To date, as a business we have always tried to shop small and source our stock and supplies from small independents or fair trade organisations. But as part of the continued conversation about diversity, one of the things we can do as a company is to be mindful about the businesses we buy from.
One of the ways to support ethnic minority communities is to shop from them.
Personally, I love coming across companies offering unique gifts, quirky accessories and yummy treats, especially if they’re from a small business. So to inspire you, here’s a few BAME-owned small UK businesses we have come across recently.
Don’t forget there’s many ways to champion independent stores through social media follows, likes, comments, reviews, shares, and recommendations.
We hope this inspires you to find some brilliant new brands to support and fall in love with.
- Create your own mini home sanctuary with stunning accessories and decor @wildbohome
2. Learn how to make woven bead accessory rings @snailsandfairydust
https://snailsandfairydust.com
3. There’s so much knitting and sewing inspiration over @cleocmc discovering how to make garments and accessories for your wardrobe
4. The Letterwell produces stunning, hopeful, hand-lettered prints and offers calligraphy services @theletterwell
https://www.theletterwell.co.uk
5. Check out this beautiful range of natural, plant-based skin products that are great for you but also kind to the environment @tanaka.soaps
6. For all your cake cravings check out 12 year old Keziah who makes bespoke celebration cakes to order @keziaskitchen
Who are we?
I’m Becky, a 30 something mama of two, from West London and I run this creative little business together with my mum Wendy.
When covid landed on our doorstep in 2020, one thing we did to help encourage sales of our craft kits, was create the Shop Small Christmas Gift Catalogue. We posted it out to thousands of homes, advertising gift ideas, all sold from small businesses, including my own, encouraging people to shop small at Christmas.
I loved helping other companies, I wondered about converting our catalogue into an in-person event.
So in summer 2022, we hosted out first ever pop-up market in Westfield shopping centre, encouraging the nation to shop from small businesses. I absolutely loved meeting so many inspiring business owners and helping them increase exposure and sales, it’s made me want to organise more events. It’s naturally turned into a business itself, hosting in person shopping events, helping diversify the high street with products from small businesses.
As a product selling business owner myself selling a range of craft kits, I know full well how hard it can be to generate a regular income and to keep the business going especially with big brands dominating the high street
From my own experience I’ve found if you have a good product, selling in person can be such a beneficial way to get your stock off the shelves and into the hands of your ideal customer. I’m passionate about helping small businesses thrive and the I Do Handmade Pop-Ups will hopefully do exactly that.
Want to find out more about our business journey? Click here