small business

I have some very exciting news to share… Republic of Happy has been chosen as one of the winners of the Small Business, Big Break competition, run by the awesome folks at Enterprise Nation and Constant Contact 🥳

I can't quite believe that little ol’ me, a one-woman band with a big love for bold colour, has been selected to receive a marketing package worth £4,000! That includes expert guidance, digital marketing tools, and a grant to help me grow Republic of Happy, share my joyful designs with even more colour lovers, and spread more colour, joy and sunshine!

What is Small Business, Big Break?

This national competition was launched to give small UK businesses like mine a chance to boost their visibility in a big way, with marketing support, funding, and even a share of £300,000 in prime-time Channel 4 advertising airtime up for grabs.

While some of the finalists will be pitching for those TV spots, I went for the marketing package instead, because, to be honest, I didn’t feel quite ready for the telly (and didn't really want to crash and burn! 😅).

What I really need right now is a little boost and the tools to reach more of the right people: the dopamine decor fans, the print & pattern lovers, and those who believe in the power of joyful design to brighten up their everyday.

Why this means so much

As many of you know, I run Republic of Happy solo from my little studio in Cornwall. I do all the things, from designing the prints to packing the orders, and while I absolutely love what I do, it can be tough to get noticed in the sea of online noise.

This prize is a total game-changer.

I’ll be working on boosting my online visibility, bringing more traffic to my website, and growing my email list so I can stay connected with my fabulous customers and community. It's exactly the kind of support I’ve been dreaming of, and I’m so, so grateful for the opportunity!

What happens next?

Now the fun begins! I’ll be working on building out my strategy and reaching more of the people who are meant to find Republic of Happy. Whether it’s through an eye-popping Instagram ad or a cheery email, my mission remains the same: to bring a little more colour, joy and sunshine into your world.

To everyone who’s cheered me on, shopped my products, shared a post, or simply sent a kind word... THANK YOU.

This win is for us 💛

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.

Supporting small businesses means supporting people

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.

Why I don’t do blanket discounts

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.

Thoughtful shopping is better for everyone

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.

Quality over quantity

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.

Join me in celebrating Colour Friday

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 :-)