As a small business owner, I’m incredibly passionate about where the products I sell come from and how they’re made. Supporting UK manufacturing is something I take seriously, but I also believe in being transparent about the few items that aren’t made here.
In this post, I want to share the story behind the products in my shop, why “Made in the UK” is so important to me, and how I ensure that anything made overseas meets strict ethical standards.
Proudly Made in the UK
The majority of the products I sell are made right here in the UK, and I’m so proud of that. By supporting UK manufacturing, I’m not only helping to reduce the environmental impact of transporting goods long distances, but I’m also supporting local businesses, printers, and artisans.
✅ Cards and Stationery: All the cards I sell are printed in the UK, and I’m especially proud of the following which I also design myself:
- Gaelic cards
- Paper tape
- Letter writing sets
- Stickers
- Gift Wrap
Supporting UK printers helps me ensure high quality while keeping production close to home.
✅ Gifts and Homeware: Many of the other items in my shop are also made in the UK:
- Candles
- Jigsaws
- Stationery
- Soap
These are carefully crafted by British makers, supporting local industries and reducing carbon footprints. This means I can offer unique, beautifully designed pieces that support British makers and bring you something truly special.
When UK Manufacturing Isn’t an Option
There are some products, like plushies, that just can’t be manufactured in the UK. After doing plenty of research, I’ve found that there are simply no UK-based manufacturers creating soft toys affordably or at a price that consumers would buy.
For these items, I work with trusted UK companies like Wrendale Designs, who share my values. Wrendale produces everything it can in the UK, but for items like plushies, they’ve built strong relationships with ethical suppliers overseas.
These suppliers operate under strict policies to ensure fair working conditions, responsible sourcing, and high-quality craftsmanship. So even when a product isn’t made in the UK, I can be confident it’s been made thoughtfully and ethically.
Supporting Independent Artists and Ethical Practices
As a small business, I know firsthand how much love, time, and effort goes into creating something unique. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting independent artists, especially those whose cards and designs I proudly sell.
Unfortunately, the rise of platforms that allow the sale of products with stolen or copyrighted designs has made life even harder for these talented individuals. Organisations like the Greetings Card Association (GCA), which represents the UK’s greeting card industry, are working hard to protect these artists and tackle the growing issue of copyright breaches, but it remains an ongoing challenge.
I want to be clear: I don’t source products from platforms like Temu, as they’re known for hosting items that breach copyright, an issue that negatively impacts artists I proudly support. My goal is to support creators, not harm them. The last thing I would ever do is contribute to a problem that makes my fellow illustrators suffer, forcing them to spend precious time fighting to protect their livelihoods.
By choosing to stock cards and gifts from ethical and independent creators, I hope I’m helping to celebrate their work and ensure they’re properly supported.
Why Transparency Matters
I believe that being transparent isn’t just about sharing the story behind the products I sell; it’s also about being open to learning and improving.
Ethical sourcing is a journey, and I’m always researching to make sure the items in my shop align with my values. If new information ever comes to light that suggests something I’m selling doesn’t meet the ethical standards I strive for, I’d want to hear about it.
Likewise, if you know of alternative UK-based manufacturers or ethical suppliers for certain products, I’m always open to suggestions. Your feedback helps me grow and ensures that I’m providing the best options for my customers.
Want to Know More?
If you’re curious about a particular product or want to learn more about the brands I work with, I’d love to heard from you. I love sharing the stories behind the items I sell!
📍 And don’t forget to check out the shop for all my latest finds. Browse my full collection of UK-made and ethically sourced products here. – I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.
