Small businesses to support

In the current situation I've seen so many people recommending and encouraging support of local independent businesses so I thought I'd do a little round up of my favourites to continue spreading the love.

Belle Bands

I've mentioned these in previous blog posts - they're just so beautiful and unique. I discovered Belle Bands because lots of my friends from Newcastle were wearing them, which is when I discovered that it was Newcastle graduate Belle who created them! What I love most is that each headband is named after a different girls name because each band has a different identity and style. I have the Oh Sarah band, which was £11, but it took me so long to decide which one I wanted! Check them out on Instagram here.

Holly Bakes

I'm pretty sure the whole of Suffolk has heard of these homemade cakes but just in case you haven't, Holly makes cakes for Roots and Shoots in Needham Market, The Lakehouse Cafe and for any personal event / birthday! During lockdown she's been delivering boxes of freshly made sweet treats like brownies, cookies and millionaire shortbread. It's a great idea to send as a care package to a friend or to keep you sane during your work from home day. I used to go for brunch at the Lakehouse Cafe each week and I'd always get a brownie or a piece of cake to takeaway so I'm really missing that right now! Check out her super aesthetic Instagram here.

Pom up your life

My favourite earrings ever (I swear I'm not biased). Sophie's pom poms always give me a confidence and positivity booster. They instantly radiate a dose of joy when I catch a glimpse in the mirror because they're so colourful and happy; the perfect finisher for any outfit. Her summer collection is coming out soon and I've seen a sneak peak - you are going to LOVE them! Sophie is so talented both in making her poms and marketing them - her Instagram, website, logo and packaging is so aesthetic and really her own, she sends a little thank you note with each order. The poms are also vegan! Use my code: EMMANUELLE20 for 20% off your order.

I have:

• Baby spice hair band

• Lilac chains

• Sunshine 2.5 hoops

• Frosty 2.5m hoops

• Baby spice chains

Bistro at the Barns

This is where I waitressed before all of this happened and I loved working here! The family run businesses poured their heart and soul into making it the best it could be and those of us that worked there were our own little family. Although their restaurant is closed they're still serving takeaway food, selling local deli products, homemade cakes and vegetable boxes. Follow their Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date. They've also just launched an online shop where you can place orders quickly - take a look at what they have to offer and support a local business rather than a supermarket chain.

Coffee Etcetera

This cafe is just down the road from me but it's only a recent discovery. Although the cafe is closed, they remain open on Friday and Saturday evenings for takeaway burgers. Burgers would be my last meal on Earth and believe me, these are amazing. I'll attach the menu here so you can see for yourself what they have on offer, both for meat lovers and vegetarians / vegans.

Elm

Not an essential however, if your friend or family member has a birthday coming up or you need a pick-me-up then this independent Norwich shop has a variety of unique and local products. They have a huge array of plants and when this is all over I highly recommend a stroll through Norwich because their shop is super aesthetic and pretty!

Vegan Dough Co

Another Norwich business, this vegan restaurant is now available on Deliveroo. Check out their mouth watering Instagram - it's making me hungry! Their menu includes pizzas, loaded fries, burgers and desserts.

Wearetaketwo

Caitlin and Hannah own this secondhand shop in Diss and although its closed, they have started an online blog, their first post is about what to do after a wardrobe de-clutter which I am sure will come in super handy right now seeing as we have so much spare time to do that spring cleaning we've had on our to-do list.

"Studying fashion opened our eyes to the fast fashion industry and we both wanted to do something showing how you can shop sustainably and still be on trend" - Hannah and Caitlin.

We're all about saving money and promoting sustainability right now so check out some of their clothes here!

The Happy Newspaper

I'm sure we can all agree that we need a dose of happiness in the news at the moment which is why I absolutely adore this newspaper dedicated to only happy news! It's published every 3 months and you can subscribe or pick it up in your local area but make sure to check the stockist to find your closest one. You can also follow them on Instagram to stay up to date! I think this is simply the loveliest idea and so many people would benefit from reading the positives and it's something to look forward to receiving! You can also bulk buy your favourite copy to send to your friends, neighbours, family or whoever - to continue spreading joy and happiness.

Just Giving

I'm not sure if this classes as a small local business however, it is definitely worth mentioning and supporting! There are so many fundraising pages at the moment for both COVID-19 and other people in need at the moment. Instead of that £5 you might spend on coffee and a train fair, why not donate it a fundraising page? What I love specifically about these pages are the updates they give you - they show you what good your money is doing! Check out how Food Train is helping deliver food shopping to older people or donate a 'virtual pint' to an independent pub / art space to help them stay in business!

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I hope that you've discovered somewhere new to support now or in the future! Keep on supporting local businesses when you can and most importantly, be kind and continue to spread love.

Emmanuelle ❀