Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters More Than Ever
September 17 2025 – Lottie & Lysh
When you place an order with a small business, something different happens. There’s no automated process spinning behind the scenes. No warehouse conveyor belt. Instead, it's a real person folding your parcel, double-checking the trim you chose, and quietly smiling at the idea that their handmade work is about to be part of a new baby's story.
At Lottie & Lysh, we've lived every moment of what it means to be small. The late nights, the growing children, the quiet pride. And the absolute joy when someone chooses us over a bigger brand.
Because shopping small isn't just about where your money goes. It's about what it supports. You're saying yes to transparency, creativity, ethical fabrics, and a slower, more human way of doing business.
Transparency You Can Actually Trust
One of the biggest differences when you shop with a small business is that what you see is what you get. There’s no smoke and mirrors. No outsourcing. No factories on the other side of the world.
Lottie & Lysh products are made here in the UK, under one roof, by people you can message on Instagram. You can see where your clothes are made. Ask questions. Request custom trims. Even see the scraps being turned into baby hats, rather than landing in a bin.
We show our working. And we’re proud of it.
Fast Fashion’s Hidden Cost
Fast fashion is everywhere. It promises more for less, delivered tomorrow. But behind that promise is a long list of costs we rarely see - environmental damage, unfair labour, poor quality, and waste.
When clothes are produced in bulk, rushed through production, and made without care, they don’t last. They stretch, fade, or fall apart. And often, they’re bought just to be worn once, then thrown away.
Small businesses work differently. We design for longevity. We care how clothes feel, how they wash, how they wear over time. Our slow fashion approach might not fill your wardrobe overnight, but every piece is made to be loved, worn, handed down, and treasured.
How to Spot a Small Business in a Sea of Brands
With so many shops online, it can be hard to tell who’s truly small anymore. Here's what to look for:
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Do they show their workspace, team, or production process?
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Can you contact the maker directly?
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Do they offer real custom options or made-to-order products?
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Are they transparent about materials and sourcing?
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Do they sell in limited runs, not endless restocks?
If you’re unsure, look for signs of genuine engagement - real customer photos, behind-the-scenes stories, honest reviews. Small businesses are rarely polished, but they are passionate. And that heart shines through if you take a closer look.
Why Your Reviews and Support Mean Everything
We don’t have shareholders. We don’t have a marketing department. What we have is you. Your words. Your posts. Your kind messages.
Every review you leave, every picture you tag us in, every time you tell a friend about our brand - it’s more powerful than any ad spend. Word of mouth is how small businesses survive. And when that support comes with genuine feedback or a kind story about a baby’s first outfit, it means more than we can ever properly say.
So if you’ve ever taken the time to review a Lottie & Lysh order, thank you. You’ve helped us grow in ways that go far beyond Google rankings.
Raising the Next Generation of Ethical Consumers
Our children see everything. They see when we reuse packaging. They hear us talk about fabric sourcing, ethical wages, and why it matters to slow down production.
Running a small business is one thing. Raising children alongside it is another. And it creates a chance to teach them, quietly and naturally, what responsible business looks like. It’s about showing them that we can grow something meaningful without cutting corners. That they can choose to support people, not just prices.
They see us sewing, packing, replying to customers, and trying our best - not for the sake of profit, but for the sake of purpose. That’s the kind of future we want to pass on.
The Bottom Line: Your Choice Matters
You don’t have to shop small. There are cheaper options, faster delivery times, bigger discounts. We get it.
But every time you do choose a small business - especially one that values sustainability, ethics, and community - you’re helping shift the industry in a better direction. You’re helping a little brand like ours show that there’s another way to do business.
One that values quality over speed. Connection over convenience. People over profits.
We’ll never be the cheapest, and we’re proud of that. Because what we offer can’t be measured just in price. It’s measured in story, in care, in how you feel when your order arrives and you know exactly who made it.
Want to Keep Supporting Small?
Whether you’re new here or have been with us since the early days, thank you. You’re not just part of our growth. You’re part of the movement that keeps small, ethical, handmade businesses going.
If you’d like to explore more of what we offer, take a look at our baby clothes collection, browse the fabric gallery, or read about our new gift wrapping service — all designed to make your shopping experience more thoughtful, more personal, and just that little bit more joyful.
What counts as a small business?
A small business is usually independently owned and operated, with a small team and limited-scale production. At Lottie & Lysh, for example, every item is designed, sewn, and packed in-house in Cornwall — not outsourced to factories or mass-produced overseas.
Why are small businesses more sustainable?
Small businesses often have more control over their materials, waste, and production processes. We make to order, use fabric offcuts to create accessories, and avoid unnecessary packaging — all of which reduces waste and supports a more circular fashion model.
Are small businesses more expensive?
They can be, but for good reason. You're paying for ethical labour, better materials, and a more thoughtful product. Small brands like ours don’t rely on cheap outsourcing or fast fashion shortcuts — and it shows in the quality and care of each piece.
How can I support a small business without buying anything?
There are so many ways. Share their posts. Leave a review. Tell a friend. Sign up for their emails. Every bit of visibility helps small businesses thrive — especially in an algorithm-heavy world.
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