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The festive season is a magical time for many, but for small businesses such as Just Luv It, it’s a whirlwind of early starts, late nights and emotional roller coaster of hope, hustle and occasional heartbreak. Running a sustainable gifting business is no exception. The charm of handcrafted goods, eco-friendly packaging, and focus on thoughtful green giving. However, Christmas Pop ups bring challenges that test your resilience. This weekend Storm Bert was one of those challenges not only to myself but also the amazing organisers that bring these events alive, regular customers and some festive banter. Looks like Howards Santa hat will have to wait another week!
Christmas Cheer
Christmas Pop up shops for a small business owner are the beating heart of the season. Just Luv it is no exception it enables myself and Howard to meet customers old and new, share the story behind our brand and values which I am especially passionate about. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than not only our customers are delighted with their purchase but also are supporting Fairtrade and sustainability.
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The buzz of early morning – setting up on crisp chilly mornings, the magical colours of autumn still around, I am personally a morning person and just love this time of day. The quiet hum of preparation fills the space as fellow business owner dress their stalls for the day ahead. The small of freshly ground coffee and warm danish pastries fill the air and the sense of excitement is around.
Sense of Pride – for a small business like Just Luv It I have a real pride in showcasing my selection of gifts and decorations which align with my values. Every sale feels like a win not just from a commercial point of view but also my mission to promote conscious consumerism.
The Community Spirit – Pop Ups create a sense of a band of brothers between business owners, you make new friends, share tips, discuss venues and even trade with each other’s. I really love a day when you happen to be next to a like minded trader with the same values.
The Lows and the price of your passion – of course its not all twinkling and carol singers. They are hard work physically, take a lot of preparation, can be unpredictable and sometimes such as this weekend disappointing. Both myself and Howard still have day jobs so this year does mean we are working 7 days a week so we have to dust ourselves off on weekends such as these and go again.
The Challenges – this weekend with storm Burt will effect small business owners financially meaning and impact on commercial goals, stock and an opportunity to engage with new customers. Christmas is the most significant part of the year for small business owners. There is also the unpredictable foot traffic this can on days be hit or miss for no real reason and you then consider if its all been worth it.
Lessons learnt – Every high and low is a learning opportunity as this weekends storms reminded us, adaptability and resilience is therefore crucial. Cancelled events maybe a sting but also they remind you of the need to diversifying income streams this is why I am currently working on growing my on line business which in itself is a challenge when you have to compete against the likes of Amazon. For me its constantly focusing on my ‘why’ the reason why I started Just Luv It moving out of the corporate world but also doing something meaningful for others and the environment.
Why I Just Luv It – yes it has challenges but there is something undeniably special about this time of the year. Carol singers I recently met at a local event, even real penguins. You get to meet some amazing customers and small business owners I have recently set up a small networking group to start in January not only a social opportunity but also fostering some collaborations. So come along to our next events and help to spread the sustainable word.
Embracing a new journey and growing my eco-friendly gifting business.
After 37 years as a senior manager, I have made the decision to step away from the corporate world and pursue a dream I have been nurturing for a long time. I decided to set up Just Luv it to give consumers a choice from mass produce, unstainable gifts and homeware to quality beautiful options that literally don’t cost the earth.
As Christmas approaches, I am thrilled to announce I will be attending lots of venues in and around the Northamptonshire, Banbury and Warwickshire area’s bringing a unique selection of ethical gifts for the festive season.
Finding a meaning in every product: Sourcing ethical and sustainable gifts.
One of the cornerstones of my business is commitment to sourcing ethical eco friendly products. I have carefully selected a range of handmade items that not only reflect quality craftmanship but also the well-being of our planet I really believe ‘ Green Gifts make the Best Gifts.
Partnering with The Greener Earth project we are also helping to offset environmental impact of shopping by planting trees and supporting reforestation efforts. Through these collaborations I am working to make a meaningful difference in both local and global communities.
Celebrating the spirit of giving back!
At the heart id my business is a belief that we can give back to people and the planet whilst giving gifts. This ethos inspires me every day as I work to create a space where customers can shop with confidence, knowing their purchases help build a deeper, more sustainable future. Beyond offering eco-friendly I am committed to reinvesting a portion of our profits to environmental and community initiatives.
I get a real buzz from giving back knowing I am doing my small bit to support artisans and small producers who also share this passion for a more ethical sustainable trade I get frustrated with waste and global companies putting profits first.
The Joy of starting something new!
Its been quite a transitional period of time for myself personally moving from corporate to funding and getting my small business up and running. I remain true to my plan to supply quality, ethical products and offer customers the very best in customer services. I care about what I sell and care about where it comes form how it was produced.
As I prepare for the up and coming Christmas pop ups I am extremely enthusiastic about my products and plans. The support I have received from my husband Howard and other small business owners inspires me daily and look forward to continue to share my passion with everyone who visits Just Luv It this season.
http://www.justluvit/events.co.uk
If your looking for unique meaningful gifts this holiday season I’d Just Luv you to stop by and shop consciously and join me in making this Christmas a little greener.
Please visit our shop http://www.justluvit/shop.co.uk
Happy Shopping Andrea & Howard
An Introduction to Howard and Me – and why we Just Luv It
Hobby to Passion.
I’m Andrea, the creator and founder of Just Luv It. You’ll already have guessed that I love beautiful gifts and homeware that are one-of-a-kind, good to the planet, and with a story to tell. So it’s only right that I share my story too, and a little bit about why I Just Luv what I do…
Let’s go back to the beginning: I grew up in the city but quickly fell in love with the countryside and the outdoors. It’s where I’m always happiest, out in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of our natural environment – but especially when I’m on horseback. I enjoyed all sorts of sport as I grew up, and anything that took me outdoors, but I particularly adored horses, riding, and caring for them. I started riding at eight years old, and I worked with horses for a couple of years after leaving school. I was a keen eventer until I retired from it in 2013. I’m more of an owner than a competitor now, and have a horse at events, but I do still ride and compete at dressage – in fact, I won a national dressage championship in 2023.
When the equestrian eventing stopped, I didn’t give up sports altogether; at the age of 48, I took up distance running. I ran first marathon in Loch Ness in 2019, and in 2021 completed the London Marathan something on my bucket list, and I’m very proud to have raised over £7k for a blood cancer charity with the support I’ve received. I like to give something back and support local charities and food banks recently donating to the British Legion.
I work as a senior manager for a large national organisation, and have been with the company for many years. But like many people, lockdown changed my perspective and I started Just Luv it initially as a hobby which has turned into a bit of an obsession.
Initially I thought about doing something around equestrian products, but I discovered a company whose ethos struck such a chord with me: the Recycled Candle Company. They exist to keep waste candle products out of landfill, and creating beautiful new products from them instead. Their practices and values inspired me to investigate other options for gifting on the same lines – beautiful products from businesses that do things ethically in the same way.
I knew that was where my true passion would lie, and when I decided to start Just Luv It, it had to tick all the boxes. It had to be a business that supports makers and communities: not sweatshop owners. A business that only buys sustainable, Earth-kind products: not more swathes of plastic to choke our environment. A business that offers pieces I would love to receive as a gift, and display proudly in my home. And this is the Just Luv It that I’ve built.
But it would not be here at all without my husband, Howard – he’s a vital part of the team! He’s by my side at every market and every pop-up, he helps me with the stock and has supported me from the beginning. Howards from Leeds, and he’s an engineer. Neither of us has a background in sales but Just Luv It has brought out the natural salesman in him. He especially loves our recycled garden birds and robins for sale, which he refers to as “spuggie’s ” (I think it’s a northern term!) – he loves to promote.
Howard makes sure there are always plenty of Spuggies in stock! He also takes care of our new website which we are both very proud of and spends hours uploading photos and new stock to it. Its very much a Team Burdett effort!
Come and meet us at one of our future events – we’ve always got something in the calendar. We’d love to meet you and show you how beautiful the Just Luv It products are – and the difference the sales make to the people who made them.
Howard with his favourite Spuggies and Duckie & Friends handmade from recycled wire I think he is quackers but I Just Luv him!!