I spend a lot of my week thinking about what it means to run a small business, so lately I have been paying attention to where my own money goes. I have bought from some lovely New Zealand makers, and I would like to tell you about them.
It started with pearls. I found Jennifer Heath Pearls and came away with two pairs of earrings and a pendant. What drew me in was that they were not only the classic creamy pearls. Jennifer has them in other colours too, and the ones I fell for were a creamy pink. Some of the pearls are not round at all. They are irregular, each one a slightly different shape, and I think that is what makes them so beautiful. You can see her work at jenniferheathpearls.co.nz.
Closer to my own world, Silver Point Art Supplies in Dunedin is where my travel journal covers came from. It is also where I bought one of my Tom’s Studio pens, which I use every day.
I also bought candles from Beckah Hunt, who makes them from beeswax in her home workshop in Takapau, Hawke’s Bay. I bought them as a gift, though I am tempted to keep them for myself. You can find her at beckah.co.nz.
Then there is The SASS Practice, which is quirky in the best way. It is a deck of cards about ageing disgracefully, and it asks you to dream, question and laugh. You can play on your own, with friends or as a challenge. I think it suits a lot of us who are getting a bit older, and I am enjoying it.
At the market last weekend I watched Christina from Memoria Magnet Company at work. She makes magnets from your own photographs, and I am gathering photos of my granddaughter so I can order some. Her website is memoriamagnetcompany.co.nz.
If you have bought from a small business and enjoyed it, a review on Google or their website makes a real difference. It helps other people decide whether a small shop is worth trusting, and it means a great deal to the person behind it.
If you are looking for something for Christmas, you can see my own designs in my shop.