Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
TAKE A PEEK INTO THE SMALL BUSINESSES JUMPING INTO THE FESTIVITIES THIS GIFTING SEASON ...
BUSINESS
Pebble Folke
What began as a sentimental and artistic gift to a giraffe-loving partner is now a growing small business , offering unique and personalised pebble art made with love . Creative couple Mark and Mel , based in Folkestone ( the inspiration for their name !), began making their pebble art during lockdown . After receiving great feedback and requests for designs , they launched their own website and soon began selling at local Christmas markets . Since holding a hut at the Marketplace on the Folkestone Harbour Arm showcasing their expanding collection , it is safe to say Pebble Folke has come a long way . The best part for Mark and Mel ? That they have done it together . “ We love spending time making our pebble art together and trying out new designs ; our designs are bespoke and as every pebble is different so is the art that we create ,” says Mark . “ We will have a go at designing anything and the great thing is we can personalise pictures , too . It is a joy to see people smile when viewing our pebble art and laugh at our more humorous designs .”
www . pebblefolke . co . uk pebble _ folke
Chloe ' s Fudgey Fancies
Keeping herself busy back in the lockdown of 2020 , Chloe Nicholson began making fudge for her loved ones . With her past employment consisting of retail , hospitality and counsellor training , a selfemployed confectionist was not originally on the cards for Chloe . However , after being awarded silver at this year ’ s prestigious Taste Of Kent Awards in the Confectionary Product of the Year category , it ’ s clear that she has truly found her calling and that the hard work has paid off . “ My first ever batch was chocolate orange and it was gone within minutes of my household getting their hands on it !” She says . “ From there I thought it would be lovely to gift to family and friends up and down the country to let them know I was thinking of them during this troubling time and it wasn ' t long before word spread and they all wanted some for their neighbours , friends , staff and more !” After such great feedback , a new adventure was embarked on and Chloe ’ s business was born . Since then , her social presence has grown leaps and bounds and her stall has showcased at many fabulous events and markets throughout Kent . Her tempting flavour offerings have also expanded to over 30 flavours including clotted cream , salted caramel , mint and award-winning Biscoff .
Chloe ’ s Fudgey Fancies chloesfudgeyfancies
Nickie Bush Design
With a background and degree in fashion design , and a passion for all things art and fabric works , Nicola Bush began her journey just a few years ago as a way of sharing her hobby with others , which has since transformed into an expanding small business to be proud of . After starting out with illustration , Nickiesoon discovered freemotion machine embroidery ( think drawing with a sewing machine ) and began creating gorgeous and unique fabric products from tote bags and decor to embroidered art pieces laced with inspiration from our beautiful county . When asked what advice she would give to those looking to launch their own small business , Nickie touched on the importance of finding support from others . “ Remain confident in your abilities and find a network of like-minded people to support you ,” she says . “ There will be tough times when you feel like giving up , which is when it makes all the difference having these people to help keep you on track . I ’ ve met some wonderful people in the creative community , some on social media , and other crafters at markets and fairs who are always there when I need a little boost .”
nickiebushdesign NickieBushDesign
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