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A beautiful partnership

Have you heard of the new small business supporter, Gifts Instead of Flowers? It's an incredible company that's sole purpose is to help small businesses get their products into the world and encourage gift givers to give an everlasting gift rather than flowers. 

The idea for this was created following a period of time in which Jan, the founder, was poorly. She received so many gorgeous bunches of flowers during her time of being unwell. Flowers which were greatly appreciated but which gave her another job to do when she simply didn't feel up to it but also that just died after a week or two. Leaving nothing behind for her to cherish other than maybe a little card. 

Jan then decided she wanted to create a marketplace for UK artists and creatives, a space for people to come and browse when looking to send a meaningful gift within a particular budget, whilst also giving back and supporting Williams Fund. 

Williams Fund is a charity which is raising money to aid the research of pediatric  cancer at Oxford University. 

William was just 2 years old when he was first diagnosed with cancer. His cancer was given a few different names but his parents didn't ever find out what it actually was. He underwent lots of different treatments over the 2 years that followed but sadly died at the age of 4 years and 9 months. 

A heartbreaking story. 

Gifts Instead of Flowers say: 

"Our marketplace has been carefully curated to bring customers delightful gifts from talented makers across numerous disciplines. Its focus is very much on high quality but affordably priced work that is not available from mass market outlets."

I was so honored to have been contacted by them that I emailed Jan straight back. We had a chat on the phone and I fell completely in love with her concept. 

They are a marketplace that don't charge their makers, instead, all they ask is that we make a donation to Williams Fund whenever an order has been placed via their website. You can't say fairer than that! 

Gifts Instead of Flowers are still in their infancy, they haven't officially launched just yet but already have such a huge backing from some big names in business. 

"I’m very excited for the launch of ‘Gifts Instead of Flowers’. Ordering flowers is always a lovely gift, but sometimes you want to send something a little more personal and longer lasting.  Gifts Instead of Flowers has some unique gift ideas, sourced from craft exhibitions and antique fairs. Whether it’s jewellery, artwork, or a health and wellness gift – there really is something for everyone, and at an affordable price too.  I can’t wait to start sending gifts to my loved ones!"   ~ Baroness Karren Brady CBE

"Best of luck with Gifts Instead of Flowers Jan! It’s been a pleasure working with you over the last 25 years in your role leading a professional speaking agency. Your incredible attention to detail and the care with which you supported both your clients and suppliers was always outstanding. I wish you every success with the new venture!”   ~ Olympian  Kriss Akabusi MBE

 

 

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