At Etton Taylor, we believe in clothes that feel good and make you feel amazing - and supporting small businesses. When you buy from us, you’re buying clothes that have been carefully handpicked for their quality, character and longevity. Nothing is chosen just to fill space or to make a great margin, it’s all gently trend-led but with an eye on being worn and loved for season after season.
Our founder, Faye, has always had an eye for clothes. For as long as she can remember, she’s had an eye for style and a passion for helping people look and feel their best. That’s a huge element of what drives Etton Taylor today. Whether she’s manning our trade stand or hosting open house events Faye brings a warmth, knowledge and attention to detail that makes people feel right at home.
There’s a lot of work behind the scenes….
And while it might seem glamorous and exciting to spend time browsing clothes to buy new collections, styling the stand and doing photoshoots, it’s not all as rosy as that. Faye recently did a one-day event and even though the stand was buzzing and she made lots of sales, the financials afterwards were rather sobering. After covering the cost of the stand, staffing it, travel time, fuel and the wholesale cost of the garments sold, if she had been able to take a wage she would've made less than £5 an hour.
While it did give her reason to pause and take stock, it’s not going to stop Faye taking Etton Taylor where she wants to go. It’s a labour of love, and that’s also the reality for so many small business owners. There are thousands of small businesses just like ours across the UK, curating thoughtful collections and championing a slower, more personal way of shopping. But why is it so important to keep supporting them over bigger brands?
The power of shopping small
When you buy from a small business, you’re doing more than treating yourself to something lovely. You’re:
● Supporting someone’s dream, not a shareholder’s bonus
● Keeping money circulating in your local economy
● Choosing unique, often limited-edition items over mass production
● Saying yes to personal service and attention to detail
● Buying from a real person who sees the order come in and gets a real buzz (trust us!)
Plus, it’s a ripple effect. A purchase from a small brand supports not only the owner, but also their suppliers, a local post office, photographer and web designer.
A slower way to enjoy style and fashion!
At Etton Taylor, we’re not interested in trends that disappear overnight. Our collections are designed to be lived in and loved for years, not weeks. From our beloved silk and cashmere scarves, trimmed in recycled fur, to real Harris tweed jackets that immediately elevate an outfit, we champion quality over quantity, timeless style over impulse buys.
Because Faye curates each collection herself, there’s a thoughtfulness to everything we stock. She checks how things will wash, whether they travel and how the fabric hangs and looks in real life. Small businesses like ours are free to move at a more meaningful pace and cover the all those important, small details, and we think that’s something worth celebrating.
How to support a small business on a budget
We know not everyone can shop with us all the time, and that’s okay. We know so many other ways to support a small business that don’t involve spending a penny. Here are just a few that we love:
● Tell a friend: Word of mouth is gold. Forward a link or our newsletter, recommend us over coffee or tag someone who’d love what we do.
● Engage on social media: Every like, share, save or comment helps our posts reach more people.
● Leave a review: It might only take a minute, but your kind words could help someone else decide to order.
● Subscribe to our newsletter: It’s a small way to stay connected, hear about our sales and new collection and helps us reach you directly without relying on social media algorithms.
● Join us in person: If you’re local, come along to one of Faye’s open house events, and keep an eye on our social for our next trade stand event
Why it matters
Independent shops add character and soul to our high streets, inboxes and Instagram feeds. At Etton Taylor we aim to offer a break from big brands and give you clothes that make you feel amazing and that you don’t see everyone else wearing when you go to an event!
We know you have a world of options when it comes to where you shop. So, from our happy (and stylish) little corner of the North Yorkshire countryside, thank you. For every purchase, every share and every kind message. It means more than you know!
