This week’s blog post is a subject that really means a lot to Kathryn. SUPPORTING LOCAL AND SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS.
The power is in our hands as it is something that we can all do! “As someone who is running my own business, I cannot stress enough the importance of the support I receive from all you wonderful people!” Kathryn explains.
Now is the time to support our local businesses in any way we can and that does not always mean spending money. There are many other ways to help.
Firstly, when possible, share and engage with their social media. Small business put a lot of time, effort and creativity in uploading witty, jazzy and informative posts. Each like and share is greatly appreciated. Or, if you shy away from social (We get it!) then recommend to a friend. Word of mouth is invaluable and a recommendation from a happy customer is more powerful than any social post.
It’s true you know, the best inspiration comes from baking bread! While teaming up their creative talents (Baking and Art) Kathryn and her neighbour Stephen, who is head chef in a successful restaurant in Belfast, got to chatting about supporting local. So… keep your eyes peeled for a collaborative venture to run a competition.
Kathryn has reached out to other business including Mourne Dew Distillery, Simply Mourne, Blissful Blends, Trait Coffee, JN Wine, Cameron’s Landscaping and Urban SkinCare to create a Hamper of delights That can be won by one lucky individual.
Let’s introduce you to these businesses:
Mourne Dew Distillery is the first legal distillery to operate in the Mournes for many centuries. We are the inheritor of a distilling tradition that has endured through the tumultuous history of this great island.
From the high tables of the clergy; with drinks replete with exotic concoctions of luxurious ingredients reminiscent of a modern style gin, to the open hearth of the humblest cottiers where recipes for home made poitín using whatever ingredients their little farms could offer were passed from father to son.
When you next buy a bottle of Kilbroney Gin or The Pooka Irish Potin, then look out for Kathryn’s striking art on each label. (www.mournedew.com)
Simply Mourne is the studio of County Down artist Catherine Bradford. Her inspiration comes from her passion for nature – specifically the awe-inspiring landscape of her home near Northern Ireland’s majestic Mourne Mountains. Her unique pieces express beautifully observed moments of narrative through the slightest of touches. Allowing delicate dabs of paint and natural materials to reflect the joy found in the great outdoors, Catherine creates elegantly crafted artworks that are enjoyed every day, and treasured for a lifetime. Kathryn has admired Catherine’s work since the beginning and the two have met up at many exhibitions sharing tips and stories on growing their businesses over a meal and glass of wine! (www.simplymourne.com)
Urban Skincare & Beauty is a successful award winning salon in Comber. Helen, salon owner and dear friend of Kathryn’s, champions her team by saying “We have the curiosity to go further, the imagination to think bigger, the determination to try harder and the conscience to care more.”. (www.urbanskincare.co.uk)
Trait Coffee is a trendy cafe situated in Comber with speciality coffees, hot chocolates and treats. You can’t miss it with it’s colourful branded exterior and an Instagram to dazzle your eyes! (Check it out) Kathryn collaborated with Trait Coffee at her pre-renovation exhibition which was a great success. (Instagram/traitcoffee)
A Blissful Blend is a family run business in Donaghadee. A range of creams, balms and moisturising lotion bars made with totally natural oils and butters. Betty, the owner, explains “little did I know that in my quest to make a totally natural cream to help one of my grandchildren with her ‘itchies” that a small business would happen…” Kathryn met Betty at an accelerator course through Ulster Bank. (Facebook.com/a blissful blend)
JN Wines is an Independent wine merchant offering high quality wines sourced from family and artisan wineries around the world. The company, that was founded in 1977, supplies wine to the many of the finest restaurants and hotels across the island of Ireland and the UK. Kathryn has had a long and fruitful relationship with the team at JN Wines. From holding art exhibitions That were paired beautifully with JN Wines to designing the label for their in-house JN Sparkling.(www.jnwine.com)
Cameron Landscapes is a renowned Garden Centre nestled in gorgeous surroundings on the outskirts of Belfast. Upon entering you’ll find yourself winding past an unrivalled selection of stunning mature and semi-mature specimen trees and shrubs sourced from countries far and wide, or browse amongst our extensive range of garden furniture, barbecues, beautiful giftware and garden pots to compliment the home, indoors and out. Kathryn has worked on collaborations over the years with Shaun and Kathryn, the owners and is about to embark on another with her work being showcased throughout their premises. (www.cameronlandscapes.com)
So… keep your eyes peeled for a competition to win fabulous gifts from each of these businesses. The completion will be live next week. And remember… keep supporting local. Keep Supporting small.
Finally, a massive THANK YOU for all your support to date.