2021 Ones to Watch - My Fave Local Businesses

In the run up to Christmas so many accounts were doing shoutouts for small / local/  independent businesses to give them a little boost in such hard times and I wanted to keep this energy for the new year. Due to COVID-19 and the ongoing lockdown/ tier restrictions it's even more important that we are all supporting small and independent businesses in any way we can and shopping local for even just a few items this coming year will be such a huge help. So to do my bit I've comprised a list of my favourite local/ independent/ new businesses that hopefully you'll keep in mind for gifts for yourself or others this coming year. 

Instagram accounts are tagged.

1. Not Got Knits @notgotknits 

Whether it's scarves or cushions, hats or jumpers you want, Not Got Knits has got you covered. Liz crochets all sorts of gorgeous colourful things and all of the pieces she makes are made to order so you have full creative control of whatever you want! My personal favourites are her chunky scarves and the cow print cushions. You can place orders on Instagram through direct message.

2. Baby Blue Vintage @babyblue.vintage / The Vintage Loft @thevintageloftliverpool

I love shopping vintage so much but with the pandemic and charity / vintage shops being closed it's difficult to find motivation to traipse through the endless (and often overpriced) Depop or ASOS marketplace pages. This is where these two vintage brands step in and help you out. Both hand source all of their pieces and they find some absolute gems for reasonable prices. Baby Blue Vintage also offers a  personal styling service in which you select a budget and Emma works with you to find the perfect pieces for you. 

3. Make My Clay @make.my.clay

This is shameless self promo but in summer 2020 I began playing with polymer clay and earring / ring making. As I got a bit better I thought about setting up my own little side business and Make My Clay was born. So far, I cannot believe the support people have shown and I have been a lot busier with it than I ever expected. I accept custom orders but every two/ three months I am planning to release a few more designs to my shop. You can shop my collections/ place custom orders through Etsy or direct message on Instagram. 

5. Mon Petit Chou @monpetitchoulpl

I genuinely believe these are the best cakes you can buy in Liverpool. My friend bought one of these cakes for a birthday celebration in September and I've not stopped thinking about it since. Their cakes are so different to most celebration cakes and they have a small but interesting (and gorgeous) selection of flavours. This little bakery also sells pastry boxes and cookies as well as savoury treats and it's deffo on my list for 2021 to try them all. They do home deliveries to certain areas and you can collect from their basement bakery on Hope Street also. Check them out!

6. BKXART @bethkweedaytattoo / Pale Noir Studios / @palenoirstudios / Rosa Illustration @rosa_illustration

These women all make absolutely amazing prints that all differ in style. Beth (bethkweedaytattoo) has just launched her new line of designs, 'Big Cats and Party Hats' and on her BigCartel shop (linked on her Instagram) you can buy notebooks and lighters with what has become her signature 'Fuck the Tories' prints on, make sure you giver her a follow as you have to be quick to get your hands on anything she releases as her art sells QUICK. 

Cerys at Pale Noir Studios makes all prints handmade to order you can request commissions via DM. She prints phrases as well as more intricate designs so whatever your style is she has you covered.

Rosa Illustration's work is super colourful and fun but often has strong political messages (a great combo in my opinion). She has made prints surrounding climate justice as well as calendars of powerful women and you can shop them in varying formats on her BigCartel shop linked in her Instagram. Rosa also does commissions that can be ordered by direct message on Instagram.

9. Chandler's @chandlersallerton / 194 Allerton Road

Chandler's is actually my favourite shop ever. It has everything you can ever think of or need and everything is so so so reasonable. I get all of my stationary/ packaging for my jewellery business from here as well as lots of houseplants and pots. They run regular competitions on their Instagram page and it is also one of the few shops apart from supermarket chains that are open right now so definitely go and check them out in person while you're on one of your daily walks.

Short but sweet post today but hope you found it useful nonetheless!! 

Comment your small/ local business favourites below! 

Rach x