5 Of My Favourite Small Businesses to Support Now
We're In This Together
Lately, life has been a little different; no dinners with friends, no Sunday brunches at the local cafe and no trips to the art gallery to check out the latest exhibition. COVID-19 has changed everything and as a result, we're all suffering in our own ways.
As an introvert, I've probably been training for self isolation my whole life. I enjoy my own company and the space to be creative, and so I'm taking this time to move slowly; going for a daily walk, getting takeaway coffees from my local cafe, writing blog posts, reading books and practising meditation. But, as I stay up to date with the latest response efforts to the COVID-19 health crisis, my heart hurts for others that are also affected financially, emotionally and mentally. I think of the small clothing boutiques, the restaurants and cafes, the facial boutiques. Running a small business can be difficult at the best of times, so I can only imagine how the forced closures are affecting these people.
While we're in self isolation, one thing we have the power to do is support our favourite businesses by making a purchase, however big or small, showing support via social media (Jasmine Dowling has put together a bunch of Instagram Story templates to encourage this – find them under her 'TEMPLATES' highlight) or even reaching out to let them know you're thinking of them. I have put together a list of my favourite small businesses, which all have online shops for you to peruse. If you're in a position to do so, stock up on some homewares to complement your newly organised home. Or take the time to adopt some new habits with some fresh stationery. However big or small the gesture, we all have the responsibility to support one another during this time – we're in this together.
1. Maison Blanche
Specialising in home fragrances housed in the most beautiful, minimalist packaging, Maison Blanche is my go to for hand soaps and lotions and, of course, candles. My favourites are the Cotton & Chamomile Hand Wash & Lotion, which I have in my guest bathroom, and the Vanilla & Cacao Deluxe Candle – this is seriously the most delicious fragrance ever.
2. An Organised Life
It's no secret this is my favourite stationery brand – all my pens and notebooks are from An Organised Life and every year I purchase one of their diaries. They have just released a range of gratitude journals to help you reflect and process your thoughts during this difficult time. They have also updated their blog with a working from home guide – which is a must-read in my opinion!
3. Who Is Elijah
For the past year, I've strayed away from perfumes – I found them to be overpowering and I would often get a headache when wearing them. But recently I tried Who Is Elijah's His|Her fragrance and I now wear it every single damn day. A bold and addictive fragrance, His|Her is subtle and light, yet alluring and deeply masculine. It has notes of violet leaf and fir needle, with bergamot, sandalwood and amber, and comes in a 100ml, 50ml and rollerball version.
4. Sarah & Sebastian
You've probably heard of Sarah & Sebastian before. They're a Sydney-based jewellery company, known for their dainty and minimalist designs. My absolute favourite design of theirs is the Petite Letter Necklace – available in both yellow gold and white gold. Whether you're shopping for yourself or searching for a gift, you're bound to find something special.
5. Saroka
Focusing on slow and sustainable fashion, Saroka is a Melbourne based fashion label founded by designer Melinda Andaloro. Each piece is handmade in Australia to order, with an extremely inclusive size range of 6-16. Saroka is best known for their Rommy Top, and even though we'll be in sweatpants for the foreseeable future, it's always good to plan ahead for when this is all over.
Add to this list by letting me know your favourite small business in the comments below!
Esther x
Pictured: Maison Blanche Cucumber & Mint Diffuser, Who Is Elijah HER|HER Fragrance 100ml, Who Is Elijah HIS|HER Fragrance 50ml, An Organised Life Diary, Country Road Marble Loft Large Tray & Tom Ford Book.
Find me on Instagram: @estherreynoldsverco