Last weekend Salford Museum and Art Gallery organised a Christmas market with local sellers from Etsy.
The festive event featured lots of amazing stalls packed with amazing unique artwork, jewellery and festive gifts.
Sam Bratby attended the event with her products, she sells prints, stationery, gifts and homeware. Bratby captures the language and culture of North Manchester within her artwork which consists of prints of “fish finger butties” and “Manchester rain”.
Sam enjoys drawing and painting and produces her work from her shed in her back garden and sells them on Etsy. She said: “I’ve always been a creative person, I’ve always made things for friends and family.”
When lockdown hit Sam used her time at home to her advantage. She added: “I started to use the shed in the garden more and went all in doing that.”
The cost-of-living crisis has had a huge impact on small businesses, Sam, however, was very lucky with the community she had online.
Sam added: “They’ve chosen to buy my things but could possibly buy them cheaper elsewhere online, but they’re continuing to support you. So, I’m very grateful for that.”
It’s not always possible for people to always buy from small businesses, however, there are things that can be done to support small businesses when on a budget.
Sam explained: “Even if I’m not able to buy I try to like posts engage with small businesses online and join the mailing lists and just be aware of what they’re doing and cheering them on.”
Social media is a key asset for most small businesses as it is a great way to share their artwork. By liking a post or sharing an account to family and friends, it can help a small business.
To see more of Sam’s work, please click here.
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