Our first featured shop is also our partner for this year's Advent calendar: Independent Oxford. We chatted with Rosie Jacobs, co-founder of Independent Oxford, about their network for indie businesses and their shop in the Covered Market.
Tell us about what you sell
This year at the Indie Oxford Market Place we have a whole host of awesome indies in our shop including Custom Made, Amy Surman, Truck Store, Fairtrade at St Michael's and a selection of handmade pieces from the Oxford Etsy Team.
How long has Independent Oxford been going?
Anna and I set up Independent Oxford 4.5 years ago. We launched the project at the Annie Sloan Shop on Cowley Road and have been going strong ever since.
What motivated you to start Independent Oxford?
We felt there was a real lack of community for small, independent businesses in Oxford and the surrounding county, so wanted to create somewhere businesses could find support and promotion. Anna worked at The Old Fire Station at the time, and I have my own business, A Rosie Life, so from our own experience we felt there was a real need for an indie network.
What do you like best about being based in Oxfordshire?
Oxfordshire has a real wealth of independent businesses and it’s great to be able to support such a diverse mix of talented and hardworking business owners.
Do you think Oxford is a good place to run a small business?
There are a lot of resources to tap into here, and a really growing community of indies to learn from, be inspired by and get advice from. Working with other indies is a great way to promote your business and overcome the isolation that so many business owners feel.
What's the best thing about running a small business?
Small business owners have an advantage in that they're fleet of foot, and seek out opportunities to diversify quicker and smarter than larger businesses. We love seeing businesses develop and flourish as new opportunities present themselves.
What's the biggest challenge?
Cash and time are always going to be challenging for small businesses. Having an eye on your cash flow and forecast at all times is imperative, and having a dynamic business plan can help with this. Crowdfunding is a great way to drum up support and help with set-up costs. We used Crowdfunder.com to help set up our shop this year, and members such as Tap Social, Ogglio and Cranston Pickles have also run successful campaigns to grow their businesses. In terms of time,
...small business owners work incredibly hard but it’s important to give yourself time off and headspace to recharge, get perspective and allow yourself the long view away from the day to day.
What's the most interesting little-known fact about the Indie Oxford Marketplace?
Our current shop has been many things over the years including a florist and a shoe shop. We’re so excited to be back in the heart of The Covered Market and love how festive and jolly it is at this time of year!
What's your favourite product?
Such a hard one! We have so many fantastic products in our shop from a whole host of designers and small businesses, including Fairtrade Christmas decorations, beeswax wraps, beautiful jewellery and delicious pickles. We totally love our new Oxford Tea Towels that are new to the store and are flying out!
Is there anything else you'd like to highlight?
Our theme for the shop this year is sustainability. We are not alone in feeling deeply concerned about the future of our planet, and so have carefully picked items that are sustainably produced such as natural skincare, soy wax candles, books on how to stop using plastic and Wonky relishes made from surplus veg.
Shopping instore locally is a great way to have a more eco-friendly Christmas.
Welcome to Daily Info’s 2023 Advent Calendar – 24 days of festive tips, free activities & local shopping suggestions!
This year's calendar offers a mix of Christmas suggestions, taking in traditions in Oxford and the wider area, and free activities & events in the build up to the big day.
