10 Small Irish Businesses to Support This Christmas
There is nothing we love more here at Fás X Fís than supporting small businesses across Ireland. Therefore, we have put together some of our favourite small businesses for you to shop from this Holiday Season! In this article, you will find something for all of your loved ones, so take a look and show these amazing business owners some love! To go to their shop simply click the heading.
Remember, when you support small businesses, you support dreams!
Banba -
Banba is a classic vintage, online store for unique pieces. Operating solely from Instagram at the moment, they sell quality vintage and pre-loved designer fashion. Every month, Banba also hosts a resident artist. The idea is to get the creative community together and collaborating.
The name Banba comes from the Irish mythological goddess. She is part of a triumvirate with Fódla and Ériu who were the founding Goddesses of Ireland. Banba is said to be the earth element. Léna chose this name as it represents the values of sustainability, collaboration and Irish culture.
The business is in operation for less than 6 months, but founder Léna has plans to expand it into a fully formed website and physical space in the coming year. Watch this space!
Pineapple Bear Prints -
Pineapple Bear Prints is owned by Jessica Hurley an illustrator based in Co. Cork, Ireland. Jess creates signed personalised prints for families and children based on her original artwork. Her illustrations are mainly digital but she likes to occasionally use mixed media - a combination of both digital and either marbling inks or acrylics.
Inspiration for Jessica's artwork and the name Pineapple Bear originates from family life with her two daughters, Charlie and Paige, aka Charlie Bear and Paigey Pineapple.
Perfect gift for family, friends, new baby, and children - you can check out Pineapple Bear on Instagram too.
Piscianamar -
Piscianamar is a small family-run business, with mother and daughter working together. They design and create a range of products including Tutu Sets, 3D Letters & Numbers, Cake Toppers, Banners, and various other items which can be seen on their Etsy shop and Instagram.
At Piscianamar they take great pride in what they do. Everything is handmade and the attention to detail is what sets them apart.
The products they produce are perfect for Christenings and Birthday Parties or any special occasion.
Take a look at what they have here. If you can't find the theme you want, they can always design something unique for you.
Monta Studio -
Monta Studio sells soft hand-knit baby socks from cashmere, merino, and alpaca wool. As well as the cutest baby hats.
Before Covid-19, Monta was a photographer, but when the pandemic started, the photography industry was majorly disrupted. Monta had to think long and hard about what she should do next. She then remembered that she could also knit and crochet, so she took the leap and started her own small business. Check her out on Etsy here.
Design By Gina -
Gina is a native of Kilkenny & has a serious passion for all things creative.
Her aim is to make high-quality, handcrafted pieces, that are made with a sustainably conscious mind.
Her three main areas of focus are Art, Photography, and Graphics.
She has always loved working with various art mediums. Mostly acrylics, oils, resin, vinyl, and wood. There is nothing better than making something new out of old. The most tired items can be brought back to life if done correctly, with some TLC.
You can head over to her shop, on her webiste, which we are proud to say we developed at Fás X Fís, to see all of her current pieces for sale.
Or you can get creative and design your own personalized piece.
Fran Halpin -
In our opinion, one of the best artists in Ireland, Fran Halpin, has been in business for over twenty years. She creates original paintings based around the ocean, water and our beautiful Irish beaches.
Many hours are spent carefully selecting pebbles and then painting incredibly detailed works. She also has a wide selection of limited edition prints for sale, you can check them out here. These can be a great way to add colour to your home while not breaking the bank. Framing can also be provided on request. You can also see her process and her latest works daily on her Instagram.
Celtic Wren Art -
Inspired by all things beachy, Celtic Wren creates unique pieces of framed art from pebbles, sea glass and shells found along the beautiful coastline of County Louth. Also, sometimes used, are vintage pottery shards, thrown to the surface during ploughing and hand-picked by Nicola on her walks through the local fields. The addition of crystal stones adds a different dimension to some of her designs.
Nicola's love of nature, and birds in particular, is evident in her art.
One of her customers recently noted in a review; “What I love about Celtic Wren's creations … the deceptive simplicity, the delicate artistry weaving in magical touches of nature along with insightful and heartfelt concepts and quotations.”
Tales Of Soap -
Over the past 12 months, Tales of Soap has grown quicker than they could ever imagine and has seen plenty of success, both in Ireland and internationally. Tales of Soap have brought many smiles to many faces, and the goal of the business is to keep wowing people with their innovative ideas - there is nothing that they won't make into a soap!
With massive support from Irish customers, they are looking forward to bringing their new ideas for the upcoming holiday season and New Year. You can find them on Instagram or Facebook for customized products, or you can choose some existing options online.
Sarah Cronin Art -
Sarah Cronin is a self-taught artist, originally from County Clare. She has been interested in art and watercolour painting since a young age. The versatility within her painting style can be seen through her different collections of watercolour prints.
Her most recent collection is her ‘Irish County Series’. This collection consists of a range of iconic Irish landmarks and scenery, all of which are painted within their corresponding county outlines. At present, she has most of the counties in Munster painted, with the rest of the counties in Ireland currently being created.
She also offers custom commissions, which means customers can purchase an original watercolour painting with an image of their choice within a county outline. This has proved to be a popular gift for people as many of the commissions she paints are later gifted as wedding presents, engagement gifts, birthday presents or as house-warming gifts.
Geraldine Ryan Coaching -
Christmastime is without a doubt one of the most stressful times of the year for some people and families. It is so important to have tools or a strategy in place for when times of stress are pushing you off your path or preventing you from focusing on the task at hand.
These can be very quick, in-the-moment actions that are very effective and prevent your thoughts from spiralling out of control. Geraldine Ryan is a fantastic coach, who will guide you along your path. Below, enjoy one of her relaxing videos available on YouTube.
If you need any coaching, sound therapy or help relieving your stress you can get in touch with Geraldine here.
