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Small & Independent Businesses You Need To Check Out In 2024

By Maggie Sugar

February 07, 2024

In today’s blog I am taking you on an inspiring journey through some remarkable small and also some independent businesses that are not just transforming industries, but also positively impacting our world. From the eco-conscious, yoga-loving ethos with its roots in the Himalayan ashrams, to the family-run businesses offering personalized fashion accessories and jewellery.

We will also explore a beacon of affordable luxury, ethical practices in body care, and a brand committed to zero-waste living through their unique homeware and bathroom products. And without a further doubt here’s a sneak peek of our favourite sustainable brands to add to your wardrobe and home with a clear conscience!

Why Shop From Independent Businesses?

Shopping from independent businesses offers several compelling benefits. Firstly, it supports local economies by keeping money within the community, fostering economic growth, and creating job opportunities. Additionally, these businesses often offer unique and artisanal products that are not readily available in larger chain stores, allowing consumers to discover one-of-a-kind items and support local artisans and craftsmen.

Furthermore, choosing small businesses promotes diversity and innovation in the marketplace, as these businesses often bring fresh ideas and perspectives to their industries. By supporting independent businesses, consumers contribute to a more vibrant and dynamic retail landscape, enriching their communities and enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Elizabeth Rose Fashion

An award-winning boutique led by siblings Helen and Michael, has been a fashion beacon since 1979. This independent store, rooted in the ethos of blending aspirational and attainable brands, caters to style-conscious women with its ever-fresh and exciting fashion selections.

The exceptional service, provided in a family-run atmosphere by Helen, Michael, and their expert stylists, sets it apart. Helen personally curates each collection, bringing in new and thrilling labels from Europe, America, and Scandinavia every season, ensuring customers always have something to look forward to.

Here are some of my personal favourite pieces I own!

The guiding principle of Elizabeth Rose has always been steadfast – offering an exquisite blend of high-end and accessible brands. This attracts women who value both quality and style in fashion, ensuring that the selections are always vibrant and on-trend.

KAIIA The Label

KAIIA, uniquely crafted in the UK, embodies the essence of fashion-forward, urban street style, tailored especially for the contemporary, chic woman.

At the heart of KAIIA the Label lies a relaxed, edgy vibe, dedicated to empowering young women by offering a thoughtfully curated collection of wardrobe essentials. These pieces blend bold confidence with a touch of understated allure, designed to flatter every shape and size. Our ethos is all about elevating style and self-expression.

The brand also offers FREE UK returns!

One Nation Clothing

Established in 2013, the online boutique is the brainchild of two inseparable best friends who first crossed paths at university. From humble beginnings in a spare bedroom, their venture has blossomed into a thriving enterprise with their very own studio, office, warehouse, and showroom.

The dynamic duo that they are, they handle everything from modelling and photography to social media, purchasing, and personally packing your orders. As the business has grown, so too has the ONC style, evolving hand-in-hand with our personal tastes. The brand main focus is on providing timeless, quality pieces that effortlessly fit into any wardrobe – think essential basics, adaptable dresses, and everyday outerwear.

One Nation Clothing are also committed to sustainability, increasingly incorporating recycled and eco-conscious materials into their collections.

The Spark Company

The Spark Company brand is passionately dedicated to echoing themes of equality and empowerment across our vibrant, diverse community via the medium of fashion.

Recognizing your deep concern for humanity and the environment, they share these values wholeheartedly.?TSC pledges to offer only eco-friendly, ethically produced products – a strict no to sweatshops. Simultaneously, the brand subtly imbues their products with the essence of quality and sustainability, engaging you in a harmonious dialogue of conscientious fashion.

Each purchase you make contributes to noble causes, including the vital fight against period poverty.

Johnny Loves Rosie

Johnny Loves Rosie stands as the ultimate destination for one-of-a-kind, customizable, and personalized bags and accessories. The brand is synonymous with creating distinctive accessories that add a personal touch to your everyday life.

Starting with the JLR core collection, featuring the best-selling Carrie Bags and Eloise Bows, they’ve expanded to include a diverse array of stunning styles. From the Georgie Strap to the Arlo Keyring, the brand’s vision remains focused on delivering bespoke, custom-tailored, and uniquely personalized items just for you. Johnny Loves Rosie believe in personalizing accessories to make your life uniquely yours.

The brands’ mission is anchored in utilizing Award-Winning Vegan Leather, sustainably sourced and meticulously hand-personalized, to craft handbags and accessories that are not only meaningful but also aspire to higher ethical and environmental standards.

Adina Stone + a 10% Discount Code!

A distinguished jewellery brand hailing from London. Specializing in everyday jewellery, Adina Stone crafts each piece from the finest materials, featuring genuine gems and precious stones set in solid 925 sterling silver. The brand’s commitment to exceptional customer experience and the creation of high-quality, durable jewellery is evident in every piece.

Emphasizing heritage and craftsmanship, the brand excels in direct stone sourcing, overseen by a seasoned gemstone specialist, ensuring authenticity and ethical practices. Their skilled use of the traditional “lost wax casting” technique in sterling silver craftsmanship, along with offering all ring sizes, underscores their commitment to inclusivity and handmade excellence.

Adina Stone stands out as a sustainable, woman-owned brand, celebrating the art and story behind each unique gemstone. The brand was also featured in magazines like BuzzFeed and Brides and now you can save 10%OFF on your entire order with my custom discount code MAGGIESUGAR at checkout!

Complete Unity Yoga

Complete Unity Yoga, a family-operated venture, excels in providing eco-friendly, non-slip yoga mats and a wide range of yoga equipment. The company was founded by Malene and Will, both expert yoga instructors with extensive teaching experience.

In 2016, the founders’ adventure started in a Himalayan yoga ashram, inspiring them to develop a wide array of yoga must-haves such as mat bags, meditation cushions, and more, all crafted from natural materials. With a focus on safety and environmental responsibility, their well-regarded non-slip mats and accessories have gained acclaim from yoga enthusiasts around the globe.

The brand’s dedication to providing quality products is evident in its outstanding customer service and consistently positive product reviews. CUY has earned accolades and features in prestigious publications such as Vogue, The Guardian, The Observer, Pebble, Refinery 29, Women’s Health, Health & Wellbeing and more!

The Somerset Toiletry

Established in 1999, the Somerset Toiletry Company is renowned for their beautifully fragranced, affordable, and cruelty-free body and home fragrance products, they have a global presence in over 50 countries!!

Design is pivotal to their ethos by bringing creativity to each product, ensuring the packaging is as delightful as the product itself. Their design styles range from classic elegance to contemporary humour, with meticulous attention to every detail. It’s this blend of inner quality and outer beauty that makes their products not just stand out, but shine. Popular collections like Naturally European and MR Perfect and Friends reflect their dedication to excellence.

TSTC is commitment to quality is evident in their use of natural extracts and transparent ingredient policies.

Jungle Culture

Jungle Culture stands as a beacon of zero waste, offering an impressive array of sustainable homewares, bathroom essentials, and artisan crafts.

Designed by our UK-based team, every item is crafted with exceptional quality and a focus on the customer experience, resulting in unique creations and presentations.

Serving over 30 countries, Jungle Culture is a preferred supplier for businesses globally, known for their best-selling, eco-friendly range. Their collaborators extend to small-scale farms, craft workshops, and ethical factories in Vietnam, ensuring each product is plastic-free and purposeful.

Conclusion

Each of the showcased brands shares a common thread – a dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and a deep understanding of their customer’s needs. They are more than just businesses; they are movements towards a more conscientious and responsible way of living. Their stories of growth, innovation, and commitment to quality and sustainability are not only inspiring but also a call to action for us all to support businesses that prioritize both the planet and the people.

As we close this post, let’s remember that every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By choosing brands like these, we contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and beautiful world. Let’s continue to support and celebrate these trailblazers who are making a significant difference in their respective fields.

  1. One Nation Clothing ??
  2. The Spark Company ??
  3. Johnny Loves Rosie ??
  4. Complete Unity Yoga ??
  5. The Somerset Toiletry Company ??