My small business, Our Precious Earth, was an idea which came into my head while doing a regular beach clean in the Autumn of 2022. I was off work due to some mental health problems while working in. a school. I found the beach cleans very therapeutic each day but had been wondering how I would cope with the shorter days and winter weather.
Having worked in retail earlier in my life, it was seeing the plastic rubbish on the beach and wondering how I could make even more of a difference that I had a ‘light bulb moment’. I went home and researched products and how I could start a business which shared my passion for the environment. Everything about my business had to be sustainable and ethically sourced. I found the perfect small lock-up shop in a small side street for a low rent and short lease to test the market.
My shop opened in February 2023 with lots of customers pleased to find a shop selling plastic free products without having to order online. I quickly gained a couple of eco awards which also got me some free publicity in the local press and BBC local radio. In August 2023, I was selected by Small Business Britain as one of the SmallBiz100 of 2023 and a couple of months later in November, I was excited to be chosen as a #SBS winner. I was also a finalist in the Somerset Small Business Awards in March 2024. All of these events gained me more publicity in the local media. I have taken part in a couple of case studies for small business and was recently invited to be a speaker at the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) about sustainability.
As my businesses has grown, it was time to decide if to renew the lease on my existing shop or take the risk of into larger premises in the town centre. There was a perfect shop on the town square but the rent was nearly four times what I was currently paying. I had already spent most of my savings for my business venture so had to decide whether to take the risk. I had a look inside and drew up some plans of how I could make it look as good if not better than I had. After some discussions with the landlord over the lease, I decided to do it.
On 11th October, my new shop opened to lots of new customers who did not know my old shop existed as well as my regular customers who as excited as I was about the move! The shop has lots more space to move around in and to display products properly. It also has a prime position in the town with more footfall. Turnover has increased with sales already 100% up on the same month last year. There is also a room at the back of the shop which is going to be a community hub for local environmental groups to use after recently trialling a very successful evening event.
If it wasn’t for that walk on the beach one morning, I wonder if I would I would have thought of the idea which has sparked so much interest in my local area and beyond.
