This year has seen some of the biggest shifts of our generation. Who remembers seeing a post on New Year’s Day that read ‘2020 the year of 20/20 vision’? Well In some strange way that post has been one of the most poignant ones of the year. As the year has progressed, restrictions tightened and the plot thickened, we soon came to the conclusion that 2020 is the year of hindsight. And hindsight is a beautiful thing. It teaches us appreciation, gratitude, and willpower. It gives us strength.
Whilst it’s been a challenging year for so many, there have also been lots of positives. Topics overlooked by the masses such as diversity, inclusion, and transparency, have all been brought to the table. Scotland has become the first country to add LGBTI to its curriculum, the UK now has a black pound day on the first Saturday of every month, and the special needs initiative ‘Growth for Africa‘ was created.
Though it feels like we’re headed in the right direction, we are aware that we still have a long way to go. So in order to continue the conversation, we spoke to a few diverse and inclusive businesses to see what their take on 2020 was.
Fundi Box: For Comfort Smithson, starting up her own business during the pandemic has been somewhat of a blessing. The slow pace allowed her to carefully navigate and work out her best route for getting set up. As a natural creative, comfort was able to channel that energy into her African inspired subscription boxes, known as Fundi Box. Whilst it can be tough being a one-woman team, she loves being able to share her passion and enable others to get creative. To sign up for next months subscription, click here.
Rosiecakes Boutique: Disability awareness advocate and Rosiecakes Boutique owner, Rosie Jones, began making Harry Potter themed accessories from resin in 2017. These evolved from there into the jewellery and art pieces she makes and sells today. Covid-19 and lockdown earlier this year, allowed Rosie the time to focus and further expand her business. Dealing with daily chronic pain and Dyspraxia, mean that the fiddly tasks such as putting the hardware and jewellery parts together are painful and take a long time. But with every sale made, brings a sense of accomplishment and Rosie has now sold over 600 pieces. To check out some of her work, head to her Etsy page.
SuperSapiens: Is the name of the inspiring family-friendly card game, created by Oxford Uni academics and parents Arhut and Alexa. The lack of representation in their daughter’s games became the driving force to create SuperSapiens, based on 12 real superheroes and inspiring women from around the world. Using a conscious supply chain, involving 80% of black businesses, SuperSapiens donates 75% of all profits to organizations led by black indigenous and People of colour (BIPOC). Whilst this year has seen a positive impact on their business, with support from Oxford University and Schools, It is their hope for SuperSapiens to be used in all British Schools in 2021.
Entrepreneurs Against the Odds: After setting up her own business whilst managing several chronic illnesses, Sarah Berthon noticed a lack of advice for anyone in her position. In fact, some of the advice that was available could even have been harmful to her health. And so she set up a free Facebook group Entrepreneurs Against the Odds, to support business owners with chronic illnesses, providing them with a safe space to grow their business whilst taking care of their health. This year has seen the start of lots of businesses which has meant steady continued growth for EATO. Sarah hopes to be able to help more people in 2021 and also work with businesses to support their employees with chronic illnesses.
Simply Noir was launched in August 2020, fuelled by the momentum of BLM, Grace and her husband Leon wanted to create a platform to make shopping with black-owned businesses more accessible. Their ever-expanding business now has 45 businesses on its platform with over 400 products available. With a focus on amplifying the black community, Simply Noir is currently working towards the launch of their new app and hopes to one day be featured in Vogue. To become a seller or join the community, click here.
Our small business was established in 2012, and whilst we’re still small, our market research has continued to grow from strength to strength. In times such as these, we want to do everything we can to support other small independent businesses, particularly those who need it most. We’re not affiliated in any way with the above businesses. Nor, do we receive any affiliated fees if you decide to book or use the services of the above businesses. We are simply providing a spotlight to show our support for fellow small businesses. Would you like to have your business featured in our spotlight? If so please contact hayley@gopodengo.com.