45 Amazing Small Brands You Can Check Out This Year And Beyond

Small brands, big impact.

Last year was difficult to say the least, and I spent it trying to appreciate the little things – going on walks with my mum, perfecting my bread-making skills, and discovering tons of amazing UK-based small brands to shop from!

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Some of these brands have flourished while others have struggled during these turbulent times, but one thing remains true for all: consumer support – especially via their online platforms – is more important than ever.

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Shopping from independent businesses isn’t just good for your conscience, either – their products and services tend to be of a high quality, sustainable, eco friendly, and crafted with love (usually accompanied by a personal note to boot)!

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So I've rounded up a few of these fab brands below, just in case you needed a little inspo:

1. Bookshop.org

Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeeed

This amazing website provides an online platform for small, local bookshops to easily sell their stock online. They stock pretty much any book you can think of, and the best thing is you’ll only have to pay one delivery fee – even if your order contains multiple books. They’ve raised over £700k for independent bookshops already, despite only having launched in November 2020!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

2. Kuki Candles

Kuki Candles

They make natural, hand-poured soy wax candles that are infused with the most gorgeous scents imaginable – I’m talking lychee, mandarin, and coconut kinda levels! The larger candles have wooden wicks that give a comforting ‘crackle’ as they burn, reminiscent of sitting by the fireside. The scents are both uplifting and powerful, lingering for ages after the flame is blown out.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

3. Happy’s Bakery

Happy's Bakery

This London-based bakery makes seriously delicious brownies and custom-made celebration cakes delivered right to your door. I’ve tried the cookie dough brownies, which were *just* the right level of gooeyness and came in THE most beautiful vintage-cereal-box-style packaging. There are lots of yummy flavours to choose from, including gluten-free and vegan options!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

4. Emolyne Cosmetics

Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

They specialise in lip and nail kits to suit every skin tone. The colourways range from statement reds to any shade of nude you could imagine – the Cape Town set (that I'm wearing here) is the ideal summery red shade. The lipstick and lip liner went on so smoothly and I was impressed with how well the colours matched! Also, can we please talk about how gorgeous and fun this lipstick packaging is?

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

5. Jacqueline Colley

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Jacqueline makes amazing printed pieces. Her designs are both unique and honestly stunning – they have a sort of vintage style which is contrasted by a special neon paint that makes the colours really pop! I asked for this ‘Creative Juice’ print for Christmas and it came beautifully wrapped up with a sweet note – I’ve popped it on my home office desk for a bit of motivation.

Check out her Etsy page here, and her Instagram here.

6. Sarv's Slice

Sarv's Slice

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Sarv makes the most INCREDIBLE pizza I've ever tasted. There's something in the verdure sauce in particular that lives in my mind rent free. He also makes amazing desserts, so if you're local to the Hanger Lane area in London, this small business is definitely worth checking out!

You can order directly through his Instagram page here for collection or local delivery.

7. Ninety Percent

Ninety Percent

This London-based sustainable womenswear brand share an impressive 90% of their profits between charitable causes and those who make their collections happen. Their “planet comes first” ethos is obvious from the eco-friendly materials they source to the timeless styles and high quality that makes their clothes so sustainable!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

8. Yope

Yope

They’re a skincare and homeware brand that uses 98% natural and minimally-processed ingredients to create products that are kind to the skin and the environment without breaking the bank! They’re available to buy via a few online retailers including Feelunique, AfterBeauty, Amazon, and Waitrose.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

9. ST Essentials

ST Essentials

They make loose pigments and shimmering body gels using an ultra fine biodegradable glitter that comes in a range of utterly stunning shades to suit every skin tone. The versatile pigments can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and even highlighter when mixed with your favourite moisturiser!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

10. Black Sunrise

Black Sunrise

They make hats, caps, and hoodies that are lined with satin to help prevent hair breakage and protect your scalp, edges, and hairstyle! Their wooly hats are perfect for this time of year, and their ‘half cap’ is perfect for showing off your curls in the summer months!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

11. Evermade

Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

This Brighton-based design studio and online store work with exceptional artists from around the world to create unique limited-edition prints that you won’t find anywhere else! They also put together regular collections where 100% of profits go to worthy charities – my personal favourite is the Rainbow of Hope collection, which is dedicated to supporting frontline NHS workers.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

12. Guy Morgan Apothecary

Guy Morgan Apothecary

They’re a luxe-yet-affordable skincare brand that uses only ethically-sourced organic, vegan, and wild-grown ingredients in their products. Because they're highly selective with what they put into their products, you just know they're gonna be of an amazing quality!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

13. My Positivity Cards

My Positivity Cards

They make gorgeous and uplifting affirmation cards for kids – the lil’ heroes of which are Idil and her little brother Ilmi. The illustrations are colourful, clear, and engaging, so excuse me while I buy a bunch for all my nieces and nephews that are yet to be born!

You can order directly through their Instagram here.

14. Basicly

Basicly

They stock clothing that’s sustainable, ethically made, and affordably priced. Their timeless styles fall under the ‘high quality basics’ category, so they’ll pair easily with the more trend-led pieces in your wardrobe!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

15. Nabz Saad

Nabz Saad

They make beautifully-printed clothing and accessories. Their aim? To “empower women, one piece of clothing at a time” – i.e., important content. All of their pieces are ethically handmade in London by a team of talented seamstresses, and their colourful printed fabrics are sourced both from the UK and Zanzibar.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

16. The Norah Store

The Norah Store

They’re a carefully-curated sustainable clothing store that source their pieces from independent makers and designers who champion slow fashion and sustainability.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

17. Chinutayco

Chinutayco

Created by fashion and lifestyle blogger Manal (AKA Chinutay), this brand makes reusable face masks that are hijab-friendly and made from 100% pure Mulberry silk for all those fab skincare benefits!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

18. Kiya Cosmetics

Kiya Cosmetics

With an ethos of ‘clean, simple beauty’, they make all-natural beauty products to help keep your skin and hair nourished and healthy! Standout products include their best-selling hair growth oil and collection of whipped shea butters – the natural ingredients make their products great for kids, too!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

19. Gardners Cookies

Gardners Cookies

I’m so impressed with the quality of these handmade quirky iced shortbread cookies! They stock large selection boxes, letterbox-friendly sets, and individual cookie greeting cards that are perfect for gifting. BTW, can we please talk about how hilarious some of these designs are?

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

20. Kaniya Cares

Kaniya Cares

Their edge ~elixir~ roll-on is infused with real 24K gold! It locks in moisture and stimulates the hair follicles to promote maximum edge growth. They also stock fluttery faux mink lashes that come with a growth-boosting lash and brow serum.

You can order directly through their Instagram here.

21. Talula Little

Talula Little

This family-run company makes eco-friendly and ethically-crafted clothing for babies and toddlers. Their motto is “buy less, wash more”, which they live up to via their robust, high quality clothing that’s designed to grow with your little one!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

22. TALOU

Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

They sell handmade smudge sticks, essential oil roll-ons, scented candles, and more – all with an aim to create a relaxing space and uplifting atmosphere whenever they’re used. I bought my mum two sage smudge sticks for Christmas to ~cleanse~ the house’s energy ready for the new year, and they were affordable, beautifully made, and really easy to use!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

23. Aronsè Cosmetics

Aronsè Cosmetics

They make luxe-yet-affordably-priced makeup that looks good on EVERY skin tone! Their best-selling eyeshadow palette is only £20(!) and will help you create endless Insta-worthy ~lewks~.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

24. Sancho's

Sancho's

This sustainable clothing brand has a ‘transparent pricing’ model, where you can choose from three different prices for the same product and pay what you can! If you choose to spend more, you can give someone else the opportunity to spend less – how lovely is that?

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

25. Télle Moi

Télle Moi

They produce vegan, non-toxic, hand-mixed nail polishes in shades of nude that are specially designed for deeper skin tones. They currently stock 12 nude shades (which are free from the usual pinky undertones) and a range of limited edition trend-led colours.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

26. Dogsnug

Dogsnug

If you’re after some quirky, stylish, and functional coats and accessories for your furry-yet-fashionable pal, then look no further! All of Dogsnug’s products are handmade in London, mostly using locally sourced materials, and the designs are too cute to pass up.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

27. BeardConnecx

BeardConnecx

They specialise in natural beauty products for people with beards – including balms, combs, and their best-selling beard filler pencil to help get that shape-up even while the barbers are closed. They regularly partner with mental health and wellbeing charities, too!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

28. PRICK

PRICK

They’re a London-based boutique that sells cacti and other succulent plants alongside colourful prints and accessories. Their plants are reasonably-priced, come safely packaged, and will be sure to brighten up your home during the greyer months!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

29. Luliu

Luliu

They make delicious spices, sauces, and infused olive oils – the gorgeous packaging of which makes them perfect for gifting to your foodie friend!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

30. Sister & Co.

Sister & Co.

They make luxe-looking beauty products that, in their words, “don’t cost the earth”! Among their many eco-friendly products are their beautifully-designed Clean Candles. They're made using a blend of coconut and rapeseed wax, and can be bought as refills so you can reuse your existing candle jar once it’s finished!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

31. Tribal Unicorn

Tribal Unicorn

They make gorgeous hand-poured scented candles and wax melts. Seriously – these might just be the most beautiful candle designs I’ve ever seen! You can also check out their Instagram for some seriously satisfying videos of the wax melts being made.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

32. Beevive

Beevive

This wholesome company sells bee revival kits and other accessories so you can help our buzzy lil’ friends when you’re out and about! The kit comes in the form of a lightweight keyring, so you’ll likely have it on you when you most need it.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

33. Conservatory Archives

Conservatory Archives

They sell stunning tropical plants and cacti! If you’re in need of a lil’ mood booster, give one of their London boutiques a visit once things open back up – they’re almost overwhelmingly beautiful.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

34. Jollie's Socks

Jollie's Socks

They make cute, quirky, and sustainably-knitted socks. They have a new range that’s made using mostly recycled materials, and – most importantly – for every pair sold, a pair is donated to a UK-based shelter.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

35. Hvndmxde

Hvndmxde

They hand draw the most stunning and *truly* personal cards I’ve ever seen – I mean, look at the detail!

You can order directly through their Instagram here.

36. Bec & Bon

Bec & Bon

They produce stunning face masks and pillowcases using 100% pure Mulberry silk. The designs are subtle yet stylish, and very reasonably priced considering the quality!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

37. Discovered Beauty

Discovered Beauty

They offer a monthly subscription box that includes at least four hand-picked luxe beauty products. Their carefully selected picks are suitable for all skin tones and aim to help you discover new brands as well as rediscover oldies but goodies.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

38. Amanita Designs

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Amani creates handmade face masks, accessories, and sustainable homeware. Her prints are beautifully unique and carefully crafted – especially her eco-friendly nursing pads, which are made using organic cotton and absorbent charcoal fleece.

Check out her Etsy page here, and her Instagram here.

39. Nai.tural Organic Skincare

Nai.tural Organic Skincare

They make high-quality vegan face masks, cleansers, oils, and much more. Their turmeric range (including a hydrating sheet mask) is packed full of antioxidant-rich ingredients!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

40. We Are Hairy People

We Are Hairy People

Run by a team of freelance artists, they sell beautiful handmade, hand painted, and hand dyed clothing, and also do custom designs (such as pet portraits) on pieces you already own!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

41. West Room Aesthetics

West Room Aesthetics

Created by skin health expert Dija Ayodele, they provide bespoke consultations to help point you towards products that are best for your unique skin concerns. They’ve recently launched a ‘Skincare Heroes’ box that’s full of handpicked products designed specifically for skin of colour.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

42. Just Daydreaming

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Claire makes hand-designed cards, prints, jewellery, and more from her Brighton-based studio. The sustainably-made designs have an uplifting signature style – I'm personally obsessed with this motivational hamster print (pictured right).

Check out her Etsy page here, and her Instagram here.

43. Island Play Cosmetics

Island Play Cosmetics

This vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand sells makeup and skincare that celebrates all things Carribean – from their fun product names to their blendable eyeshadows that come in colourful and complementary colours.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

44. Awa Bittaye

Awa Bittaye

They create luxe handmade clothing that comes beautifully packaged and would make an excellent treat for yourself or as a gift!

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

45. Urban Proverb

Urban Proverb

They sell a range of natural and sustainably-sourced beauty products that are specially designed for sensitive skin, including a stimulating coffee scrub and nourishing body butter.

Check out their website here, and their Instagram here.

From shoppable websites to Instagram pages that’ll point you in the right direction, there are lots of platforms that do all the hard small-brand-finding work for you – here are just a few of them:

✨Jamii ✨ – for making buying from black-owned brands easier than ever! You can get their discount card for money off tons of businesses (including Black Sunrise, Kiya Cosmetics, Nabz Saad, and much more).

✨Buyitblackowned ✨ – for more incredible black-owned businesses you can support!

✨Know The Origin ✨ – for a reliable roundup of sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical small brands.

✨Female Founder Finder ✨ – for a range of impressive female-owned businesses.

✨Itsblackowned ✨ – for even more amazing black-owned brands!

✨Yard + parish ✨– for luxury and eco-conscious black-owned companies.

✨Beunica ✨– for sustainable pieces from luxury independent brands.

✨Lone Design Club ✨ – for unique products made by independent designers, with regular pop-ups to check out once shops open again.

And there are of course other ways to show your support that don’t involve spending any money! You can follow their social pages, like and save their posts, and share their content with your own followers. This really boosts their engagement, which in turn helps others find out about (and hopefully shop from) them.

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Have you discovered any amazing small brands lately? Share them in the comments section below so more people can check them out – they might even end up in a future BuzzFeed post!