10 SMALL BUSINESSES WORTH CHECKING OUT

A black slate tea tray with copper handles.

I love supporting the little guys…or in the case of many of these businesses – gals!! Last year, I made it a point to buy all of my Christmas presents in our local town. It did required effort, but it well worth doing, plus I was able to feel quietly smug about the whole thing, knowing I was helping local people.

I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so I’ll compiled a list of ten brilliant online small businesses. Once you see what they have on offer, you’ll be hard pushed not buy everything! Oh and there’s the added extra of getting to feel quietly smug too!! Ha ha! 🙂

1. Ballyshane Irish Wood Design

Wooden chopping board in a semicircle shape

We are ~~big~~ HUGE fans of cheeseboards and the more piled on top the better!! I love the boards so much, I actually bought our current one in New York years ago. Squeezing it into my suitcase was no joke! Thankfully, you could just get this one delivered!! I especially love that slightly raw look and the shape of this one is divine!!

2. Bee Natural Ireland

A set of three orange and tan beeswax food wraps.

I have yet to try this out, but I just love the idea! My sister has one and has waxed lyrical about it. Pun absolutely intended!! 😉 It’s a food wrap you can use instead of cling film and they even make it using local beeswax!!

3. Cuando

I had never heard of this until I started researching businesses for this post and oh my god I love it!! It sells products made by designers and artists from all over Ireland. They can create hampers for different occasions, making it really easy to buy a gift for someone. Nothing to so with home decor, but I especially love the sustainable sunglasses!

4. Danu Ceramics

Beautiful handmade ceramic dishes, planters and jewellary. That gold detail on the rim is just right up my street! If a product you like is sold out, I noticed that Wild Design (another great shop) stocks these bowls.

5. Inscapes Design

Mid century modern chandelier. Black wire, brass hardware and round white bulbs.

I’ve been researching lights to hang above our future kitchen island. (Last night I had so many tabs open that Trevor had to add them a folder he aptly named ‘Crazy Woman’ 🙂 And no doubt I’ll be adding a tonne more, but when I came across this shop I rejoiced. Every. Single. Light. is just gorgeous and exactly my style! And yes, they deliver to Ireland!

6. La Bougie

Black candle with a white box. Scent is Cider and Tonka Bean.

Cider and Tonka Bean…already this candle company is cool! And the fact that it’s born in Cork (like me) makes it even better! They have so many interesting scents, perfect for making these winter nights even cosier!!

7. Lady Gray Graphics

Print with the words Stay Wild written in dark grey. A green background with gold leopard spots near the corners.

Now to be completely clear, I am currently a brand rep for Lady Gray Graphics but Fran doesn’t even know I’m writing this! (Click here for a pic of my fave one!) I chose this business because there is such a huge choice of great prints, many of which can be personalised. She has begun selling wall decals now too and the Christmas shop is opening tomorrow…can’t wait to check it out!

8. The Paint Hub

A view of the interior of a paint shop. Many shelves, holding many different coloured paints.

While they’ve been in the paint business a long time, it’s only recently they branched out into the retail section. I’ve been following them on Instagram for the last few weeks and the knowledge this team has about paint is phenomenal! They have just started selling painting kits that have everything you need in the one basket…ingenious!!!

9. Slated

How gorgeous would your cuppa tea looked served on this?! I’m a big fan of their cheeseboards too – they can even personalise it by carving a name into the slate. They also sell gorgeous candle holders, coasters and other tableware.

10. CopperFish

A simple lamp consisting of an edison style bulb attached to a piece a reclaimed wood.

I saw these light pieces at the House 2019 event in Dublin and they are stunning in real life! The owner spoke passionately about his work, explaining that the timber is all salvaged. He was able to tell us where exactly most of the timber had come from – old railways etc. While the lights are certainly pricey, they are like pieces of art, true showstoppers!

So there you are guys, a list of some inspiring small businesses! But I know there are so many more, so feel free to comment if you’re a fan of any other small business, even if it’s you own!