Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
BUSINESS
MEET THE KENTISH COMPANIES PUTTING A SPRING IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL STEPS THROUGH THESE BURGEONING BUSINESSES .
Fond Company
Fond Company started in 2015 when Hannah quit her full-time marketing job and moved to Suffolk . She began illustrating as well as offering freelance design work . She received fantastic feedback from followers when she posted her work on social media , encouraging her to set up her Etsy shop , where she sold a range of punny animal cards .
Hannahs ' s designs are inspired by nature and the things she loves , they are playful and stylish , neither cartoon nor realistic , but they ’ re full of personality and colour . Over the years , she has expanded her collection from greeting cards to tea towels , tote bags and coasters - practical homeware that make excellent gifts . Customers can buy her products online through Etsy or in person at Rock Paper Scissors , Canterbury or Made in Ashford .
She loves the freedom and creativity of running her own business and coming up with new designs , plus seeing all the lovely reviews she receives from customers worldwide , which always blows her mind !
Hannah is trying to expand her wholesale network and has been training to be a silversmith over the last year - so watch this space !
www . fondcompany . co . uk
Foragers Cordials & Nutters Butters
Foragers Cordials began in a home kitchen , which is where it remains still to this day . After noticing a large elderflower tree growing at the bottom of the garden and wanting to make the most of the flower , Kerry decided to make cordial from it as her grandparents had . Noticing the obvious comparison between homemade and shop-bought products , she began making cordials for family and friends . Following the immediate success , Kerry started growing more fruits to try out different flavours and using the fruit from family and friends to prevent waste . Realising the popularity of the cordial , they moved to Canterbury to expand Foragers , where they now produce more unusual fruits .
A similar situation arose with nut butter , and after feeling dissatisfied with the products on the supermarket shelves , she tried making nut butter without additives or palm oil . Buying from a local nut supplier , she hand-roasted and ground peanuts , almonds and cashews . The nut butters were popular among the family and went down a treat , and like the cordials , the nut butters were exceptionally well received . People thought they tasted great and loved that they were vegan-friendly and had no additives .
In response , they decided to explore a varied flavour range to offer a wider selection , such as chocolate orange . This exclusivity of their products is what they love !
Nutters Butters products can be found in farm shops , independent retailers across Kent , and local food fairs . As for the future , they hope to share their Kentish products with a broader audience and look to grow more unusual fruits to create more unique flavours .
www . nuttersbutters . co . uk / about ForagersCordialsKent
Arty Bee Designs
Bethany started Arty Bee Designs when she was 19 years old . A way of coping and managing OCD and panic attacks and being unable to attend university , she began painting and making cards . She was often inspired by flora and fauna found in the gardens she visited with her mum and grandad , so she photographed them and painted them by eye . Arty Bee Designs is a beautiful collection of greeting cards , gift wraps , coasters , tote bags and bookmarks , all of which incorporate Bethany ’ s freehand watercolour paintings . She does also offer pet portraits and bespoke cards when requested . Her passion for painting shines through in her designs , and she loves being able to share this passion with her customers . Creating new designs , packaging orders , and meeting customers both old and new is extremely rewarding ! Customers can expect to see more Arty Bee Designs products in the range moving forward with new designs . Bethany is also hoping to attend larger markets in the next couple of years and expand her stockists .
Customers can find Bethany ’ s creations on her website or at local farmers markets across the county including Bearsted , Aylesford , Tonbridge , West Malling and Shipbourne Farmers ’ Markets .
www . artybeedesigns . co . uk
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