lovingly curated...
From 24-27 May we’re hosting a Small Biz Village at The Ideal Home Show Scotland to help more small businesses have an opportunity to retail at an iconic location at The SEC in Glasgow. We caught up with three of the stallholders who will be at the village, to find...
I don’t know about you but I personally love discovering new small business tools, tips and experts to help us run our business more smoothly. Sometimes we stumble across them ourselves, but often we find them when other business owners generously share behind...
A helpful guide to help business owners manage business stress and ideas on how to power through and come out the other side. Fancy a virtual coffee together and chat about something we all know too well – the stress of running a business? You know, that constant...
Discover 10 free business tools that we personally love and will help you move your business forwards. Running a business can be such a minefield, finding and deciding on the right small business tools and packages to use can be overwhelming, and that’s before even...
As a small business, ensuring you protect your reputation is crucial for building trust and credibility with your customers. It’s what will ensure people continue to shop with you in the future, as well as find you in the first place. This is why it’s so important to...
If you're in need of some inspiration on some new small business podcasts, this one's for you... One of the things I was wary of when I went from full-time employment to self-employment was the realisation that I was suddenly going to be alone. How would I cope going...
If you've ever been stuck, feel overwhelmed or not know where to start when it comes to thinking how to plan a business, we've culminated some of the useful practical tools and techniques we've learned over the last 12 years of running a business. We've compiled them...
'Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread joy than by supporting small businesses? Here at I Do Handmade, small businesses are at the core of everything we do! As the holiday lights twinkle and the scent of pine fills the air, let's dive into the...
We've collated lots of beautiful handmade Christmas decorations all in one place! Check out this gorgeous range of decor options for your home, office and garden all made and sold by talented small business owners! Support a small business this Christmas! Sparkle...
We’re popping up at Waterloo station with four different handmade brands setting up stalls everyday between 16 Oct - 5 Nov, so we thought why not turn a visit to our pop-up into a fun day out guide exploring a quirky corner of London! Waterloo station is one of...
From 16 Oct to 5 Nov, we’ll be opening our first ever pop-up at Waterloo station! Everyday there will be 4 different small businesses popping up with us offering commuters and passengers a little bit of handmade goodness! We thought we’d showcase all the brands...
If you love adding a touch of seasonal decor to your home, we’ve put together a pretty impressive collection! Everything you see is made and sold by a small business. When you shop small you really can find such unique and sometimes even personalised options (those...
If there is a child you know you need to buy prezzies for this year, have browse through our kids handmade gift guide! All have been made by a small business. Handmade presents are just the best! So many unique and thoughtful options not often found on the high...
If you're anything like us, apart from getting some peace and quiet back into the house after the chaos of the summer holidays, back to school season is a great excuse to bring some new life to your desk. No matter if you WFH or you just want to add some pizazz to...
We know that summer sometimes can be a quiet, reflective time for small businesses, so we’d love you to join us in our first ever #smallbizsummer challenge on social media - there might even be a prize or two 😘 Starting Monday 31 July, for the month of August, on...
It's Barbie week (finally) and according to reports, searches for 'Barbie' and 'Barbiecore' have seen a sharp rise since the trailer for the film of the same name dropped earlier this year. With brands like Chanel, Zara and even Burger King jumping on the trend, it's...
We've put together a blog post FULL of teacher gift ideas all made and sold by small businesses across the UK. So many original and thoughtful ideas to help teachers know we appreciate them so much! Check them out below, if you love them, why not let the maker know!...
If product photography is on your business to do list, then this post is for you! We’ve partnered up with the very talented @morganemilyjane to offer small businesses an exclusive discounted photography package! We’ll be hosting monthly small biz photo...
The month of June marks Father's Day and no matter who the father figure in your life, we love to shop small for thoughtful, personal gifts. If you're looking for some inspiration when it comes to picking the perfect gift, here are 5 of our favourites. 1. Beard...
I’m Becky, a 30 something mama of two, from West London and I run this fun pop-up business with my mum Wendy.
We have been part of the craft community for over a decade. Our business has transitioned over the years. From making handmade decor for weddings, to running craft workshops, to offering craft kits to make at home bringing makers a moment of crafting calm whilst spreading our love for all things handmade.