Regular Fun House readers will know I have a real passion for supporting small business. One of the things I love most about my blog is that it gives me a platform to help spread the word about products, designers and artists whose hard work can often be overlooked. The past few years have seen so many large retailers on the high street closing their doors for trade meaning it’s even more important that we turn our attention to smaller independent businesses to offer support and encouragement. For a small independent shop or trader any purchase regardless of size is vital to the future of their business.
Today marks the start of Just A Card Week which runs until 22nd June and is celebrating its 3rd Birthday this year. Back in 2015 the Just A Card campaign was created by Sarah Hamilton to help highlight and encourage others to support the contribution made by small independent shops and creatives. She was inspired after reading a quote from a local gallery owner who had sadly had to close their doors.
“If everyone who’d complimented our beautiful gallery had bought ‘just a card’ we’d still be open”
Such a true yet heart-breaking statement as for a small business that can be the difference between success and failure. To each customer a card may just be a small purchase, but to that small business it means the world. Realising the importance of this, Sarah decided to do something to raise awareness and help other business owners. Now three years on Just A Card is run by a small team of volunteers and has gone from strength to strength in a short space of time and was even voted winner of The Aviva Community Award last year by the public.
This week is the opportunity for people to share their personal experiences and images across social media using #justacard to show support and encouragement for incredible small businesses everywhere. During the week Just A Card will be running several initiatives to help small businesses including no nonsense tutorials on social media as well a huge giveaway with lots of fabulous prizes including Business mentoring from The Design Trust.
Ever heard of the phrase “Every time you buy from a small business an actual person does a happy dance”? Well that’s exactly what Just A Card has planned on Friday as a culmination of their 5-day Instagram challenge. Everyone will be taking part in a real life happy dance to celebrate something I can’t wait to see!
If you are a small business or independent creative, you can send a SAE to Just A Card to receive a FREE window sticker to display in your shop to show support for the campaign. They also sell campaign enamel pin badges on their website to raise funds to help them continue their work – Just A Card is a non-profit making organisation.
To find out more about the campaign and how to get involved visit the Just A Card Website or why not follow them on Twitter or Instagram.
I would love you to take a look at the wonderful small businesses I have had the pleasure of working with. Please help support and spread the word about these incredibly talented and hard-working people.
Fraser’s Fun House 
Awh I’ve never heard of this before but it’s such a lovely idea! It’s SO important to support small businesses for sure. I’ve started buying my greeting cards from Love Layla who have hilarious cards and avoiding high street chains 🙂 xxx
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I love that your blog is always supporting small businesses Melanie! 💖 I’ve never heard of the campaign but it sounds fab. I’m following it over on Twitter and definitely bookmarking the enamel pin as my next one of my collection. Thanks for sharing! 😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
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