A 22 year old has thought of a unique way to champion small businesses during the lockdown.

Stacie Richards, of Crutches Lane, in Strood, launched the 'Small Business Christmas Market 2020' on Facebook for independent creators to share their handmade products in the build up to Christmas.

After graduating from the University of Loughborough earlier this year, the textiles designer struggled to find work in the height of the pandemic.

She began to utilise her skill-set to create face masks, scrunchies, cushions, Christmas wrapping paper and private art commissions.

Once the second lockdown was announced, Stacie's plans to set up a market stool for her products were cancelled - which inspired her to launch the online site.

She said: "I wanted there to be a place for small businesses that create handmade goods to be able to come together and share their products with others.

"People have put so much hard work into creating these products and since Christmas fairs have now been closed, I wanted to help them and get more people interested in their work.

"I'm so happy with the reaction of the page, so many people are joining just to view these little businesses which is great."

The page now boasts over 1,200 members and counting with 100 independent creators and designers selling their handmade goods on the site.

Stacie continued: "Considering it's only been live for just over two weeks I'm really surprised about the amount of members that have joined.

"I didn't think there would be that many people so quickly, its really nice to see so many people supporting local businesses."

Owner of 'by Elizabeth Handmade', Libbie Watson, recently joined the site and has already seen an increase in attention from potential customers.

The 22 year old said: "I think it's a fabulous idea.

"This year has seen a loss of so many craft fairs and markets which is devastating to so many businesses across the country including myself.

"A lot of us have had to adapt to how we can sell our products, so to be involved with the Facebook Christmas market has been an incredible opportunity to extend my reach to potential buyers even further across the country than I would at a face to face to event so in some sense it's a positive to be in lockdown again.

"Stacie's group has been great and one of the best and easiest ways of advertising for Christmas gifts with a simple set of rules to follow to be involved."

You can join the group here.

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