10 More of my Favourite Northern Irish Small Businesses to Buy From
At the end of last year, I wrote about some of my favourite Northern Irish small businesses to shop with. One list was never going to be enough! We have such a wealth of creative entrepreneurs here, so I decided it was time to share a few more.
My Favourite Northern Irish Small Businesses to Buy From
1. Back to Better Physiotherapy
After four years of searching, I can finally say I’ve found some incredible massage therapists. I usually book with Emma Kilpatrick or John McClean – both are fantastic. I come out feeling so much looser, with movement in my neck restored. I’ve started running over the last six months, and they’ve both helped me build strength with advice on stretching and caring for my muscles.
I know this is a bit different from my usual small business recommendations, but I highly recommend them. I also know it's difficult to find a good sports massage. They offer vouchers, which would make a great gift, especially for someone who struggles with back or neck pain.
2. Kin & Folk
My favourite bakery, and they’re expanding – there are now four locations to choose from. Sitting in, especially in Saintfield, is such a lovely experience, with the baking going on in the background. Their cruffins are out of this world and I love their focaccia too.
3. CM Creations
I recently met Charity at a creative meet-up in Cedar and Circle. She is the sweetest! Her lettering is gorgeous, and she creates simple, meaningful home décor using white ink on dark wood, printing onto fabric, and more. Based in Ballymena, she takes on commissions for her rustic, handwritten homeware, and everything she creates is just stunning.
4. Seek & Find Jewellery
Seek & Find is a beautiful fine jewellery brand run by Sarah. Each thoughtful piece is carefully designed and carries a hidden message to encourage and elevate your everyday - hence the name.
5. Ali Marriott
Alexandra has a unique, playful style, which I especially love in the lanyards she’s designed and the soft-touch journals she launched last year. Ali and her husband also run the Arked markets, which are a friendly treasure-trove of Northern Irish Christian small businesses.
6. Mud Ireland
Mud Ireland is run by Josh and Holly. Josh is the incredibly skilled potter, and Holly is the marketing genius. They have apprentices and teach the craft to young potters, and all their mugs feature inspiration from the Irish landscape, seascape and countryside. My favourites are the ski mugs and the Wild Atlantic Way mug. With frequent pottery workshops and classes, you can have a go at throwing your own mug too!
7. Milk & Joy
I met Olivia over 20 years ago when we were both working at a summer camp in America. Long story short, we now have children in the same class at a local school. Olivia is a master sewist. Her fabulous bib design means dribbly babies don’t get soaked, and there’s less laundry for mum. She originally designed it for her own daughter’s needs, but now thousands of little ones across the UK wear bright and colourful Milk & Joy bibs made with muslin cloth in a huge variety of fabric designs.
8. Lightfoot, Bangor
This one is very local, but absolutely worth visiting if you’re nearby. I’d say it’s even worth a detour because those Big Hot Sandwiches are out of this world! The focaccia bread they’re made with, the fresh ingredients, and the unusual but excellent flavour combos are fab. I also love their salads, and the friendly service just tops it off. I’m still trying to get in on a Saturday morning during lobster season for one of their famous lobster rolls. Maybe this is the year!
Lightfoot, Bangor on Instagram
9. Belfast Coffee Co
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I am reliably informed by my coffee-loving husband that this stuff is good. He gets a bag for his birthday every year, and we’ve also given it as gifts to friends and loved ones. So, this is a recommendation by proxi, but one I have bought repeatedly!
10. Susanna Banks Art
Susanna designed the wallpaper for her own downstairs toilet, the map at Finnebrogue Woods, and she offers a gorgeous range of greeting cards and prints, all in her unmistakable style. You’ll often find Susanna at local pop-ups – she’ll be the one wearing pink and red! She’s also stocked in a few local shops like The Book Well on Belmont Road, Belfast.
Before You Go…
Designed in Northern Ireland and manufactured in the UK, my own small business, And Hope Designs, blends elegance with a generous dose of fun. My online store is brimming with Christian cards and gifts for all occasions. You’ll also find art prints, journals, candles, tea towels and an array of other goodies.
Tell me about your favourite small, local businesses! Leave a comment below or come and say hello on Instagram.
