Small businesses run by disabled people
This Christmas I’ve decided to only shop from small businesses. After searching on Etsy, trying to find the perfect presents, it hit me. There are loads of disabled creators and business owners. Small businesses need us more than ever, not just at Christmas. Here are some you might enjoy, or you can jump to a specific section using the menu below.
This blog post was originally written November 2020. It has been updated in 2021 to include an updated list of small businesses.
Art and graphic design
Kitty Strand
Her most popular print it a Greggs sausage roll, I think that just says it all! I love all of her work and always look forward to new designs. KittyStrandDesigns creates beautiful digital prints and is open to commissions. She also sells greetings cards.
This Thing They Call Recovery
Jenny is the creator of This Thing They Call Recovery. Her graphic designs started on Instagram and it’s been great to see her business grow. She sells prints and also has a very relatable range of T-shirts. The designs have been designed with chronic illness in mind, but there is something for everyone!
Stickman Communications
Sometimes you need to bring things back basics and draw a stickman. However, Hannah’s range of designs and products are uniquely brilliant! One of the core parts of Stickman Communications are the keyring cards. It provides a simple explanation for those often awkward moments. They can explain a medical condition, when you’re struggling with mental health or even asking for assistance.
Chr0nically Cute
If you’re wanting embroidery that features disability, sexuality or girl power – this is the shop for you! Chr0nically Cute creates inclusive artwork which would make the perfect gift or a treat for yourself. They offer a range of tote bags, make up bags and bookmarks.
Gifts
Life of Pippa
Pippa has written a non-fiction book called University and Chronic Illness: A Survival Guide. The book is for chronically ill and disabled students. They might be preparing for higher education or currently at university. On her blog she also sells a range of e-books and the cutest spoonie necklace.
Crochet By Shona
Shona Louise is a successful disability blogger and freelancer. During the pandemic she started, Crocheted By Shona, a small business crocheting keyrings. Since then she’s started selling other amigurumi animals and figures. These come in a range of sizes and she’s open for commissions. I’ve got the bee keyring which I’ve put on my long white cane. Shona also has a range of LGBTQ+ products.
The Pompomporium
If you’re a fan of pom poms, Linzi has you covered! She sells all kinds pom pom related products including homeware and earrings. The Pompomporium started in 2019 and uses vegan friendly yarn and sustainable packaging. When looking at the products, my favourite has to be the crescent moon pom pom wreath, the colours are amazing.
Stationery
Little Pencil Designs
The home of cute stationery, hand drawn planner supplies and party decorations! Little Pencil Designs have something for every occasion if you need cute planner stickers. Flump is an adorable marshmallow shaped mascot which is featured throughout the products. What’s not to love?
Sootmegs
Making the invisible visible. I have only just found Sootmegs, but I instantly loved their work! They have pin badges for everyone which can spark conversation or offer information. For example:
- What are you reading?
- I’m autistic
- Black lives matter
- Chronically fabulous
- Trans rights are human rights
Nifty Notebooks
Notebooks, stickers and pin badges. Nifty Notebook‘s was a new find when buying Christmas presents and I wasn’t disappointed. My favourite products have to be the tortoise themes stationary or a badge that says “What would David Attenborough do?”, because who wouldn’t trust his judgment?
Clothing and accessories
I’m Fine Attire
They have created the greatest product, a pair jeans with a heat pack pocket! All the products at I’m Fine Attire have been designed using a unique approach that you won’t find anywhere else. They want fashion to be accessible and empower disabled women. This year they have released heat pack pocket pyjamas sets which look so cosy!
SAMESIS
We might not be leaving the house much, but SAMESIS will ensure your eyelashes are on fleek for those Zoom calls. Kartier Rose Pemberton is a disability model who’s started her own range of lashes and clothing whilst studying at university. The lashes are all handmade, reusable and cruelty-free.
Charlotte Elizabeth
These beautiful vintage-inspired bags are right up my street! Charlotte Elizabeth has a range of timeless bags which offer a pop of colour to any outfit. The Bloomsbury was the bag that started it all. With its elegant curvatures and effortlessly simplistic design, it’s easily distinguishable amongst other bags of its kind.
Not Your Grandma’s
Many people can benefit from compression socks. They increase blood flow and can help alleviate achy legs. Yet they often can appear medical and plain. Well not anymore! Hannah has created a range of compression socks which feature pattens such as unicorns, dinosaurs and dogs. Not Your Grandma’s also stocks other gifts and jewellery.
Subscriptions and gift boxes
Bear Hugs
A Bear Hug is a ‘hug-in-a-box’ gift hamper which you can order online, personalise and send directly to the doorstep of a loved one. I have both received and sent a hug, and would highly recommend them. You can choose from a large range of self-care inspired gifts so it’s personalised and thoughtful.
Spoonie Box
An uplifting box of carefully selected gifts for people with a chronic illness. Spoonie Box offers one off boxes, like a sleeping kit. They also have a subscription service for a monthly box of goodies. After looking at past boxes, it’s clear that so much thought is put into the products.
I fully appreciate that this is not an exhaustive list. If you are a disabled business owner, or know someone who is, then please leave your details in the comments.
Together we can promote the great work of so many people.
~ Chloe x
