At The Beauty Box UK, we have always been enthusiastic about celebrating the talent, creativity, and sustainability of small, ethical, and local businesses. Since our launch during the global pandemic, we have been privileged to partner with almost fifty amazing UK artisan brands, each with a unique story and a commitment to quality and integrity. It’s been a journey of supporting small businesses that align with our values: natural beauty, sustainability, and ethical practices.
Supporting Small, Ethical, Local Businesses: A Vital Mission at The Beauty Box UK
However, in the last 12 months, we have seen a worrying trend. Over ten of the small businesses we’ve featured have had to close their doors or go into liquidation, a heartbreaking reality in the face of an increasingly challenging economy. The unfortunate truth is that the lack of support for these small enterprises, compounded by the allure of cheaper, mass-produced products from big corporate companies, is taking a toll on many beloved brands.
The Struggles of Small Businesses
The rise of online shopping and corporate giants has made it easier than ever to purchase affordable products with a simple click of a button. While convenience and price may be tempting, these fast-fashion brands often come at the cost of environmental sustainability, ethical production, and supporting local artisans who pour their heart and soul into their craft.
For small businesses, especially those in the beauty industry, the competition with larger companies can feel insurmountable. Many of these small brands rely on word of mouth, social media, and loyal customers to survive without the vast marketing budgets and global reach of big corporations. The economic strain of the past few years, including rising production costs and the pressures of an uncertain financial landscape, have made it even harder for small brands to maintain their operations.
Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters
When you support a small, ethical, local business, you are not just purchasing a product—you’re investing in a community, a set of values, and a more sustainable future. Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, and their success has a direct impact on job creation, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of craftsmanship.
Here at The Beauty Box UK, we have always been proud to feature brands that prioritise:
Sustainability: Small brands often take greater care in sourcing ingredients, packaging sustainably, and reducing waste. When you buy from them, you are supporting a more eco-conscious way of doing business.
Ethical Practices: These brands tend to operate with integrity, treating their workers and partners with respect and fairness. They are committed to cruelty-free, vegan, and ethically produced products.
Authenticity & Craftsmanship: Small businesses pride themselves on producing high-quality, unique items that reflect real passion and creativity. Unlike mass-produced items, many of these products are handmade or made in small batches, ensuring a more thoughtful approach to production.
Community Impact: Every purchase from a small business directly supports artisans and local economies. It helps keep jobs local and gives small brands the chance to grow and create more opportunities for others.
The Importance of Supporting Local in Challenging Times
The global pandemic has already caused immense strain on small businesses, and while things are starting to stabilise, we continue to feel the impact of economic uncertainty. Many small beauty brands, for instance, have faced price hikes on raw materials, struggles with staffing, and the difficulty of navigating a competitive market. All these factors, coupled with the ongoing reliance on cheaper, mass-produced products, have made it harder for small businesses to survive.
When customers choose big corporations over small, local brands, they are not just choosing convenience or price they’re contributing to the decline of these small businesses. And unfortunately, this has led to many amazing brands closing their doors.
As we look back on the brands, we have worked with over the past few years, we are saddened to see that some have had to close their operations. But we are determined to continue our mission of uplifting small businesses and keeping their spirits alive by giving them the exposure and support they deserve.
How You Can Help?
You can have influence. Every time you choose to purchase from a small, local, ethical business, you are helping to preserve something beautiful. Here are a few ways you can support small businesses in the beauty industry:
Choose Quality Over Convenience: It is easy to be drawn to big corporate brands due to their lower prices and convenience. But when you buy from small brands, you are choosing quality, sustainability, and ethical production.
Spread the Word: Share your favourite small beauty brands with friends and family. Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the most powerful ways for small businesses to grow.
Shop Small, Shop Local: At The Beauty Box UK, we make it easy for you to shop small and support ethical businesses with our carefully curated boxes. Every time you purchase a Beauty Box, you are helping these small brands thrive.
Leave Reviews: If you love a product, leave a positive review online. Small businesses depend on customer feedback to grow their reputation and reach new audiences.
Stay Loyal: If you find a brand you love, stick with it. Building loyalty with small businesses helps them become more sustainable overall.
Our Commitment to Supporting Small, Ethical Businesses
As we continue to grow at The Beauty Box UK, we remain dedicated to supporting small, local, and ethical businesses. Despite the challenges, we believe in the power of these brands to change the beauty industry for the better, and we are honoured to play a role in helping them succeed.
If you have enjoyed discovering new, independent beauty brands through our Beauty Boxes, know that your support means the world—not just to us, but to the artisans and makers who create these amazing products. Together, we can ensure that small businesses continue to thrive and grow, even in these challenging times.
Thank you for choosing to support small, ethical businesses. Your choices matter.
Shop our latest Beauty Box and continue supporting small businesses today.
