Nothing beats word-of-mouth for building a great business reputation. With the launch of the Crunch Chorus Community Forum, we wanted to utilise our new platform to celebrate the small businesses across the UK who are putting smiles on faces with their great service.

‍We asked the community to tip us off on their friends and families businesses, or simply ones that they thought deserved special recognition.

We’ll be regularly updating this article with some of the latest exciting offerings highlighted in the ‘Recommend a Business’ thread. Here’s the November 2021 edition:

Musselwhite Photography

Area of Business: Portrait photography

‍Website: www.musselwhitephotography.com/

‍Forum user recommended by: Tom

James and Fliss run Musselwhite Photography, creating unbelievably stunning images from their portrait studio in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

‍Tom: “I've worked on theatre projects with James a bunch of times over the last few years and he really is the personification of "a picture paints a thousand words" - you could write novels based on some of his snaps. He's also just been selected to represent the UK in the World Photographic Cup in Rome next year. I'd absolutely recommend getting in touch with James and Fliss to book a shoot for your business, or getting some family portraits booked in as a special Christmas gift.”

Cat’s Cradle Tattoo Studio

Area of Business: Tattoo studio

‍Website: catscradletattoo.wixsite.com/home

‍Forum user recommended by: Ant

Based in Lancashire and looking to get some ink done? The incredibly popular Cat’s Cradle Studio in Rawtenshall is your hookup. They undertake all types of work, including cover-ups, re-working old tattoos, and custom works involving black and grey, colour, traditional, neo-traditional, blackwork, dotwork, portraits and more. 

Ant: “I've got quite a few friends with tattoos up in Lancashire, and whenever I ask where they got theirs from, they always rave about Holly and John at Cat's Cradle Tattoo Studio. Awesome designs!”.

Tamsyn Parker - Social Media Manager

‍Area of Business: Digital marketing

‍Website: www.tamsynparker.com

‍Forum user recommended by: Jack

Spending too much time on your business social media, not getting the results you want and neglecting other areas of your business that really need you? Experienced Social Media Manager Tamsyn is here to help you quash the overwhelm and feel empowered in your business. 

Jack: “I sat in on a social media tutorial live Q&A by my friend Tamsyn Parker earlier this year and it was tremendously helpful. She really knows her stuff and is super-friendly. Defo worth getting in touch!”

Previous entries:

House of Peluca

Area of Business: Drag costume supplies

‍Website: https://houseofpeluca.com/

‍Forum user recommended by: Olivia

“Your one-stop-shop for all your drag needs!” - London-based Drag Artists Bella B'dell & Kindha Buena started House of Peluca during the pandemic, offering a wide selection of cosmetics, eyelashes, and custom wigs.

Olivia: “Looking for a new drag supplies store, in the market for a fabulous custom made wig? Look no further! House of Peluca run by my amazing drag parents Is the place for you! Amazing high quality products at great prices, what more could you wish for?!”

The Helbrows: Foodie Folk

Area of Business: Chutneys, jams and cakes

‍Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheHelbrowsthefoodiefolk

‍Forum user recommended by: Tim

Another lockdown-project-turned business, these keen foodies have been making a selection of delicious chutneys, jams and cakes for family and friends for several years - and have now expanded to selling to the public.

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Altered Image

Area of Business: Alterations / Tailor

‍Website: https://www.facebook.com/Altered-Image-156920644334289

‍Forum user recommended by: Katie

Elaine is Worthing-based alterations tailor with 35+ years of experience, specialising in wedding and evening wear. If you’re in the area, she’ll do any kind of alterations you might need, no matter how small a job 

‍Katie: “Shout out for my lovely and super talented mum who runs Altered Image. She has a lovely little shop down in Worthing town centre so go visit her if you need anything. Bonus - you'll get to meet her dog Tilly who's always in the shop with her (plus you’ll probably get to meet her gorgeous little dog, Tilly!).”

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Weddings by Sorella

Area of Business: Wedding venue decor and styling

‍Website: https://weddingsbysorella.com/

‍Forum user recommended by: SarahBeckett

Whether you are newly engaged or have your wedding date in the books, Natasha and Sophie can help you create your dream decor. The sisters create luxurious and decadent weddings, ensuring you have memories to last a lifetime. 

‍Sarah: “Truly stunning wedding venue decor and styling for your special day.”

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Rustic Bakes Sussex

Area of Business: Baked goods

‍Website: https://www.facebook.com/rusticbakessussex/

‍Forum user recommended by: SarahBeckett

Lyndsey is a Hailsham-based self-taught baker, making delicious celebration cakes, cupcakes and treats using gluten-free ingredients Rustic Bakes celebrated one year in business this month!

‍Sarah: “My lovely friend specialises in utterly delicious gluten free cakes and bakes. See if you can resist the temptation… you'll be drooling for sure!”

Bluebird Crotchet

Area of Business: Hand made crochet toys and dolls

‍Website: https://www.facebook.com/bluebirdcrochetbyjan

‍Forum user recommended by: Ant

Ever wanted a mini-me version of yourself and your pet? Jan makes hand-made crochet toys and dolls to order using acrylic or cotton yarns and polyester fibre filling. A unique and charming gift for a loved one!

‍Ant: “These knitted mini-me's for you and your pets are unbelievably cute. Awesome present for someone in your life!”

Jo Delacourt

Area of Business: Breathwork coach

‍Website: www.heyimjo.com

‍Forum user recommended by: Gem

Jo helps socially aware nonconformists with anxiety to find their best path forward out of negative self-talk and into their personal power, using breathwork and movement-based practices.

‍Gem: “My friend Jo is a great yoga teacher but has recently pivoted to coaching people with anxiety to be more comfortable in themselves and identify bad habits. She's very personable and has done a whole bunch of podcasts and free videos that are worth checking out - especially if you are running a business - healthy mind, healthy business!”

Want to get a friend's business featured here?

Join the Crunch Chorus Community Forum and let us know in the “Recommend a friend’s small business” thread.