Island Gems! - Sharing Local Businesses

If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s discovering and supporting small, local businesses — especially right here on our beautiful island! I recently reached out to a handful of amazing Isle of Wight business owners to find out more about how they got started, what they offer, and the passion behind what they do.

From creative makers to cosy shops and brilliant services, this post is all about celebrating the talent we have right on our doorstep! Whether you’re a fellow islander or just popping over for a visit, these local gems are definitely worth checking out!

Naturally Essential

Born from a love of aromatherapy, nature, and mindful living, Naturally Essential began as a passion project—creating natural remedies for friends and family. Over time, it grew into a small but meaningful business focused on products that care for the skin and support overall wellbeing.

Founder Lisa handcrafts each item using high-quality, natural ingredients. The range includes nourishing balms, rich body butters, soy wax candles, botanical bath soaks, and a customer favourite: deeply conditioning cuticle oils.

Every product is created with care, intention, and a commitment to both people and planet—helping others feel good, naturally.

Lisa’s favourite product from her business is her Top to Toe Balm! —it’s the newest addition to the range and already a best-seller. It’s incredibly versatile and packed with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients, ideal for everything from dry hands and feet to soothing patches of irritation. That said, Lisa also loves the Lavender, Rosemary & Grapefruit Candle. It’s beautifully calming yet uplifting—perfect for creating a soothing space, reducing stress, and supporting focus and clarity thanks to the aromatherapeutic benefits of the essential oils.

When asked what Lisa loved most about being a local business on the Isle Of Wight she expressed that there is something special about the sense of community here. That the Island is full of creative, supportive people which she loves to be a part of. - ‘I love the connection with customers, many of whom come back time and again—not just for the products, but for the shared values and stories. Being surrounded by such natural beauty is also a constant source of inspiration’.

You can find Naturally Essential at various local events across the Island, and a variety of her products are stocked at Ztam & Co in Ryde, Quarr Abbey and the Donkey Sanctuary.

You can also find Naturally Essential online:

www.naturally-essential.com

On Instagram & Facebook-@naturallyessentialcandles

Amber Deakin Art

Amber began drawing during the Covid lockdown after watching hours of YouTube tutorials on realism drawing, dreaming of creating art much like the talented artists she admired. After purchasing a complete set of fine art coloured pencils and some good quality paper which she admits she was too scared to draw on at the time! Amber began drawing and after years of practice and is now able to earn money by commissioning pet portraits. - Which as you will see are incredible!

Amber solely commissions pet portraits at the moment, explaining that she mainly draws cats and dogs but would like to explore drawing other animals too!

I asked Amber what she loved most about being a local business on the Island and here’s what she said -

‘I take great joy in creating something special for others and seeing their reactions when they receive it! It’s far more rewarding than simply sending it off in the post after many hours of hard work. I also think the Island’s beauty makes anything handmade here even more special’.

Where you can find Amber Deakin Art!

Instagram: @amberdeakinart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LDT1vE1hC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Website coming soon!

Peach Face IOW

Peach Face is a sustainable clothing brand on the Isle Of Wight, I recently reached out to Hannah the founder to find out a little bit more about her amazing business. Hannah created Peach Face after being made redundant whilst on maternity leave and after 15 years in her corporate career decided to use the opportunity to follow her passion! - I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason and it looks to be the case as this lovely business may otherwise had not bloomed!

Hannah expressed that her inspiration behind Peach Face is her son. ‘Peach Face is a sustainable clothing brand inspired by my son, who reminded me of the magic in the world, and the beautiful beaches and nature of the Isle of Wight’.

(Image above) - Hannah the founder wearing one of her fabulous Peach Face T-Shirts

Creating designs is Hannah’s favourite part of her business, particularly working with clients to create one off, bespoke designs just for them or for groups such as hen and other parties.

When asked what she loved most about being a business on the Island Hannah’s response was the support from other local businesses. - ‘Living on a small island you get to know other local businesses and help each other. It is a great community to be a part of and people want to see you succeed’.

Where to find Peach Face

Instagram: @peachfaceiow

Website: www.peachface.co.uk

Rheamore

Rheanna started her business back in 2018 after making a leather tote bag for her mum as a gift. Friend’s and family quickly started putting in requests for items and so she decided to start selling on Etsy by the end of 2018. Rheanna went on to explain that over the years the business grew, as did the product range to include small leather accessories such as our keyrings, tassels, card holders & purses.

‘As the years went by things got busier and it became a struggle to juggle it alongside my full time job, so in November 2022 I made the decision to leave my full time job and go self employed - something I am very proud of’.

Rhemore has had a busy few years growing and taking part in some amazing events including popping up in John Lewis, Battersea Power Station in London and being featured in The Times Christmas Gift Guide last year. 

Rheanna’s favourite item to make is her leather earrings which she explained are created using the smaller pieces of leather leftover from the production of their larger items to create unique and fun designs. - ‘I think the freedom to be able to think of a design (bag or accessory) in my head then be in a position to go into the studio translate it into a design & then sew it up into a final product is my favourite thing’.

I asked what Rheanna what her favourite part of being a local business on the Isle of Wight was and here’s what she had to say -

‘I love the community here on the Island, I have met so many amazing other small business owners who are always willing to offer advice or help out when things are hectic at a market. It is also a great source of inspiration being surrounded by the stunning coastlines and beaches and a great backdrop for photoshoots. We are a very creative island and it is so lovely to see so many people supporting and choosing to shop local’.

Rheanna and her mum enjoying a walk on the beach

So where else can you find Rheamore?

Website: www.rheamore.co.uk

Instagram & TikTok - @rheamorestyle

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post! As you can see, we’re incredibly lucky here on the Island to be surrounded by so many talented and passionate individuals. There are so many wonderful independent businesses doing amazing things!

If you discovered a new favourite today, be sure to give them a follow, show some love, or pop in and say hello if you’re local. Supporting small truly makes a big difference.

Want to be featured?

Have a favourite local business you think should be featured next time or do you run your own business ? Drop me a message — I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Rebecca

The Gel Art Academy