Small Business Saturday - Karma Feeling.......

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday -

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

 3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

 5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday for the next month I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me introduce Karma Feeling -

I first came across the gorgeous Beverley based brand through my yoga teacher and quickly fell in love with everything I saw. From the stunning jewellery to soy based eco-friendly candles I wanted it all. By their own admission everything they sell is made with love, positive vibes and with the greater good in mind.

They launched in 2013 with the ‘design your own’ crystal bracelet service which gives people the ability to design their own unique piece of jewellery using our crystal prescription lists.  I fell in love with this idea and made my appointment without hesitation. Founder and owner Gaynor made me feel so welcome in her beautiful home and we had a lovely afternoon making my bespoke bracelet, which I still wear daily. A range of ‘ready to wear’ men’s and women’s bracelet collections followed for those who wanted a piece of jewellery for a specific purpose along with our Angel Wing Rosary beads. Handmade soy eco candles (suitable for vegans) were added to the range in 2014.  Karma Feeling love candles but didn’t want to burn ones that were made from paraffin and might contain nasty stuff like lead and parabens.  They also care passionately about animals and wanted to make sure that no ingredients had been tested on them.   They now hand-make all of the candles themselves so they know what’s in them and they smell lush! Their newest addition to the brand is the clothing range.  You can’t beat a good tee and tote but the fashion industry is sadly renowned for damaging the environment and not being particularly nice to its employees.  It took them a while but they found the perfect products which are organic, don’t affect the environment and are fair trade. They are assured that all the people who work hard to make them are given decent pay and do not work excessive hours.  Some items, like the slogan totes, are made from recycled organic cotton and plastic – even better for the planet!