Well what a great start to the year it’s been, wouldn’t you agree? I said to myself January and 2019 in general, there were going to be lots of changes. I wanted to make sure I made more time for my family, spending quality time with them, but also trying to support as many other small businesses as I can throughout 2019. I am a firm believer that if we are all doing a job we love and supporting each other as much as we can, everyone can reach the point where they are full time self-employed (if that’s your dream, I know its not for everyone) and happy and content with their life and not really having to feel like they are “working” every day.
As you all know I try to buy as many of my outfits, props and accessories from other small handmade businesses and business mums, as much as I can to show them some support. I’ve already built a beautiful collection of headbands, of which I am totally in love with and use on every newborn shoot.
I have also just invested in these adorable felt dogs, I mean who doesn’t love a felted animal! They are produced by my very talented friend and I can’t wait till they arrive in the studio and I can do a mini photoshoot with them and show you all!
Another new investment are these crochet beauties while many people crochet beautiful teddies there is one American company I’ve found that I would love to purchase from, called Cuddle and Kind. The amazing thing about this company is that by purchasing one of the teddies it means you are giving 10 meals to a child. Every meal for the child means they are getting the nutrition they need to face a long school day and may be the only decent meal they receive that day. A very worthy cause as a mother of two boys myself.
If you know of any other small businesses that make beautiful props, outfits or accessories I can use in my studio then please link their pages/insta tags below for me to take a look at. Also any companies that donate some of their profits to charities would be amazing!
As you all know I also love other mums businesses pages that don’t make things I use in my studio and this month I’m loving a few in particular!
Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee
This lady is hilarious and says it like it is, with all those parenting fails, stresses but also lots of useful information about events and businesses in Plymouth. She is defiantly worth a follow and a read of her blog posts, as they will make you laugh.
Another wonderful lady is The Handmade Nursery Company producing the most amazing wooden names and building blocks in any colour you desire for that authentic nursery touch.
Her Facebook link is www.facebook.com/handmadenursery
Next up is another favourite of mine, Totally Loving Crochet By Emma, where my wonderful little Octopi are from! She makes hats, mittens and booties and well as toys and blankets and much more all in fabulous colours.
A shout out to a new business, Belle Events who have just set up an event planning company locally, tailoring to your event needs and hiring needs! Give this wonderful page a like and help spread the word and create bookings!
I’ve been going to Pilates with Cassie classes and these are amazing, but hard work! I recommend to everyone to come and try her classes as you feel SO amazing afterwards! Pilates is fantastic for core strength and toning which is great for us mums!
Also One Fit Mama has fabulous circuit classes that you can bring your little ones along too as well! This is such a fantastic idea for mums who struggle with childcare and finding time to go to the gym!
Let’s spread the word for all small businesses like me and keep up the power of fighting against the big retailers that end up forcing small businesses to close down unnecessarily.
Don’t forget I’m booked up so far in advance this year already that as soon as you know your due date please book In with me to avoid disappointment. Spread the word and remember I also do gift cards which make the perfect gift for baby showers and newborn baby gifts.
Michelle
Little Star Images
xoxo