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Small business day!

Good morning! Welcome to small business day 2019 on The Spike! This is the opportunity for anyone who has a small business making or selling things to get the attention of Spikers.

Simply leave a charming sales pitch in the comments box below and a link to your website and let’s see if we can get some orders rolling in.

Be sure to include last-ordering dates for Christmas delivery! Go!

 

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Comments

  1. Melbournista says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:41 am

    Not my business but rather a plug for a group of businesses in drought stricken rural Australia and a brilliant campaign on social @buyfromthebush. Some of the businesses ship internationally and i’ve already bought some lovely things

    Reply
    • Vegemite kid says

      December 12, 2019 at 10:24 am

      There is some great stuff here!

      Reply
      • Melbournista says

        December 12, 2019 at 6:53 pm

        Yes having to exercise major restraint!!

        Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:43 am

    This Christmas Swap The Gammon for the Salmon!https://ishfish.uk Would like to give the best Blog on the internets readers 15% of there first order
    Simply Add SPIKE15 when checking out on the website And Happy Christmas to you all

    Reply
    • Writeitoff says

      December 13, 2019 at 9:16 am

      Topical!!

      Reply
  3. Katie Guild says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:44 am

    Hello!! I’m still running my nightwear business (survived another year wahoo!) http://www.katebarnet.com selling posh pjs for reasonable prices and some gorgeous gowns which are made from end of the roll fabric to keep our environmental impact down. Just been featured in the telegraph this Saturday!! Last order date for Xmas is 19th of December 🙂 xxxx

    Reply
    • Katie Guild says

      December 12, 2019 at 8:45 am

      Oh and use code DONTBEBORING for 15% off !

      Reply
    • Leona says

      December 12, 2019 at 9:02 am

      Kate, these are so beautiful!

      Reply
    • Soph says

      December 12, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Cor! Absolutely gorgeous! xxx

      Reply
  4. Emily Knapp says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:47 am

    Thanks Esther, what a lovely idea. My small business is called Cavallo Lusso and I sell beautiful equestrian and country clothing at affordable prices. Please have a browse. Lots of scarves, gloves and socks for stocking fillers/teachers pressies or secret Santa ideas. Website is https://cavallolusso.com/

    Reply
  5. Sarah K says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:56 am

    What a brilliant and kind idea! Please check out our business Sarah K http://www.sarahk.co.uk – selling beautiful hand blocked table linen as well as gorgeous scalloped edge bed linen. Also lots of gorgeous home accessories wash bags, hot water bottle covers, kimonos, nighties. Perfect presents for all the women in your life of all ages! We also stock lots of pretty children’s quilts and playmats.
    The company is run by Mums with 8 children between us so the juggle is real!! Any support from other mums is hugely appreciated! Let me know if you need anything else!

    Reply
    • Anna S says

      December 12, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      I love your stuff so much!

      Reply
      • Kate John says

        December 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm

        Thank you Anna that is so kind of you to say.

        Reply
  6. Sarah K says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:57 am

    Last post is 19th December

    Reply
  7. Leona says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:57 am

    I’m afraid my business isn’t about lovely handmade things or gifts, but I will plug it anyway. In the New Year I’m going freelance as a proofreader & editor. I have an English Literature degree and trained through the Society for Editors & Proofreaders. I’m working as a subeditor for a small events magazine at the moment, and also doing captions/subtitling here and there. In short, if you need someone to check over your stuff and make sure it’s presentable, please give me a shout and I will be on it like a car bonnet. I don’t have a website yet, but my email is leona.skene@icloud.com. Thank you, wonderful Esther and Spike fam.

    Reply
  8. Katie Martin says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:59 am

    A great idea, thank you! We sell a traditional wooden go kart, or a DIY kit to make one yourself. https://www.allterrainkart.co.uk Lots of fun for all the family, as we have an adult sized one too! Last day for Christmas orders is midday on Friday 20th December.

    Reply
  9. Flopsy says

    December 12, 2019 at 8:59 am

    I love this Esther, thank you! Looking forward to some out of the ordinary stuff coming through. My husband paints portraits http://www.nickofferportraits.com.
    Also my friend Jane runs super crafting workshops in Covent Garden that would make a great pressie: http://www.teaandcrafting.co.uk

    Reply
  10. Helena says

    December 12, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Lovelace Organics sells salt cured egg yolks – used as a wonderful garnish for pretty much all savoury dishes. Grated over soups, salads, stir fries, pies, avocado on toast… etc, etc, ETC(!) they add an umami hit which makes a dish sing.

    Lovelaceorganics.com
    Last postage date 19 Dec
    X

    Reply
  11. Tania says

    December 12, 2019 at 9:19 am

    My daughter uses sustainable, recycled and waste materials to hand-weave absolutely beautiful cushions and make woven throws. She is @green_weave on Instagram and her website is https://www.greenweave.design/

    As a side note, she uses recycled denim and cashmere to back the cushions and is always on the hunt for donated holey or shrunken cashmere – I’m mildly fearful that she may deliberately introduce moths into my house in order to extract more from me so if any Spikers have some please leave a comment or contact her via Instagram. She’s in North London and could collect. A donated jumper for re-use entitles you to a discount on a cushion I believe.

    PS Last post for Christmas delivery 20th Dec.

    Reply
    • Flopsy says

      December 12, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Ooo these are fab.

      Reply
  12. Leesa says

    December 12, 2019 at 9:20 am

    Thank you Esther, what a lovely idea.

    May I introduce Balmkind and our range of lip care:

    Balmkind delivers award-winning lip care, inspired by nature and created in the UK. Founded with the belief that lip balm should do more, our sophisticated, hydrating formulas are rich in natural antioxidants, vitamins, omegas and amino acid (think skincare for lips!), the result is indulgent, lip-loving balms that nourish, soothe and protect for beautiful lips.

    Our limited edition 3D Christmas Tree makes the perfect stocking filler and a fabulous gift to hang on the tree. Contains a full size tube of Alpine Rose & Lysine lip balm* (10ml) to nurture even the most parched winter lips.

    * winner of Beauty Bible, Top Sante and Free From Skincare Awards

    Visit https://balmkind.co.uk/

    Use discount code SPIKE (obviously!) for 20% off all orders until the end of the year. Free UK Standard Delivery (Royal Mail 1st Class) on all orders. Our posting boxes are letterbox sized for your convenience. Last orders for Christmas delivery – midday Thursday 19th December.

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  13. Claire says

    December 12, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Esther v kindly featured us on The Spike a little while back. We’re Momiji – if you’re looking for a gift for girls & young women then you might like to check us out. It’ll sound weird if I try to explain them with words but you’ll find us at http://www.lovemomiji.com (You can hide little hand written messages and words inside each one…)
    Love to all the independent businesses out there!

    Reply
    • Jo says

      December 13, 2019 at 1:47 pm

      Why just girls? I think my little boy would love one of these!

      Reply
  14. Dex says

    December 12, 2019 at 9:53 am

    I’m a family historian. I write narratives of family history through the Victorian and Edwardian era, including as much contextual detail as I can lay my hands on. The result is a Whole Book about your family history.

    Obviously, this takes weeks, but I also do outline family trees for people who aren’t sure whether they want a full history, or for people who want to learn more about their family history but don’t know where to start. I have a few slots today and tomorrow for physical delivery, and will be taking digital delivery orders until 18th. They’re £20, and they’re really unusual gifts.

    I’m restricted to UK families only, because of the availability of records and my expertise is in British history.

    Website is http://www.SMFamilyResearch.co.uk or email me directly at smfamilyresearch (@) outlook dot com.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      December 12, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      Love this and have just sent you a message!

      Reply
    • Nicole says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      What a fantastic idea; I’ll look into this for future gifts

      Reply
  15. Nicole Patterson says

    December 12, 2019 at 10:10 am

    Oh Brilliant! My beautiful linens are grown, spun, woven and made in Europe. Made exclusively for me! If that isn’t a plea to stay in the EU, after another tragedy this week in a garment factory in the Far East, I don’t know what is. Shop here and make it count. https://hometrousseau.com/ Thanks Esther x

    Reply
  16. castellicat says

    December 12, 2019 at 10:17 am

    This is such a lovely idea Esther! So I gave up my career in London a year ago and moved to Italy with my family in the Spring. I now have the absolute smallest business in the world – so small I don’t actually have a website.

    But, if you like the idea of beautifully hand painted tree decorations made with lots of love (and priced ridiculously cheaply given the hours of work that go into them…😂) then please visit me on Insta at ginger_cat_decorations or on FB under the same name. Or send me an email at gingercatdecorations@gmail.com
    Last date for guaranteed delivery from Italy to U.K. is tomorrow. I’ll be better organised next year I promise! ❤️

    Reply
    • Laura says

      December 12, 2019 at 2:22 pm

      Love these – following!

      Reply
      • castellicat says

        December 12, 2019 at 2:23 pm

        Thank you – that’s so lovely of you!

        Reply
  17. sophievalentine2018 says

    December 12, 2019 at 10:22 am

    My Children’s picture book “Believe in Pixie Hart” is proving to be a popular stocking filler this Christmas! All books come signed & wrapped… At only £4.00 or £3.50 when bought directly from me (sophievalentineauthor@outlook.com) ❤️ Order yours now to ensure it arrives before Christmas!
    Merry Christmas, love Sophie Valentine x @sophievalentineauthor – Instagram

    Reply
  18. Julia Allum says

    December 12, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Hi! If you would like some colour to get you through the cold dark days; look no further. I’m an illustrator selling bright, colourful, Art deco inspired prints. Prices start from just £15 & there’s still time to get orders in for Christmas 🙂
    The shop will be closing on the 19th December, find it here – https://juliaallum.co.uk/shop/

    Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Penny Garvin says

    December 12, 2019 at 11:08 am

    Hi everyone – I’m super excited to let you know that myself and a friend have joined forces to launch JUST Finery; our planet conscious, gender neutral clothing brand.
    JUST Finery brings you ethical, locally sourced, vegan friendly clothing made from 100% super soft organic cotton using environmentally friendly inks.
    We have just launched our first capsule collection for children, featuring my artwork, of just a few of our planets endangered species; the rhino, tiger & snow leopard.
    All machine washable at 40 degrees.
    We would LOVE it if you could LIKE (and feel free to SHARE) JUST Finery business page below. Please message me with any orders! THANK YOU! (Website under construction)
    https://www.facebook.com/JUSTFinery/

    Limited Stock Available Now In Sizes: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 & 9-11
    * Children’s Navy Blue AND Heather Grey Hoody With Neon Orange Rhino £36
    * Children’s Navy Blue AND Khaki Sweatshirt With Neon Green Tiger £30
    * Children’s White AND Heather Grey Sweatshirt With Neon Pink Snow Leopard £30

    Reply
  20. Eileen Willett says

    December 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

    Esther, you were one of our first and most fab cheerleaders soon after we launched our femtech/fabrictech luxury sleepwear brand,Cucumber Clothing. We’ve moved on apace since then and now offer a 24/7 multifunctional leisurewear and sleepwear that keeps you cool. We’re still very much a British brand and we’ve been working hard to become as circular and sustainable as possible. Thanks for supporting small businesses – it means a lot. Last posting date Wednesday 18th December for 2nd class, Friday 20th December for Special Delivery. Happy holidays all!

    Reply
    • Martha says

      December 12, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Cucumber Clothing are totally fab – so soft and comfy !

      Reply
  21. Charlotte Angell says

    December 12, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    Esther, my fledgling business for all things Pom Pom including wreaths and baubles is Angell Pom Poms and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/angellpompoms. Last postage day before Christmas is 23rd for U.K. special delivery or 13th for USA

    Reply
  22. Jane Raven says

    December 12, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    Hi Esther, what a great idea! Think i may have just found our new aprons.
    My name is Jane and I run a small business called Myrtle’s Kitchen based in Herefordshire. We make a unique range of award winning jam, chutney and marmalade – all created and made by us. We have been running for just over five years and were delighted when selected to be one of Liberty of London artisan producers. My website https://myrtleskitchen.co.uk/shop/
    Happy Christmas everybody!
    Jane x

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    December 12, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    Thank you Esther for this great opportunity. My daughter works for this great new one woman company. It is a must for coffee lovers and she champions women everywhere and sources from women coffee alliances only https://www.farsidecoffee.com/about
    Plus just a plug for dog lovers as of course they need a Xmas selection box !! Denzels.co.uk do fabulous healthy dog chews and have a great brand and great Christmas selection boxes for your pampered pooch

    Reply
  24. Lou Tonkin says

    December 12, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    Lou Tonkin I’m a printmaker designing products & homewares from a lovely studio on the South coast of Cornwall.
    It’s best to follow my Instagram account honestly ‘Lou Tonkin’ @loutonkin , my website is there http://www.loutonkin.com but a bit of a shocker! it’s on the 2020 to do list.
    I’ve had a great 2019, best sales ever, a beautiful community around me, great teaching opportunities including for Morris & co & it’s been so wonderful to learn quite how much people are prepared to support the makers movement & buying consciously.
    Come & say hi if you get a minute

    Reply
    • Laura says

      December 12, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Following!

      Reply
    • Suzanne Tonkin says

      December 12, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      Absolutely love your prints – was admiring your t-shirts in Finisterre just last week (have purchased for husband who is also a Cornish Tonkin!)

      Reply
  25. Julie-Anne says

    December 12, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    What a lovely idea. My sister and I hand hand make Harris Tweed baby blankets and quilts. Perfect for keeping little ones snug and cosy this winter. We also stock the most adorable Harris Tweed elephants. Our website is http://www.cabarkids.com and our last postage date for Christmas is Monday. Thank you, Julie-Anne

    Reply
  26. Sarah says

    December 12, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    What a fabulous idea – thank you Esther.

    Can I introduce you all to Speed Track – the flexible toy car race track. I often describe it as the anti-hotwheels – no bits to put together, no batteries and no expensive add ons.

    Simply attach the sucker to a window/door, unroll the track and it is ready to race small toy cars. Use what you have around the house to make bumps and jumps, make a loop, use it indoors/outdoors – super simple and super fun!!

    This is my business and all product made in West Sussex and packaged by me!

    Please do check our website and social media for photos/videos. Any questions please do get in touch.

    Thanks
    Sarah

    http://www.speed-track.co.uk
    @speedtrackuk

    Reply
  27. Alex Gorton says

    December 12, 2019 at 2:02 pm

    Esther, you’re amazing! Thank you so much for giving lots of small businesses the chance to shout out! I am an ex-journo who runs an online boutique selling all manner of gorgeous things from fashion to jewellery, accessories and gifts from Danish, French and British brands. Lovely Christmas-y type presents would include cashmere wristwarmers and snoods (the leopard ones are so popular), velvet-backed eyemasks, sparkly earrings, beautiful scarves, slipper socks (SO cosy), leather keyrings, bags and pouches and party knits and lots more! The site is http://www.thealexedit.com and lovely Spike readers can get 10% off anything with the code Spike10. Happy Christmas! I’m off to check out all of the above xx

    https://thealexedit.com

    Reply
    • Alex says

      December 12, 2019 at 2:03 pm

      Oops forgot to mention that last posting date is by Friday 20th December xx

      Reply
  28. Ruth A-D says

    December 12, 2019 at 2:07 pm

    Hello, I am a holistic therapist and coach and I create and record bespoke, personalised visualisation and meditation recordings to help you focus on and manifest your goals.
    It’s the perfect New Year gift for yourself 🙂 Taking orders for January. For more details go to:

    https://sussexholistictherapy.co.uk

    Best wishes to all the other small businesses out there and all the fabulous Spikers.
    Thanks for this Esther and for being a constant source of awesome in our inboxes.

    Reply
  29. Melanie says

    December 12, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    Thank you so much for doing this and supporting small independent brands. On the back of years searching for the perfect white t-shirt I decided to launch my own brand – YUNION T. I design and manufacture ethical women’s t-shirts and tops, fabric woven, and garments all made in the UK. Designed for the ultimate fit, in a luxurious non-see-through fabric, and created for longevity. I also sell a selection of scarves in cashmere, wool, wool&silk and modal, and Fairtrade accessories. My website is https://yuniont.com/

    Shipping For Christmas : Standard First Class UK Friday 20th December / Next Day Special Delivery 23rd December / International Shipping 9th-14th December Country Dependent

    Reply
    • martha says

      December 12, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      Just sent the link to my husband for my Xmas present this year – SO hard to find a decent white t shirt, not gonna lie, would not normally spend that amount on a t-shirt, but I NEED one ! thanks Esther for sharing all the exposure to fab brands and businesses!

      Reply
  30. Krystina Reynolds says

    December 12, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    Hi I’m Krystina of Fig bags, I work from my Oxford studio making leather bags, utility bags, wallets, cable tidies, dog apparel and much more. Please take a look at my website. Last posting day is Fri 20th Dec. Merry Christmas and thank you for reading. Xx

    Reply
    • Catherine says

      December 21, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      Ooh, MASSIVE vouch for Fig bags, they’re absolutely gorgeous. I have one in yellow, and it cheers me every time I use it. And they’re padded, so protects my iPad and camera!

      Reply
  31. martha says

    December 12, 2019 at 7:38 pm

    Festive Greetings All, FabLittleBags are here to help educate and convert all of you who unwittingly Flush your tampons and pads down the toilet to stop doing so (they can, and do, end up in rivers, oceans and washed up on beaches!😱), and to Bin instead. And for all your fabulous Binners out there FabLittleBag enables you to bin with relaxed confidence as well as it feeling easier & more hygienic compared to doing the Loo Roll Wrap. Also, Christmas is a time for visiting and sometimes it can feel a bit awks leaving your wad in someone else bin, esp you’re M-Law’s white frilly one!! 🤣. Multi award winning, Biodegradable, opaque and they seal closed, Ocado, Amazon, or direct with us at http://www.fablittlebag.com Here’s to a ‘do good feel good’ Christmas period! xx

    Reply
  32. Polly Crossman says

    December 12, 2019 at 10:16 pm

    This is so lovely Esther! I’d love to share my business, Portland Paper Company – paper goods, prints and stationery that I hope inspire a little magic in the everyday. You can find me @portlandpaper.co on Instagram or the website is http://www.portlandpapercompany.com. I still have a few Christmas cards available too! Last posting is Friday 20th December 💫
    Polly x

    Reply
  33. Kate Brazier says

    December 12, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    Thanks so much Esther!
    I would like to introduce myself, I am Kate and I am a mixed media artist specialising in little houses, lots of colour and lots of texture!

    I am promoting giving the gift of original art this Christmas and enabling that with a little affordable art sale – http://www.katebrazier.com
    You can find me at @kate.brazier.artist on Instagram, do come and say Hi!

    Last posting date is Friday 20th December!
    Happy Christmas everyone,
    Kate x

    Reply
  34. Fifi says

    December 13, 2019 at 7:53 am

    Escape winter with us at Maison du Maillot! We curate a collection of resortwear designers from around the world. Stock up on pretty kaftans, summer dresses, swimwear and more. Have a question? Come and live chat with the founders who will help you choose the perfect gift this holiday season x

    Reply
  35. Catherine says

    December 21, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    Thank you Esther! I produce paintings and prints, big, bold wildlife and equine ones, or joyful dogs! I’m afraid deadline for ordering for Xmas has passed, but I can still post gorgeous vouchers that can be sent first class.
    https://www.catherineingleby.com

    Catherine

    Reply

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