BANK HOLIDAY BAMBOO BONANZA! Get 3 for 2 on all Bamboo socks. Ends 05-05-26.
BANK HOLIDAY BAMBOO BONANZA! Get 3 for 2 on all Bamboo socks. Ends 05-05-26.
There’s something about the first proper stretch of sunshine that lifts everyone’s mood, even if we’re all still secretly wearing fleeces, coats, woolly hats and turning the heating back on in the evenings!
Over the past few weeks at Any Green Will Do, it’s been a month filled with markets, muddy boots, sustainability conversations, and a few reminders that small businesses are always learning and evolving.
This month brought a mixture of successful moments and some disappointing ones too. A couple of recent sustainability and vegan events simply didn’t go as expected. Despite lots of preparation, stocking sustainable products, setting up displays and travelling across the South Coast, there were occasions where table costs weren’t even covered.
That’s the reality of running a small independent business. Some events are fantastic, others are quieter, and sometimes you walk away with more lessons than sales.
That said, there were still positives to take away. Customers continue to love the bamboo socks, especially the ever-popular Daisy, Duck, Sunflower and Bee designs. New arrivals, including Puffin socks and Spitfire and Lancaster designs for men, have already been getting attention too.
The Hydroponic Herb kits also proved to be brilliant conversation starters at events, with basil and rosemary happily growing away and attracting lots of curiosity from visitors.
One thing many small businesses are thinking about right now is how to diversify and reach more people.
After attending a Small Business Britain workshop focused on side hustles and online selling, it sparked a realisation that products don’t only have to be sold through websites and physical events. Platforms such as eBay and Vinted are becoming increasingly popular for independent businesses too.
Running a business often means constantly adapting, learning and trying new things, especially when customer habits and shopping patterns continue to change.
As always, sustainability remained at the heart of everything this month.
There were lots of conversations online recently about the difference between recyclable and compostable products, and it’s an important distinction.
Recyclable products can still contain plastic and require processing to become something new again. Compostable products, however, break down naturally without leaving plastic behind, making them the more environmentally friendly option where possible.
It’s one of those small bits of knowledge that can help us all make better choices in everyday life.
Another sustainable recommendation shared recently was Ecosia, the search engine that uses its profits to plant trees and support environmental projects around the world. It’s a simple switch that can make a surprisingly positive impact over time.
And in true eco-living fashion, another handy household tip surfaced this month too: white vinegar works brilliantly for removing rust naturally!
Alongside running markets and managing the business, life behind the scenes has continued to be busy.
There’s been everything from sorting through years of paperwork and shredding old documents to staying GDPR compliant, attending hospital appointments, and trying to carve out a little time for self-care.
One thing that became very clear this month was how important it is to schedule time for yourself. Whether that’s Pilates, getting your hair done, sitting quietly with a coffee, or simply watching rubbish television under a heated blanket, rest matters.
For many small business owners, especially those juggling family responsibilities and a disability too, it’s very easy to keep putting yourself at the bottom of the list.
Of course, one of the highlights of the month has been Miya becoming my assistant at events. Miya is my Grand-daughter and the reason I started Any Green Will Do. Taking care of the planet for her and future generations is so important and small changes now can lead to big changes later.
From helping set up stalls and organising displays to carrying airers, chatting to customers and enthusiastically planning where products should go, she has absolutely loved being involved.
There have also been plenty of funny moments along the way.
At one particularly chilly market, a mitten somehow ended up mixed in with the socks, with Miya confidently insisting she thought it was a sock! That story may continue to be mentioned for quite some time.
Between market trips, doughnuts, ice cream stops, birdwatching apps, history videos about Henry VIII, and searching for missing swimming costumes, it’s been a reminder that some of the best moments are often the simplest ones.
The next few months are all about continuing to grow, simplify and explore new opportunities.
There are plans to attend new events, continue expanding sustainable product ranges, and possibly even trademark the Any Green Will Do brand.
There’s also a continued focus on making life a little greener, a little calmer and a little more thoughtful where possible.
Because sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about small steps, learning as you go, supporting independent businesses, and finding better ways to do things over time.
And hopefully, enjoying a little sunshine along the way too.
Check out The Eco Edit to get my expert advice on easy swaps you can make with your existing products.
