I have spoken to a few small businesses to get an idea of what the challenges are that they face when setting up their business. The creation of your own company from scratch can be difficult, especially when they have to compete with already established big name brands.
I thought this would be an important blog post with us now being in the run up to Christmas, as this can be the time that and businesses look to sell the most - but like I say big brands are in the way.
Source: Shes Sew Lovely (Instagram handle below)
Some small businesses have other jobs
As much as the owners of these brands would LOVE to work on their creations full time, they often have other full-time or part-time jobs. This means that their attention isn't always on replying to emails and Instagram DM's. Some also tend to hand make their products (depending on the type of business) - with these two factors combined, it can take a little longer for your products to get to you from the moment you order them. It can be easy to forget, but there is someone behind the Instagram profile who is taking orders and making and packaging and posting your parcel - if they take that little bit longer to reply, give them some time!
Sustainable items tend to be that little bit more expensive - but its all in good reason
I spoke to one small business, and she said she really struggles with the pricing of her items. She only set up her business this year, and since then the prices of sourcing her materials have gone up but she feels bad charging her customers more. When calculating how much to charge for a product, the business should be making a profit and also be paying their wage (hourly, per product etc). She went on to tell me that she doesn't pay herself for her time. For these types of company, it can be scary to raise costs because there is fear of losing sales - if a fast fashion company raised their prices would that stop people from buying from them?
Source: Holly Cornwall - Eco Wannabe (Instagram handle below)
Every business is unique in its own right
When I spoke to one small business owner, they told me how they feel the biggest challenge they face is comparing themselves to more established brands. It can be hard to create a unique brand and try to get customers when you are competing against already established brands! This specific brand chooses to let their brand grow organically and they let themselves express their creation by being authentic and doing what they love - let the consumer love your brand for you! If you see a new, smaller business finding their way or marketing in a slightly different way by each post, support them, support that and support by making a purchase from their shop!
Source: Shes Sew Lovely
Small businesses are new businesses
Many small businesses are only recently set up or may be in the process of still setting up - this means it can be difficult for them to start get a revenue flow since many of us have our go to stores for a lot of things, and they don't yet have that established customer flow. Many might not even come from a business background (such as business degree at university) and are taking this new step based on their love for doing something or their passion, so setting up a new, small business is a complete step in the dark - learning something so complicated such as business can be mind boggling and is super super difficult and frustrating, so why not buy from small businesses and support their hard work, creativity and perseverance?
There is a lovely small business community
From talking with some lovely small business owners, it is clear that there is a strong community of supportive like minded individuals who help each other out when it is needed. They all have a passion for what they do, and help those that are new to the community understand the ins and out, and guide them when they might feel a little bit lost. If you are thinking of setting up a small business don't be scared - check out those that I have listed at the end of this page as I am sure they would be happy to help, or message others who you take inspiration from or love following!
Source: MadeByTheLabel (Instagram handle below)
Concluding thoughts
Small businesses are the most creative, expressive and authentic businesses and are doing exactly what they love. They also tend to be the most lovely people and want to build relationships with both their customers and other businesses around them. It is genuine community that support each other and help them when they are struggling. And if that isn't enough reason for you to go and buy from their shops then I don't know what is. Many of them can feel super overwhelmed when they are setting up their businesses but they push through and get there, and the outcome is something super amazing and in the end their vision shines through.
My favourite comment from the conversations I had: "Every time someone purchases one of my designs I do a lil happy dance! 💃🏼 it's honestly so rewarding". Please, please buy from small businesses, especially this Christmas season.
I spoke to some wonderful people to create this blog post, and you should 100% go check out their pages and go give them a follow. Their Instagram handles are listed below:
@shes_sew_lovely
@eco.wannabe/ @thecornishhighstreet
@madebythelabel
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