Every year, Black Friday rolls around, bringing with it a frenzy of flash sales, mindless spending, and piles of regretful purchases. It’s the very opposite of what I believe shopping should be: joyful, thoughtful, and full of heart.
This is why this year, I’m backing Colour Friday! A celebration of small businesses, creativity, and everything that makes shopping meaningful.
I’d love to share why I think Colour Friday (and shopping small in general) is so much better, not just for you and me but for the world around us.
When you shop small, you’re not funding a billionaire’s fourth yacht or a faceless corporation. You’re supporting real people, real families, just like me! Republic of Happy is my one-woman show, designed and run from my colourful studio here in Cornwall, UK.
Every sale helps me continue doing what I love: creating joyful, high-quality products that bring smiles and happiness to your life. It supports local suppliers and helps me give back to my community. Small businesses like mine bring personality, variety and vibrancy to the world, and when you shop small, you’re part of that movement.
It’s no secret that Black Friday thrives on massive markdowns. But here’s the thing: many big retailers inflate their prices only to slash them later. It’s not genuine, and it’s not fair to shoppers who bought at full price.
At Republic of Happy, I don’t price my products with built-in room for huge discounts. My pricing reflects the true value of my designs, the care I pour into every detail, and my commitment to quality. I craft my products with love and care, making sure they’re not only beautiful but built to last.
When I offer special deals, they’re thoughtful and targeted, designed to add value for my biggest fans. It’s my way of saying thank you, without devaluing my work or your trust.
Let’s be honest: Black Friday is all about grabbing bargains, often for things we don’t need or even want. Colour Friday encourages something far more meaningful: shopping with intention.
When you shop small, you’re choosing items that are unique, special, and made to last. My products are not mass-produced. They’re crafted in small quantities by expert hands, so nothing goes to waste. That’s why when you buy from Republic of Happy, you’re getting something truly special.
I believe in fewer, better things. The products I create aren’t just items. They’re little bursts of happiness, designed to brighten your day every time you use them.
By choosing quality over quantity, you’re investing in pieces that last. You’re also choosing to reduce waste and support more sustainable shopping habits. That’s something we can all feel good about.
Colour Friday is about more than shopping. It’s about celebrating creativity, community, and conscious choices. It’s about giving gifts that mean something and supporting businesses that bring colour and joy to the world.
This Christmas (and beyond), let’s vote with our wallets for a fairer and more positive world. By shopping small, you’re making a difference to independent makers like me, to your community, and to the planet.
So let’s make this season merry and bright, the Republic of Happy way!
P.S. Holly & Co are the organisers of this fabulous campaign. A huge thank you goes out to them for providing resources like images and data, and to Rebecca Strickson for the gorgeous artwork for us small businesses to spread the word!
Stay colourful :-)
When you're having one of those days where everything just feels a bit meh, there’s nothing like a pop of bright, bold colour (and music!) to quickly turn things around.
I’ve always been a big believer in the power of colour to boost your mood, and it’s amazing what a few vibrant touches can do for both your home and your mindset.
Here are a few reasons why colour is more than just a design choice. It's a lifestyle upgrade!
Feeling a bit down or uninspired? We all have those days, and being surrounded by bright colours can work wonders. Whether it’s a punchy cushion, a vibrant piece of art, an eye-catching rug, or even a bold tea towel, these splashes of colour give you a little pick-me-up and create a feeling of optimism and positivity. It’s like your space is giving you a big, colourful hug and saying, "Hey, everything’s going to be OK!"
We all want our homes to feel welcoming, right? When you add some vibrant colours, it’s like your space gets an instant personality upgrade. It feels more alive, more cheerful, and just plain happy! When you walk into a room that’s bursting with colour, it adds a playful and upbeat atmosphere, and it’s impossible not to feel a bit lighter. And trust me, people will notice too!
I always say, if you’re going to decorate a room, why not have some fun with it? Adding bold, bright colours to your space instantly makes it more exciting and energising! Whether you’re working from home and need to spark your creativity and productivity, or just want to make your living room a bit more joyful, colour is your best friend. A room that pops with personality is always a room you want to be in.
Your home is an extension of who YOU are, and it should reflect your uniqueness. There’s no better way to express your personal style than through your home decor. Whether you love bold geometric designs or playful florals, a splash of colour is an easy way to show off your style. Your colour choices make your home feel you, and that’s what makes it a one-of-a-kind haven.
Surrounding yourself with vibrant colours isn’t just about making your home look pretty. It’s about how it makes you feel. It’s about creating a space that improves your quality of life. Whether it’s boosting your mood, sparking your creativity, or making your space more welcoming, colour has this incredible ability to transform not just your home, but your wellbeing.
So, when it comes to creating a home that radiates happiness, there’s nothing quite like the power of bright and bold colours. Whether you're sprucing up your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, vibrant colours can completely transform your space, lifting your mood and filling your home with positive energy!
Stay colourful :-)