4 Yorkshire-Based Small Businesses You NEED To Check Out!

I’m a huge advocate for supporting small businesses. So, if there’s an opportunity to rave about a small business I’m currently obsessing over, I’ll take it! Recently, I stumbled across all 5 of these Yorkshire-based small businesses thanks to one of my local markets, and now I’m officially hooked. From beautiful handmade soaps to luxuriously-smelling candles and beyond. If you’re also a lover of (Yorkshire-based or not!) small businesses, keep reading! I’m confident you’ll be searching for these companies once I bring them to your attention.

Ralph and Forest

After meeting the lovely duo who own this business, I can safety say I’m hooked. Not only do they share the name of another iconic duo from Gilmore Girls, they sell some pretty iconic coco soy wax candles that I’m loving. Their home decor is also absolutely gorgeous. They stand for ‘natural and sustainable homeware that not only looks good, but makes you feel good, too‘ – which is something we should all get behind.

Their bestsellers – their candles and wax melts – are what drew me to their brand. As a huge candle lover (she says with 10 empty candle jars sat on the landing ready to be recycled), I knew I wouldn’t be able to walk away without taking home a candle or two. My purchases included the ‘Black Orchid’ and Woodsmoke and Amber’ candles. Both of which smell absolutely divine. They have many others fragrances to choose from, so there’s absolutely something out there for you.

If you’re on the hunt for deliciously-smelling, luxurious yet affordable candles, look no further. Likewise, check out their homeware to spruce up your home with their cosy furnishing.

Pssst. Go shop their Autumn candle range here!

Elsie Moss Botanical

I’m a sucker for design and packaging – and that’s exactly what drew me to the Elsie Moss Botanicals stall. I’m also a sucker for soaps, so it wasn’t too hard to begin with! Out of all the handmade soaps on offer at the market, I was instinctively drawn to the peaceful yet beautifully handmade soaps from this company.

Elsie Moss’s kind-to-earth products are simply stunning. Not only are they cruelty free, vegan and contain zero endangered ingredients, they are absolutely a pleasure to use. Their range is growing, but currently features hand soaps, shampoo + conditioner bars, aromatherapy products, accessories and more. I got my hands on a beautiful Indian Summer Hand Soap and a cute little wooden soap holder to go with it. Both of which bring a smile to my face every time I use them.

If you’re into minimalist products that are kind to the planet and cute in your bathroom, head to Elsie Moss Botanical. You won’t be disappointed.

Kohler Floristry

Low maintenance nature strikes again! If plants aren’t your thing, what about dried flowerrs, instead?

Kohler Floristry took my breath away. Not only way their stall beautiful, but I wanted to buy literally everything in sight. From dried flower arrangements to beautiful wreaths to plant pots and more. If you too are a fan of gorgeous yet low-effort plants, give Kohler a glance!

I finally decided on a bouquet of dried flowers, which are currently sitting behind me on my rattan coffee table. And they look perfect. Look, you know me, I’m a huge fan of fresh flowers, but if you told me for the combined total of 3 supermarket bouquets I could get a simple yet elegant bouquet of dried flowers that’ll last me over a year, I’d bite your hand off instantly.

Luckily for you, Kohler do sell their bouquets online, however if you do get a chance to visit them at a market, I’d highly recommend it because their collections is beyond stunning. You can browse their store online here.

DIY Terrarium

As a new plant mom myself, I find it hard to remember to water my plants. I know!!! Don’t hurt me. But in-between the travelling and busy days, the last thing I think about is giving them some attention. If you’re like me, a terrarium could be the thing for you.

Amidst all the pre-made terrariums on their stall, I was drawn to one circular, globe-like terrarium which featured some white pebbles and a beautiful veined-leaf plant. I knew I had to have it. I made the rounds, telling myself that if the terrarium was still there, I’d buy it. When I returned to the stall, she was still there! And thank goodness for that! So, she now sits on my desk where I get to look at her and admire her daily.

The best thing about terrariums is that they’re so low maintenance. I have 2 large plants that currently sit in my second shower in my bathroom. This way, I have no excuse to water them. I just turn on the shower head and they’re taken care of. Likewise, it’s like having a mini jungle in my bathroom. They’re thriving so much better since I moved them there. A terrarium, on the other hand, is better in my opinion.

Inside the terrarium is a mini eco-system that functions all by itself. How amazing is that? All i need to do now is set a reminder on my phone to water it every year…

Shop DIY Terrarium’s range of pick-your-own to create-your-own terrariums here or choose from their pre-made terrariums, instead!

Which are some of your favourite small businesses? Comment below!