Female-led local businesses emerge from lockdown for new real-life market

The view from Fishcombe Cove Cafe with Chloe Pavely:

Doesn't it feel like winter is here all of a sudden?

Lots of holidaymakers have started heading their way home, it is officially dark by 6pm - even earlier than that but I'm in slight denial - and although the streets are still busy with people throughout the day, it really feels like things are starting to slow down, almost as if we're heading into hibernation mode here in Torbay.

I have spent the last few days looking at what's new in Torbay and having a peek at what events are coming up.

It turns out I was wrong to assume Torbay is quieting down.

There is an absolute hub of energy in the background, to which and I am going to use my column as a space to share my findings with you.

This week's is about an event happening this weekend which certainly tickles my fancy, four words... Festive Females Maker's Market.

Remember Sam Webber from @That_Crafty_Stitch?

If not, let me refresh your memory... Sam completed a 24-hour knit-a-thon in order to raise money for MIND Charity.

That's 24 whole hours of non-stop knitting - which was streamed live on Instagram for us all to see - and in the process she raised hundreds of pounds for charity.

Well, she is back! This time with an all-female-led market.

'Her Small Biz' was created just after lockdown, when the ‘real life’ markets were starting to take place Sam noticed that lots of small female-led businesses that had been founded during lockdown needed a little extra support and confidence push to get their products and their beautiful faces out there in front of real people.

So, she decided to create a space where female business owners can feel completely empowered to be successful and in the process, find and take part in fun real life markets.

The markets start on Sunday, November 21, from 11am to 3pm at Foxhole Community Centre.

They currently have 25 all-female-led incredible local small businesses confirmed for the Maker's Market selling their creations.

It's the perfect place to start shopping for the festive time of year - dare I say the C word already?

Gifts that are unique, handmade and support local creators are surely the best gifts to give?

And to make things extra special, for a lot of the makers this will be their first-ever real life market!

The businesses showcasing include:

• Wild Rising - natural skin care
• That Crafty Stitch - craft and knit kits
• Kathleen Kelly Jewellery - handmade silver jewellery
• Crochet By Natalie - crochet gifts
• Bobbin Along Co - children's clothing and accessories
• Baking Gems - cakes and more
• Body Blends - all natural skin care
• Dotty's Corner - knitted gifts
• Lamont Beads - beaded jewellery
• Way To Glow Melts - wax melts
• Hazy Day Pet Care - pet care
• Paige T Blake Illustration - illustrated gifts
• Beyond The Shore - handmade sea glass jewellery
• Toastie Box - marshmallow to site boxes
• RG Clay Designs - handmade clay jewellery
• Bay Melts Co - wax melts
• Stella Isaac Illustration - illustrated gift items
• Micro Delica - animal-inspired art and gifts
• Clare’s Wonky Jugs - ceramic gifts
• Sage And Moon Macrame - macrame gifts
• Hand Poured By Laura - wax melts and candles
• Black Down Interiors - interior accessories and gifts
• Treat Torbay - PR and marketing
• Sam and Mi - Scrunchies
• Elsa Glitter - hair and make-up.

All proceeds from organising the event are being donated to Torbay Hospital ICU.

There is plenty of parking in the local area, walking to the venue is recommended, or even better using public transport to get there - buses run frequently.

The local girl guides will be running the kitchen for their own charity event too, so if you ever needed another reason to attend a brand new female-led market, that raises money for charity whilst giving you the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping (yes, I said it)... there you go!