As we approach the end of the year, we are celebrating the small businesses featured on our platform over the past 12 months.
So if you are a last minute shopper, are looking for businesses to help kick off new year goals, or simply want to treat yourself, we’ve got you covered.
Beauty and Lifestyle section
Helm Wind Outdoor Skincare: If you are looking to get active in the new year, whether that be hiking, cycling, running or climbing, Helm Wind Outdoor based in Lancaster is a one stop shop for any outdoor sports skincare needs.
Let’s face it, Cumbrian weather is always inclement, leaving your skin exposed to the elements.
Thankfully the people at Helm Wind Outdoor Skincare have devised face, hair, hand and body products to combat anything the Cumbrian outdoors throws at it. @helmwindoutdoor
A selection of the products on offer from Helm Wind Outdoor
Heart Of Lotus Yoga: As we head into winter in January, our bodies are becoming more tense than ever to combat the cold winter days. Heart of Lotus Yoga is here to relieve some of that tension.
Based in Whitehaven, Heart of Lotus Yoga offers traditional yoga and breath based hatha yoga that can help you become more mindful when the gloomy January days become a bit much. @heartoflotusyoga
Breath in and breathe out- Heart Of Lotus Yoga can help you connect with mind, body and soul
Bath and body: Relax and unwind this winter with Eden Skies Soapery and Oak & Stone Organics.
For those who are environmentally conscious when it comes to bath, body and homeware these two businesses are a must.
Eden Skies Soapery is a woman led business that offers Vegan, Palm oil free and eco conscious packaged soaps and crystals perfect for a self care day. @eden.skies
To the moon and back! The soaps and crystals from Eden Skies
Oak & Stone’s offers bath salts, face cleansers and candles for some ‘me’ time in the bath and for every product purchased they plant a tree here in Cumbria! @oakandstoneorganics
Wanting to unwind this winter, then get yourself to Oak & Stone
Homeware section
The candle edit: Cumbria is home to some of the best handmade candle companies.
For fun, colourful and unique candles named after pop culture phenomena such as ‘watermelon sugar’ and the ‘polar express’, you should check out Fictionwicks who are based in Carlisle. @fictionwicks
To infinity and beyond! The colourful candles from Fictionwicks
For a sophisticated and luxurious looking candles, we’re pointing you in the direction of Solunar Wax who offer bespoke candles and some lush looking wax melts. Best of all you’ll be supporting a queer owned business. @solunar.wax
Is that white chocolate? No it’s the wax melts from Solunar Wax
If you are after seasonal and traditional candles then Roesk based in the Lake District have all the scents you could dream off such as mulled wine, Christmas pine and sea salt and sage. Hand poured by @roeskofficial
Whether you want the savour smell of sandalwood or the sweet scent of Rhubarb, Roesk has you covered
AlphaGray: We previously covered AlphaGray in response to Black Business Month in August and we’re featuring them on this list today because we were absolutely blown away by the beautifully handcrafted jesmonite incense holders, plates and trinkets they sell just waiting to find a place in your home.
Make your home a sanctuary for yourself and elevate your homeware with AlphaGray, who are based in Carlisle and ship nationally. @alphagrayart
The soft and earthy tones from Alpha Gray will compliment anyone's home
PawPrints3D: Do you love your pet? Do you like pop figures? Then fear not, PawPrints3D has your back.
They specialise in crafting sculptures and making art of your pooches and feline friends so you can play with your pet in miniature action figure form or have them as a novelty up on your shelves. It’s the purrfect gift for any animal lover. @pawprints3d
PawPrints3D caption: Our personal fave has to be the frenchie
Accessories section
Caitlin Daws Studio: We featured Caitlin’s shop all the way back in January, which sells funky, glittery and jesmonite earrings.
If you are into Astrology, nature and slogan earrings with a pop of colour then get yourself to Caitlins earring shop, you won’t be disappointed @caitlindawstudio
Sunshine and rainbows just some of the cute Earrings Caitlin makes by hand
More Glitter Dear: For those who love eclectic, kawaii, nostalgic and kitsch accessories then this sparkly and joyous shop you can find at Barrow markets might be for you.
Working with Resin, Acrylic and Clay you can find pins, necklaces and earrings for a bubblegum bitch aesthetic @more_glitter_dear
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of More Glitter Dear
Forever Green Crafts: Looking for jewellery and accessories that are all upcycled and zero waste? Then you should head to Carla Smithstones shop for their Cumbrian inspired green gifts.
Whether you love boho, or are in love with naturally sourced and nature influenced products, this shop is the best for plant and planet lovers. @forevergreencrafts
Woodn’t you want these hand made and sustainable earrings
Food section
The Bake District: With the New Year comes new beginnings and things to celebrate which is why we recommend you check out the Bake District who make cakes for all occasions.
Maybe you want to celebrate Veganuary with a vegan cake? Perhaps you’ll be celebrating finishing your degree later on in the year?
Whatever the occasion The Bake District has you covered with stunning cakes made locally in the Lakes. @the.bakedistrict
It may not be Easter but you’ll sure wish it was, get these delicious treats and so much more from the Bake District
Farrars Bakery: Fancying a sweet treat? Farrars Bakery based in Workington has you covered.
From sumptuous brownies, to mouthwatering blondies and personalised biscuits and cakes, Farrars has everything your cravings desire. @farrarsbakery
Eggcellent munchies and cookies, get yourself a sugar fix from Farrars
Dejabrew: Déjà Brew is one of the only places you can get Bubble Tea in the county. On top of that they offer up umami ramens to be served alongside the Bubble Tea flavour you decided to have.
The ramen is perfect for the colder nights we're heading into so get yourself down to Déjà Brew in Egremont just outside of Whitehaven. @dejabrew_uk
Afternoon tea done differently! Bubble tea and bubble waffles, what's not to love?
There were so many amazing small businesses to share this year. Here's hoping 2023 brings many more!