In my previous post I mentioned I am going to a Small Business Sunday Winners event hosted by Theo Paphitis. The former dragon of Dragons Den and multiple business owner.

We started off a tad flustered as our usual car park was shut, but hadn’t said so online. Cue getting there by skin of our teeth.

Found out after the fact 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ we grabbed a coffee (holy Christ it was strong!!) Met a long time friend and fellow winner, caught up a bit. Then we sat down ready for the day to start. We also had a fruit pot to nibble. Met Inks Stickers and Art (someone I’ve been buying off for a while now, I love her work!! Find her here

On twitter (feels too weird to say X) I saw someone making postcards that perfectly embodied today’s event, and I really wanted one, I somehow explained where I was, and success! Lovely chat too Find her here

Kypros kicks off the start and it’s so good to be here again, Theo then takes to the stage and tells us all what’s happening for the day. Also then had a Google AI presentation, and then time for a comfort break. But no coffee was allowed 🥺 had to dash to Starbucks downstairs for one instead. (That’s new not having coffee available at this moment)

Next up was our Susan Bonnar, Dottie Designs as I first met her. My first sbs friend, so it was inspiring to hear her tell her story to everyone. From small business stay at home mum, to owner of The British Craft House.

And then onto NatWest presentation ana the 3 people speakers they brought up were enlightening, inspiring engaging and I just absolutely loved them. Especially Shalom’s skincare journey.

We had a lunch break, grabbed what we could to eat.

Thinking we could pop to the car to drop off stuff, as dessert may come out a bit later, we headed off. BIG MISTAKE, ended up missing out on that entirely. And shockingly no wine this year either!! Boooo

After a really nice lunch, stretch the legs, walk around, we tried coffee here again, but it was too bitter and strong for me this time. We sat down again to get ready for Stacey Solomon, who was an incredible inspiring speaker, if you didn’t love her before, you certainly would after this.

What a day, I loved it from start to finish. Always busy, and buzzing. Never enough time to see or speak to everyone sadly, and if I didn’t have anxiety that would be good. But I got a photo with a long time bestie and that was my absolute highlight. To see her and her husband before their bundle of joy arrives 💖💖💖💖💖

Oh and not to forget the goodie bag they give you too!!

Way back to 2012 1st April I won an #SBS award, created by Former Dragons Den Star, Theo Paphitis. An award and about out for your business as chosen by Mr P himself. What was a small collection of us at home business club of winners, has now become a huge family with an amazing array of businesses.

We haven’t been for a while since 2020, from lockdown, covid restrictions and then surgeries and life have stopped us. So it feels crazy to go back

When I went to my first #sbs event I met Susan Bonnar with her crafting business, and now all these year later, she is now a guest speaker!! To tell us all how she went from handmade wedding books to being a Founder and Owner of a selling website, that rivals Etsy. The British Craft House, chock-full of Artists and Artisans. You can click Here to visit the site.

Here is me back in 2012 when I won it, funny to think I’ve had 8 ish surgeries since then too.

The sponsors, the collaborations and speakers are amazing, always good to listen to them, and get advice.

So all the prep to get ready, try some clothes on as I’m usually in sweatpants and leggings lately. So nothing smart and office attire has been worn for a long long time. I decided I just had to re pink my hair as it was looking tired and some orange patches are coming through.

But it’s not terrible, so just a quick freshen up, as the last time I did it was October 2023 so it is lasting well, except near the ears. As that gets the most sunlight and heat.

Nails to wear for the event as well. Really looking forward to seeing my Bestie KCK Gifts and her husband, as we’ve not seen each other for years.

I love supporting Small businesses and I’m a part of two small business groups, one is #MHHSBD which is My Helpful Hints Small Business Directory Available here, and #sbs Small Business Sunday with Theo Paphitis, as I too am a small business (hobbyist) *I do not personally gain anything from promoting and sharing business, gifts and shops*

I’ve made tonnes of friends along the way, and it’s changed how I buy Christmas and birthday gifts, as now I love supporting fellow small business with their unique and one off gifts, instead of mass production products. So this gift guide is solely featuring shopping small.

Find this amazing Art Available Here prices for art ranges from £14.50 to £25.00

This is Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue They are a Husband and Wife team who make hand made items including sewn items and the unique postage stamp art.. All proceeds from these sales will go directly to Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue, A non profit organisation who have a volunteer network across the UK. I can’t think of a better way to spoil a dog lover, buy them a gift and they also are helping rescue dogs too 💖

Canvas art, notebooks and greeting cards Available Here prices range from £6.00 to £15.00

A little bit of love in every make! This is A Canvas A Day Back in 2018 she set herself a challenge to create a mixed media canvas every day for a year!. She smashed that challenge and a couple more similar ones since.
However, whilst viewing this beautiful shop, you will come across jewellery, keyrings, bookmarks, embroidery, cards and my wonderful art! Jill particularly enjoy animals and nature and you will find that many of the pieces encompass both of these subjects! Absolutely stunning, especially the butterfly art canvases.

From custom pieces and original art Available Here prices range from £15.00 to £30.00

The Oaks Art- Jasper is a self taught artist just trying to show the world their work.
Jasper had started teaching himself to draw when he found himself in a job that afforded him a bit of spare time too.
All of their artwork is done using pencil and pastel generally focusing on the female form as well as animals and nature. The faceless women have become a bit of a signature of my work.
Jasper has found doing this art has given him a focus and some self belief. He does custom portraits which is a top gift for family and fur babies.

Drawing sheets to print off, Christmas stickers, or labels Available Here prices range from £2.21 upwards

InksStickersArt is my number one shop for all my stickers, and labels. I love using her art work on my own products, but seeing that she also does digital downloads of mandalas as well for colouring in, these are perfect to print off and make your own booklet. Finish off those Christmas presents with name stickers and labels.

From greeting cards to tea towels and tote bags, Available Here

NenesDesignStudio is a cute and unique way to show your love of Trains, Tractors and Buses. Showcases the best of British trains on tea towels and tote bags or even socks! I know a few train lovers who would love these are gifts. For the man who has everything, or is difficult to buy for.

I have more to share over the next few days and posts, check back for more lovelies