made in england

Why shop small, and how to support independent businesses during lockdown.

Wow! - the last few weeks and months have been incredible. The power of the people is starting to really shift, and the support for small independent businesses is becoming stronger every year. It’s no secret, this year has been one of the toughest yet for small business, including at Ruth Holly, but with the support of lovely loyal customers and the flurry of likeminded conscious consumers, we’re thriving!

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Shopping small and choosing independents means you are choosing to think outside the box, you are thoughtfully curating your life, consciously picking goods that will mean something to you and to your loved ones. It’s true, it takes a little more time, but with anything that takes time, the results are a whole lot sweeter.

But how do I shop small and support independent if I can’t go outside? Our all important high street is of course, one of the first places to visit when wanting to support independents. Our local greengrocer, butcher, gift shop, all rely on us to bring them custom. Walking to purchase locally with a stretch of the legs and some fresh air, not only does you good, but helps our communities thrive. However, during lockdown, we really have been limited about where we can physically visit, making it all too easy to jump onto Amazon and other large retailers.

There are loads of online platforms now who support small independents; makers markets and small business finders, all it takes is a little time and goodwill to search the web, and you’ll be sure to find a hidden gem! There are a few links in my blog from last year.

We do also understand as independents, that sometimes our goods are possibly not in your budget, and thats fine! You can still support by not spending a penny, simply by engaging with us on social media, good old fashioned word of mouth, and leaving reviews.

You can follow Ruth Holly on Instagram and Facebook, or please review on Google here.

Small Business, Big Difference. #SmallBizSatUK

COVID LOCKDOWN - help to navigate these testing times...

COVID LOCKDOWN - help to navigate these testing times...

Hopefully most of you are creating pockets of happiness in your homes, to keep safe and well and comfortable where you can. I wanted to share a few ideas around how you can update your space, and also share tips on staying healthy and positive in the next few months.

SUPPLIER VISIT

Hello and Happy New Year! Hope you all had a peaceful Christmas and rested well.

It’s January and with that come all the pressures of a new year - new you! I have started the year writing a ‘done’ list rather than a ‘to do’, this allows me to feel satisfied with what I’ve achieved and accomplished throughout 2018 rather than filling me with dread about what needs to be done in 2019. That said, there is always the promise of new adventures, new treasures to be found and more wonderful connections to be made.

Speaking of connections, last week I visited my fabric supplier, a company in Cheshire where I get all my designs printed. I email these guys regularly and rarely get to see them so it was great to put faces to names and re-connect.

The afternoon started with a catch up and discussion about new developments, costings and problem solving. Mum came along too to meet everyone, we enjoyed a cup of tea and a brainstorm.

We then had a tour around the factory, I got to see the machines where my designs are printed, the cutting room, the sewing department (where each item is machine sewn by hand!) It was a really inspiring afternoon and was great to get involved and really see how and where my products are made.

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I had a chat with the daughter of the business about environmental issues and how the company are doing all they can at the time to reduce impact. There was water recycling from the dying process, cardboard and fabric core recycling, along with the fact that everything is done under one roof, reducing the need for transporting the goods by van, ship, plane. They even carry heavy rolls of fabric across the car park by hand each day!

Below you can view some photos of the day, if you have any questions about the process or anything else to do with how your wonderful goods are designed and produced then please do get in touch. hello@ruthholly.co.uk

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