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 I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small
business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me introduce
Louise Stout Founder and CEO of Vegan Good Life, she says –
 |
| Michelle Louise Stout - Founder & CEO |
WELCOME TO VEGAN GOOD LIFE OF YORKSHIRE. A Dairy-Free
Chocolate & Marzipan Company and Ethical Higher Consciousness Living.
We are a heart-centred business of creativity, love,
value and contribution. Passionate about all things vegan and our decadent
dairy-free vegan chocolate that is better for you. We care about people, the
animals, and this beautiful planet earth. We are proud and passionate about our
hand-crafted chocolates and sculptured gifts, sweet vegan treats that are loved
by many across the United Kingdom. We
produce in small batches so they always arrive at your door nice and fresh and
at their very best. Our chocolates and sculptures are lovingly hand-made with
expertise care and attention by our chocolate connoisseurs with many years’
experience (myself included). We know a thing or two about creating delicious
vegan chocolate that is none bitter, and our marzipan sugar craft design modelling.
Therefore you can expect a high quality and delicious intensity product.
 |
| Peanutbutter & Jelly - my fav! |
Human beings can live and be healthy without killing and
enslaving animals. One who eats animal flesh participates in taking life merely
for the sake of appetite". The
kindest thing you can do for animals is to refuse to eat them! Health and
well-being from a heart centred perspective, mind body and spirit are important
to us, as are the animals, the planet and making a difference. I cannot thank
you enough for caring about the message that we are all trying to give the
world. There is no greater gift than to
give yourself the gift of health and well-being, and to know that you are not
contributing to the cruelty and untold suffering of the beautiful creatures
that we share this planet with. We are inspired to take action against the
cruelty to animals where ever it occurs in the world and by promoting the vegan
lifestyle. To live without a vision is to live without a purpose. It is not so
much the length of life, but the depth of life lived with enthusiasm and
passion to make a difference. Vegan Good Life was born out of deep love and
desire to help as many animals around the world as possible to stop their abuse
and slaughter. We are ethically and passionately driven to make a difference
for animals, people and the planet.
Choosing to buy animal friendly products benefits everything everywhere
and vitally important your health, well-being and spirit.
My own personal story and journey to becoming vegan was a
work in progress, conscience versus social programming and brainwashing. Long before hearing and learning about the
huge health benefits of a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, it was the witnessing of
horrific cruelty to animals across a vast spectrum that brought about my switch
to an all vegan diet. I knew deep down it was the right thing to do giving up
eating animals, and wearing fashion clothing, accessories made from leather,
wool. and cosmetics, perfumes that animals are used, tested on and horrifically
exploited and murdered for...the list goes on..
History, religion, social, cultural programming passed on
from generation to generation is the main reason evil continues across the
globe. We are harming this planet and in the process harming ourselves! We must
start taking a deeper look into our own habits and beliefs if we want a better
world for ourselves, our children, the animals, the Oceans and all life on this
beautiful blue planet. A worldwide
movement is underway and when we all come together, this dreadful horror house
of slaughter and injustice will be dramatically reduced and eventually faded
out from the mainstream. It will no
longer be considered 'Vogue' to eat animal flesh or wear clothing and other
items made from them. The chefs of tomorrow will become creative vegans
producing menu wonders that we have yet to experience, in place of the current
flow of promoting animal slaughter, bloodshed and suffering for their dishes.
And the same holds true for the fashion and beauty industry. The planet will
begin to heal and human beings will become healthier in mind, body and spirit
and truly start evolving for the better. We will have more love and less hate
around the world.
Being compassionate was high on my list of things to do,
it was a spiritual choice. It's a disgrace what is happening to the animals on
our planet, and also to many people around the world. A heart breaker and I say that in the deepest
sense. So I plead to everyone that has
eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that feels to take a second look into the
eyes of the suffering animals around the world and take a stand for what is
RIGHT !
What does 'Love' and Compassion' really mean, if you
don't extend it to include other creatures on the planet? They are not separate
from you, and you are not separate from them.. everything in the universe is
connected.
'YOU' THE EVERY DAY CONSUMER HAVE THE POWER TO TURN THE
TIDE, AND THOUSANDS, THEN MILLIONS WILL ALSO JOIN 'YOU' AND THIS IS HOW ALL
THINGS IN HISTORY GOT CHANGED. STEP INTO 'YOUR' POWER
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE POWER OF ONE. YOU & ME!
To all the vegan's reading this, I salute you and thank
you from the depths of my heart. To
those who do feel and care, but have yet to make the connection and
commitment. Please try to keep the
awareness that an animal’s life is just as precious as your own. Animals feel
fear and pain and desire comfort and love just like you do.
REMEMBER: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere." Martin Luther King Jr
Those neat packets of flesh in the supermarkets and the
butchers are filled with horror, cruelty and untold suffering. Keep this in
mind the next time you shop.
THINK VEGAN, THINK HEALTH, THINK POWER, THINK LOVE..
Our Vision & Mission is to develop a rescue haven for
these wonderful creatures that are disregarded by humanity as a whole! We are
working to turn the tide and reverse this current reality.
Tel: 01482 852899
Text: 07952824971
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