Supporting Independents

Hello again!

Now, many of you are probably sick to death of hearing about my small crafty 'thing' Bestitched, but if you aren't then read this tiny paragraph. Bestitched is my thing where I make all of the things and is what I'm really going to be pushing next year in regards of sales and hopefully being a proper business not just the girl you DM when you want a hat! I am an independent, and make very little money (if at all) from it.

Supporting independents is something I've always tried to do, because people supporting people is such a lovely thought and I don;t understand why anyone wouldn't want to do this. There's a little post going around Instagram at the moment that says "every time you buy from an independent an actual person does a little happy dance", and it's oh so true! So, here's some tips for ensuring you help some people do the happy dance and a little squeal this Christmas

1. Follow them on social media

This is a simple, free and easy way to show them you support them. Every time I get a follower it makes me smile (unless it's a bot, they;re kinda sucky) because it means someone likes my stuff and content enough to want to follow me on my little venture.

2. Like and engage with their posts

Again, another free way to show someone you like their stuff is to like their stuff. Comment that it's beautiful, ask them how much it is, ask if they'd make you one in different colours, or where you could buy it from. Getting a conversation going will make someone very happy, and more often than not they're super happy to reply and help you!

3. Interact with them

They are people, and will love the idea that you want to talk to them and ask questions! Please just be respectful though, they can't do you something for free or just give you a promo code. Ask questions, be insightful and mindful and remember they're a business, not a source for free things!

4. Recommend them to other people

Comment under their post and tag your friend saying you;d love this for Christmas, or that this design is right up their alley! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to recommend people. I am far more likely to go and look up something if someone else has told me about them than anything that pops up in my 'recommended'. It's way more personal, and if they tell the person you recommended them there will be a little happy grin of accomplishment!

5. Tell them you love their stuff

Just tell them. They'll do the dance and will be so so grateful that someone else loves their work just as much as they do! People need praise, and when it comes from an unknown or unlikely source it is so so validating, There have been times when I have felt so disheartened or lost about things I'm making that having people tell em they love what I dok and stand for really helps reinforce that this is what I want to be doing. 

6. Buy from them

This is the only one that isn;t free, but if you really love someone's work then you probably want to buy it. If you can afford to then take the plunge and invest not only in something new and wonderful for yourself, but into a brand/artist/creative that has spent hours on it. Paying them is what keeps them afloat, but will make them do the biggest happy dance, and will really make sure they know that what they're doing is excellent. Sales make smiles at this time of year.

*

I am the person that does the happy dance when you order anything with Bestitched!

I might be biased because I have a thing of my own, but these are all things I love and I know many other makers do too - so go on and get supporting the independents and creatives you know/follow, and it doesn't even have to cost you a penny!

B x