If there’s one thing TikTok has influenced us in (besides whipped coffee and feta pasta) it’s finding, supporting and lusting after the plethora of indie brands that are absolutely killing it, both old and new in the small biz game. Lockdown has seen a huge uplift in cool and creative hobbies becoming businesses, and with IRL shopping off the cards it has opened up a world of opportunity to shop small.
During the week of International Women’s Day 2021, we’re celebrating and sharing our favourite female-run businesses that make our Instagram feeds a better place and inspire gift giving for both pals and ourselves (mainly the latter) a joyous evening activity. From baking to books, candles to ceramics and flowers to face masks, this week’s team edit will have you sucked into an impromptu haul in seconds (sorry bank balance).
Lareese
I love how Instagram, particularly throughout lockdown, has provided an opportunity for so many female business owners to pursue their dreams and do something they love.
Me & My Bloomers was one such gem I discovered via social media – their lavender-filled linen scrunchies and flower pressed artworks are dreamy.
I’ve been a fan of Find candles for a while now – they’re a wonderful family-owned Business near Brighton and they smell incredible.
Butter Up is my sister’s baking business she set up in lockdown and I’m endlessly proud of her! Plus, it means I get to taste test upcoming recipes haha.
Pepper Loves Candles is another 10/10 Instagram discovery – I will forever need her wordy wicks telling me I have a nice bum.
Waiste Vintage is a carefully curated collection of premium vintage wear in Brighton, headed up by the glorious and effortlessly cool Sara Waiste.
Charlotte
Ahh small businesses! There’s such joy in supporting someone’s dream and I find Instagram and TikTok to be such wholesome places in finding businesses that are so aligned with my tastes. Harry Styles designs and products in particular are absolutely popping OFF online right now and The Sunday Dream and Cait Mo Studio are my absolute faves for this- my gallery wall is looking stunning with Cait’s prints! I don’t often buy jewellery for myself but I’ve followed Manchester brand July Child for years and was lucky enough to receive some earrings from a pal for Christmas from the brand which really cemented my love for it. They have so many fun and unique designs and it feels very Gucci-esque in my eyes!
Finally, The Vegan Bakes– OMG BEST SWEET TREATS EVER. I honestly powered through the biscuit brownie trio in a matter of days and still dream about it months later. That Oreo one. MMMM.
Darcey
I think more than ever we should all be trying to support small businesses where we can, and I hope this continues moving forward too. I find the experience of buying small is always way more personal too which I love, with beautiful packaging and little notes etc!
I have recently started to learn more about crystals and I love the crystal bracelets from Luna Loves Shop, they are customisable too! Kalon Candle Co are one of my faves too, absolutely adore the inclusivity of the female form candles. Flourish Sussex sell the most beautiful wreath kits, I purchased one back at Christmas and the experience was so enjoyable and I came out of it with a pretty professional looking wreath. Made by Dhaina is my amazingly talented friend who creates the coolest wall prints perfect for any gallery wall! Another wall art gem is Stef Maden, I recently purchased a print from her through Etsy and I absolutely love it!
Holly
One of the good things to come out of lockdown was the incredible small businesses. Some started up in lockdown and some I just managed to find through literal hours of scrolling.
Foxy Lemon have the best range of cards I’ve ever seen, mainly because of their Gavin and Stacey range and I’ve decided to exclusively speak in Gavin and Stacey quotes from here on out
Maya and Lou face masks were created during lockdown by 2 nurses, specifically designed for people that wear masks for a prolonged amount of time, and who suffer from bad skin as a result of this. They’re so comfy, look nice and they go under usual PPE so pretty much an all-round winner.
Jenni Sparks artwork is among my favourites, they use bright colours and a lot of the prints can be personalised. I have multiple around my flat!
Salt Studios started sharing more of their process through lockdown and I became obsessed! They also run workshops where you can make your own pots etc which is really cool!
Zoe
Small businesses are such a joy to buy from and support where you can & these are a few of my current favourite ones!
I’ve got a real mixture of food, homewares & a gorgeous baby clothing brand I stumbled upon recently!
Dees Basement creates the most beautiful & delicious madeleines you’ve ever seen or tasted! Making the perfect little treat for you or to send to someone else as a little gift!
Stylish eats is a local business that Alfie & I have used for years! Katie makes the most delicious and well thought out graze boards which we order at any given chance!
I discovered Heather Evelyn Candles on Instagram at Christmas time and placed a big order of her wonderful candles! It’s nice when you discover something a bit different!
Elizabeth Rachael worked with us on the Etsy x zoella collaboration and her designs and products are so fun and vibrant!!
Megan Louise Ceramics is also someone we worked with on the Etsy collaboration and her mugs are my go to! Such incredible quality and look pretty too!
Claude and Co do such lovely quality baby and children clothing! Alfie and I recently ordered our babies first garment from here and plan on buying more!
Danielle
I think most of the small businesses I follow are female-owned, I guess the kinds of items I’m after very clearly have a female touch. They really care about the experience and they’re all packaged beautifully. I hate buying prints from websites that everyone goes to and much prefer to spend a bit more on an artist’s work. Eleanor Bowmer and Hand and Palm are perfect places to grab art for your home. I became obsessed with these beaut cakes from @Aprilsbakerlondon I NEED them to start delivering to Brighton! The Skin Library kindly gifted us some Korean skincare products and I have to say I’m completely converted, check them out! Azurina is my go-to for personalised gifts AND they currently have an initiative going where they’re investing £10K in a female-owned small business, find out more here!
