It seems that everywhere you look right now we are being urged to support independent businesses, shop with them or buy a gift card for the future. But what if you don’t want to?! It might be due to finances, environmental implications, or any number of things, but supporting good businesses is what counts. We asked our friends to share their favourite small and sustainable businesses, so we could share them with you here. Whether you want to buy something, tell a friend about them, or just give them a follow on Instagram right now, it all counts.
Alison Fern Jewellery
Alison Fern Jewellery is a brand synonymous with thoughtful designs crafted carefully by hand. London based, and in response to her growing urban experience, collections marry ideas of femininity and strength. The brand has a commitment to quality and sustainability; each design is produced in small batches and often made to order to minimise waste.
Based in London
Run by Alison
Website: www.alisonfernjewellery.com
Find them on Instagram @alisonfernjewellery
Prices from £25 to £210
AMMA
AMMA trains and employs mothers in Sri Lanka’s rural tea picking highlands to turn food waste and plants into natural, non-toxic textile dyes. Producing a range of clothing and accessories made from handwoven cotton and adhering to zero waste principles.
Based in Sri Lanka
Run by Josie Mackenzie, in partnership with Sri Lankan NGO Tea Leaf Trust
Website: www.ammasrilanka.com
Find them on Instagram @amma_srilanka
Prices from £8.50 – £130
Asmuss
Stylish, sustainable, performance womenswear.
Based in London
Run by: sisters Clare and Fiona
Website: asmussclothing.com
Find them on Instagram @asmussclothing
Prices from £59 – £209
Collingwood-Norris
Colourful luxury knitwear, either made by hand or made in small batches at a local mill in the Scottish Borders. The main focus is on accessories, as well as jumpers, and recently launched blankets, all made with the finest natural fibres.
Based in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders
Run by Flora Collingwood-Norris
Website : www.collingwoodnorrisdesign.com
Find them on Instagram @collingwoodnorris
Prices from £50- £210 (Flora also offers a visible mending service from £10 upwards)
Conflict of Ego
Conscious clothing brand, which is inspired by socio-political movements. Each piece is designed to make an entrance to be remembered and most probably start a conversation. Opting for eco friendly fabrics and sustainable ways of manufacturing to create pieces which are forever fashion and not just fast fashion. From organic t-shirts to floor length silk gowns.
Based in London
Run by Alanna Wain
Website: www.conflictofego.com
Find them on Instagram @conflictofego
Prices from £60 – £340
Elin Horgan Jewellery
Combining simple elegance and understated luxury to produce modern minimal jewellery with maximum impact.
Based in Bristol
Run by Elin Horgan
Website: www.elinhorgan.com
Find them on Instagram @elinhorgan
Prices from £35 – £290
Feather & Wild
Collections of prints, mugs and decorations very much inspired by the mountains and nature of the Lake District and Scotland.
Based in Cumbria
Run by Victoria Irving
Website: www.featherandwild.co.uk
Find them on Instagram @FeatherandWild
Prices from £4 – £25
Gung Ho
Sustainable fashion that starts conversations about current issues. From bold printed dresses to statement sweatshirts, we’re here to shake up the ethical fashion industry.
Based in London
Run by Sophie Dunster
Website: www.gungholondon.com
Find them on Instagram @gung_ho_london
Prices from £18 – £345
Lora Gene
Timeless and sustainable clothing, homeware and holistic beauty products.
Based in London
Run by Lora Nikolaeva
Website: www.loragene.com
Find them on Instagram @Lorageneclothing
Prices from £40 – £400
Louise Stebbing Printmaker
Fine Art Original Linocuts & Etchings
Based in Norfolk
Run by Louise Stebbing
Website: www.louisestebbingprintmaker.com
Find them on Instagram @louisestebbingprintmaker
Prices from £10 – £600
Lucky Cloud Skincare
Beautiful natural skincare, crafted in small batches using plant based ingredients to nourish and feed your skin.
Based in Edinburgh
Run by Lucy Cardwell
Website: www.luckycloudskincare.com
Find them on Instagram @lucky.cloud
Prices from £4.50 – £36
Made by Women
Zines about women from art history, that teach you about their life, their work and the art historical context in which they were working, with illustrations by contemporary women artists, to support and promote their work. The aim of the zines is to raise awareness of forgotten women from art history and teach you about them in a format that is accessible and affordable.
Based in Norwich
Run by Laura Moseley
Website: www.madebywomen.co.uk
Find them on Instagram @madebywomenzines
Priced at £4 each
MAiK
Socks, textiles (washbags, make up bags), placemats, trays – all products are made from responsibly sourced materials and ethically produced.
Based in Edinburgh
Run by Cat Thorogood
Website: https://maiklifestyle.com
Find them on Instagram @maiklifestyle
Prices from £10 – £57
Oh Lily!
Oh Lily! provides sweet and savoury gourmet popped water lily seeds. Perfect as a snack or on top of soups, salads, curries, porridge, puddings etc. The recipes are naturally gluten-free end vegan.
Based in London
Run by sisters Govinda and Dewi
Website : www.ohlilysnacks.com
Find them on Instagram @teamlilypop
Prices from £3
Oubas Knitwear
British made knitwear and accessories made using natural fibres. Ethical, timeless investment pieces.
Based in Cumbria
Run by Kate Stalker
Website: www.oubasknitwear.co.uk
Find them on Instagram @oubasknitwear
Prices from £28 – £285
Studio Emma
Colourful objects and homewares created from hand cast concrete.
Based in Edinburgh
Run by Emma McDowall
Website: www.studioemma.co.uk
Find them on Instagram @_studioemma
Prices from £4.50 – £80
Theodora Gould
Jewellery and art, inspired by nature, history and country living.
Based in Somerset
Run by Theodora Gould
Website: www.theodoragould.co.uk
Find them on Instagram @theodora.gould
Prices from £6 – £400
Three By One Europe
Organic coconut products and Ayurvedic Spices. Handmade natural bar soaps. Naturally dyed textiles.
Based in Cambridge and Antwerp
Run by Laura Dixon
Website: www.threebyone.eu
Find them on Instagram @threebyoneeu
Prices from £2 – £30
Tiny Scenic
All the things you’d hope to find in your dream picture-postcard town, in tiny, wearable form!
Based in Winchester
Run by Jo and Andrew
Website: tinyscenic.com
Find them on Instagram @tinyscenic
Prices from £20
Zero Waste Path
Soap bars, shampoo bars, 2in1 shampoo + conditioners bars, deodorants, solid lotions, multipurpose balms, hair+face beauty oil.
Based in Cambridge
Run by Bianca Mularoni
Website: www.zerowastepath.co.uk
Find them on Instagram @zerowastepath
Prices from £5 to £21
