#brixandbailey

Building a marketplace is easy. Building one that actually supports independent makers?

That's the challenge.

After 20+ conversations with brands in years 3-7, we kept hearing the same patterns: "Every platform is built for beginners or massive brands. Nothing exists for where we actually are." "We need infrastructure, not inspiration. Systems, not just exposure." "We're successful enough to be exhausted, but not enough to afford proper support."

This is why Brix + Bailey exists. We're creating a marketplace ecosystem that combines:

✓ Curated discovery (shop by purpose, location, values)

✓ Operational infrastructure (tools that actually help)

✓ Community support (you're not figuring it out alone)

✓ Sustainable focus (circular economy built in)

This morning, over coffee we had a chat about sustainable fashion's struggles. What emerged wasn't criticism for its own sake, but clarity about what actually works – and what we must build differently.

As founders of a marketplace championing independent makers, these insights affirm everything we've learned over twelve years. Here's what we believe about the path forward:

Stories Win, Jargon Loses

The word "sustainability" makes people switch off. It signals higher prices, moral obligation, and guilt. But fashion has always been about emotion, desire, and connection.

We've found that when you tell the story of how a bag was made, who made it, what inspired the design, and why the materials matter – people lean in. They want to be part of something meaningful, not lectured about what they should do.

Our approach: Every maker on our platform has a story. We share the journey, the craft, the inspiration. When customers fall in love with the story, they naturally embrace the values. Sustainability becomes part of the allure, not a burden to bear.

Long-Term Partnerships Over Viral Moments

The fashion industry burns through emerging designers at an alarming rate. Peak visibility during launch, then silence. This model serves media needing fresh content, not makers needing sustainable businesses.

We reject this cycle completely.

Our commitment: Building a marketplace where makers grow steadily over years, not seasons. Where visibility compounds, customer loyalty deepens, and businesses become viable. Success means being there five years from now, not going viral today.

Convenience Matters As Much As Values

Research shows a gap between what people say they value and what they actually buy. This isn't hypocrisy – it's human nature. Sustainable options must be genuinely convenient and desirable, not just morally correct.

Our focus: Making conscious shopping as easy and exciting as any alternative. Unified checkout across hundreds of makers. Curated discovery by purpose, location, and category. Free shipping thresholds. Seamless returns. Beautiful presentation. The sustainable choice should also be the delightful choice.

Specificity Builds Trust

Vague sustainability claims have been so overused they've become meaningless. "Eco-friendly" and "conscious" signal nothing concrete anymore.

Our standard: Be ruthlessly specific. Don't say "sustainable materials" – say "organic cotton from certified farms in Portugal" or "upcycled leather from Italian furniture workshops." Precision demonstrates authenticity. Generalities breed skepticism.

Quality and Uniqueness Beat Volume

The core problem isn't materials or manufacturing – it's making too much, too fast. Our model inherently works against overproduction.

Our advantage: We connect limited-run makers with consumers who value uniqueness. Small batch production isn't a limitation we're trying to overcome – it's our structural strength. Scarcity creates value when it comes from craft rather than artificial restriction.

Circular From Day One

Most businesses bolt circularity onto existing models as an afterthought. We're building it into our foundation.

Our vision: Integrating resale, repair, and recycling seamlessly. Making product lifecycle extension natural and rewarding. Creating infrastructure where nothing goes to waste because the system anticipates multiple use cycles from the start.

Education That Empowers

Consumers don't understand fashion's true costs and impacts because explaining makes everyone uncomfortable. But ignorance doesn't serve anyone long-term.

Our responsibility: Help people understand why things cost what they cost, what different practices actually mean, and how choices create impact – without preaching. Make transparency valuable, not virtuous.

Collaboration Over Competition

Systemic change doesn't come from individual businesses making incremental improvements in isolation. It requires collective action.

Our belief: Other conscious marketplaces aren't competition – they're partners in building a better system. We actively collaborate, share learnings, and support the entire ecosystem. A rising tide lifts all boats when those boats are rowing the same direction.

Different Metrics for Different Goals

Traditional retail measures success through volume growth and market share. Those metrics drive behaviors we're trying to change.

Our measures: Maker retention and profitability. Customer lifetime value over acquisition cost. Product lifecycle length. Waste reduction. Community engagement. Revenue growth matters, but not at the expense of everything we're building toward.

Power Redistribution Through Design

Fashion's problems stem from concentrated power optimizing for shareholder returns. Change requires distributing power to makers, workers, communities, and conscious consumers.

Our structure: Decision-making that includes maker voices. Profit distribution that ensures maker viability. Transparency about our commercial model. Supporting independent makers isn't just curation – it's economic power redistribution.

What We're Building

Over twelve years, we've evolved from a luxury accessories brand to a multi-brand marketplace. That journey taught us what conscious commerce actually requires:

Compelling narratives that make sustainable choices desirable Sustained partnerships where makers and platform grow together Genuine convenience that competes with any alternative Radical specificity that builds credibility through precision Structural advantages from limited production and uniqueness Integrated circularity designed into the foundation Empowering education that informs without lecturing Active collaboration with the entire conscious commerce ecosystem Alternative metrics that measure what actually matters Power redistribution through intentional platform design

We're not claiming perfection. Building this takes time, iteration, and humility. But we're clear about the direction.

The future of fashion isn't about guilting people into better choices or achieving impossible purity standards. It's about building infrastructure where conscious commerce thrives because it offers what people genuinely want: beautiful products with meaningful stories, made by makers you want to support, through systems designed for longevity rather than disposability.

This vision attracts customers not through moral superiority but through genuine desire. It sustains makers not through charity but through viable economics. It changes the industry not through criticism but through demonstrating better alternatives.

That's what we're doing at Brix + Bailey. Not because we have all the answers, but because we're committed to finding them together – with our makers, our customers, and our community.

The future is being built by those willing to try something different. We're excited to be part of that future.

About Brix + Bailey

We're building a purpose-driven marketplace connecting independent brands and bricks & mortar boutiques with conscious consumers worldwide. Since 2012, we've championed makers who create with intention, consumers who choose with care, and systems designed for longevity. Join us in shaping fashion's future.

Share your perspective: What makes conscious commerce genuinely desirable to you? What would make sustainable shopping your default choice?

What Running a Family Business Really Teaches You (and Why We’re Still Learning)

Running a family business is an unpredictable mix of heart and habit — part design studio, part family drama, always slightly over-caffeinated.

Ours started a generation before us: people with big ideas, strong opinions, and endless notebooks. Three generations later, we’re still trying to balance legacy with innovation — and not spill the tea in the process. ☕️

The truth? It’s equal parts chaos, creativity, and compromise. You learn that love doesn’t pay invoices, that spreadsheets don’t soothe arguments, and that laughter really is the cheapest kind of therapy.

We wrote a longer reflection about it — a little more thoughtful, a little more personal — over on Medium. → Read it here

The Independent Maker's Dilemma: Why Talent Alone Isn't Enough Anymore.

Over coffee and croissants this morning, we were discussing something one of our designers mentioned yesterday—something that's been weighing on me ever since.

She's incredibly talented. Her work sells out every time she releases a collection. Customers love what she makes. But she's seriously considering giving up her studio because between platform fees, shipping costs, and payment processing, she's barely breaking even.

This isn't an isolated case. We're hearing versions of this story almost weekly now.

The Impossible Economics of Independent Making

Here's what's happening to independent makers right now:

Material costs are climbing. Quality fabrics, sustainable materials, ethical suppliers—everything costs more than it did two years ago.

Shipping has become unpredictable and expensive. What used to cost £5 to send might now cost £12, and delivery times are unreliable. Shipping costs have risen significantly for small businesses, making it harder to compete with larger retailers.

Platform fees keep rising. Whether it's Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or even Instagram Shopping, everyone takes their percentage. Add payment processing fees, and suddenly 20-30% of every sale disappears before the maker sees a penny.

Customer expectations haven't adjusted. People (understandably) expect competitive pricing, free shipping, and easy returns. They're comparing independent makers to companies with massive logistics operations and economies of scale.

The math simply doesn't work anymore for solo creators trying to compete. Research shows that small businesses face unique challenges that larger players can easily absorb.

The Infrastructure Gap

We all say we value independent businesses, handmade goods, and supporting small creators. Social media is full of "shop small" messaging, especially around holidays.

But the infrastructure to actually support independent makers? It's not built for them—it's built for scale players who can absorb costs, negotiate bulk shipping rates, and survive on thin margins because of volume.

A ceramicist making 50 pieces a month can't get the same shipping rates as a company moving 5,000 units. A fashion designer working from her studio can't negotiate payment processing fees like a brand with millions in revenue.

The systems we have favor exactly the kind of businesses we claim we're trying to move away from.

What We Stand to Lose

Here's what keeps me up at night: if we lose these independent makers to economic pressure, we lose something irreplaceable.

We lose diversity. Independent makers create from their unique perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and personal aesthetics. They're not following trend reports—they're following their convictions.

We lose craft. Techniques passed down through generations, skills honed over decades, knowledge that exists in hands and hearts rather than instruction manuals.

We lose courage. The willingness to make something different, something that might not test well in focus groups but comes from a genuine creative impulse.

We lose culture. Design that reflects real places, real traditions, real stories—not what an algorithm predicted would convert.

And here's the harsh reality: that talent doesn't come back. Once someone closes their studio and takes a corporate job to pay rent, we lose their voice permanently. They might keep creating as a hobby, but the world doesn't get the full expression of what they could have contributed.

Rethinking the Marketplace Model

At Brix + Bailey, we think about this constantly. How do we create a marketplace that genuinely supports independent brands, not just features them? Where the economics actually make sense for makers?

It's not just about lower commission rates, though that matters. It's about rethinking the entire model:

Shared shipping solutions that give small makers access to better rates and more reliable service.

Collective marketing power so they're not trying to build audiences entirely on their own with limited budgets.

Simplified backend operations—inventory management, payment processing, customer service infrastructure—so they can focus on what they do best: creating.

Curated discovery that helps customers find makers based on values, location, and aesthetics rather than just whoever can afford the most ads. Our Shop by Location feature helps customers discover independent brands from over 20 countries.

Community over competition where makers support each other rather than fighting for the same limited customer attention.

We don't have all the answers yet. But we're committed to building something that works for the people we serve, not just extracting value from them.

The Question We All Need to Ask

If you genuinely value independent makers, handmade goods, and diverse creative voices, the question isn't just "where should I shop?"

It's "what systems need to change so these makers can survive?"

Because right now, talent and passion and beautiful work aren't enough. The economics are stacked against them.

We can change that. But it requires rethinking how marketplaces work, how we value craft, and what we're willing to build together.

Your Turn

If you're an independent maker, I'd genuinely love to hear: what's your biggest challenge right now? What would actually make a difference?

If you're someone who loves supporting independent brands: what would help you discover and buy from makers more easily?

The conversation matters. Because the solutions we build need to come from understanding the real problems, not assumptions about them.

Brix + Bailey Lookbook Reimagined.

When Brix + Bailey first launched, we shot a lookbook with a brilliant model who captured the energy of our brand. Post-shoot, we couldn’t resist adding our own twist — hand-drawn illustrations layered into the imagery. At the time, it felt like a playful experiment, but it became one of the visual signatures of our early days.

Now, those illustrations have been brought to life in moving image form. The result? A surreal blend of fashion and art that feels as relevant today as it did then — perhaps more so.

The process reminds us how much things have changed. Back then, it was static imagery in a printed book. Today, it’s films, stories, and social media, where the line between reality and imagination is blurrier than ever.

Some things, though, haven’t changed: our love of unordinary design, our instinct to play, and our determination to create something a little different.

Why Shopping Local Goes Global: Independent Brands Worldwide

Why Shopping Local Goes Global: Supporting Independent Brands Worldwide

The paradox of our time: the more connected we become, the more we crave authenticity. Enter the beautiful contradiction of shopping local—globally.

There's something deliciously ironic about discovering a ceramicist in rural Portugal through your phone screen, then having their handmade bowl arrive at your London doorstep three days later. We live in an age where "local" has transcended geography, and supporting independent makers has never been more accessible—or more important.

The New Definition of Local

"Shop local" used to mean walking down your high street. Today, it means something far more nuanced. Local isn't just about proximity—it's about values, craft, and the human stories behind what we buy.

When you purchase from a small leather goods maker in Florence, you're not just buying a bag. You're supporting a family business that's been perfecting their craft for generations. You're keeping alive techniques that fast fashion would gladly bulldoze for efficiency. You're choosing the antithesis of algorithmic sameness.

This is local shopping, reimagined for a global world.

Why Independent Brands Need Global Reach

Here's the uncomfortable truth: most independent brands can't survive on their immediate neighbors alone. The ceramic artist in a village of 200 people? Their local market is, quite literally, limited. But their potential admirers? They're scattered across continents.

Traditional retail has failed these makers spectacularly. Department stores demand impossible minimums. Fashion weeks cater to established players. The independent brand with exquisite craftsmanship and a story worth telling gets drowned out by whoever has the biggest marketing budget.

Enter the curated marketplace—the bridge between global reach and local authenticity.

The Ripple Effect of Conscious Commerce

When you choose independent over mass market, here's what actually happens:

For the maker: Direct support means they can invest in better materials, fair wages, and sustainable practices. They're not racing to the bottom on price—they're competing on quality and creativity.

For your community: Every purchase sends a message about what kind of economy we want. Demand for thoughtful, well-made goods creates space for more makers to thrive.

For the planet: Independent brands typically produce in smaller batches, use better materials, and design for longevity rather than disposability. It's not perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better than fast fashion's environmental catastrophe.

Breaking the Algorithm Echo Chamber

Mass market retailers and their algorithms want to predict exactly what you'll buy. They analyze your data, show you more of the same, and gradually narrow your world into an echo chamber of sameness.

Independent brands break this cycle. They create because they have something to say, not because market research suggested turquoise is trending. They introduce you to aesthetics you never knew you loved, craftsmanship techniques you'd never heard of, design philosophies that challenge your assumptions.

This is how culture actually evolves—not through focus groups and trend forecasting, but through individual creators pushing boundaries.

The Shop by Location Revolution

At Brix + Bailey, we've always believed in the power of place. Our new Shop by Location feature isn't just a filtering tool—it's a passport to global creativity. Want to explore the minimalist aesthetics of Scandinavian design? Curious about the bold patterns emerging from contemporary African fashion? Drawn to the artisanal traditions of South American craftspeople?

Geography shapes creativity in profound ways. The light in Marrakech influences how a textile designer approaches color. The brutal winters of Helsinki inform a furniture maker's understanding of coziness. These aren't just products—they're cultural ambassadors.

Making the Global Feel Personal

The beauty of supporting independent brands worldwide isn't just about diversity—it's about connection. When you buy from a small maker, you're not a transaction in a spreadsheet. You're part of their story. They know where their pieces go, who's wearing their designs, how their work fits into real people's lives.

This connection transcends borders. The Japanese ceramicist whose mug holds your morning coffee. The Irish knitwear designer whose sweater accompanies you on weekend adventures. The Mexican jewelry maker whose earrings become your signature piece.

These aren't just purchases—they're relationships that span continents.

The Future We're Building

Every time you choose independent over mass market, you're voting for a different kind of economy. One where creativity trumps efficiency. Where stories matter more than scale. Where the person who makes your clothes or designs your homeware can actually make a living doing what they love.

This isn't about rejecting globalization—it's about humanizing it. It's about using our interconnected world to support the very best of human creativity, wherever it emerges.

The next time someone asks why you paid more for that hand-thrown pottery or ethically-made jacket, tell them you're not just shopping locally. You're shopping for the kind of world you want to live in.

And that world? It's beautiful, unordinary, and worth supporting—one independent brand at a time.

Ready to explore independent brands from around the world? Discover makers from over 20 countries through our Shop by Location feature, and join the growing community of conscious consumers supporting creativity over conformity.

Discover more from Brix + Bailey Explore our marketplace at brixbailey.com

Q&A with the Brix + Bailey Co-Founders

Connecting Conscious Consumers with Independent Brands

Independent brands often face the same challenge: standing out in a world dominated by big names and bigger budgets. That’s where Brix + Bailey comes in — a curated marketplace designed to connect extraordinary makers with the conscious consumers who would love them.

We sat down with the co-founders for a quick Q&A.

What makes Brix + Bailey special?

Brix + Bailey is a global marketplace for independent brands, showcasing collections across fashion, homeware, jewellery, and lifestyle. Our mission is simple: help brilliant makers be discovered by people who value creativity, quality, and purpose.

We started as designers ourselves, so we understand the challenges. That’s why we don’t just provide a platform — we act as partners in growth. Beyond the digital space, we also host curated pop-ups and events in London and New York, creating real-world moments for brands and customers to connect.

Who’s your community?

Our audience is made up of thoughtful consumers who care about authenticity and story. They’re people who want pieces with personality, often as gifts or as something you simply can’t find on the high street.

We reach them through storytelling: brand features, maker processes, and conversations about conscious consumption. Channels include Instagram, LinkedIn, newsletters, and collaborations with like-minded organisations.

What challenges do you solve for brands?

Discovery. Independent makers are creating incredible products, but without the marketing budgets of the big players, they struggle to be seen.

We solve this by building curated collections where customers come specifically to discover new brands. Alongside that, we handle the heavy lifting of marketing and customer acquisition, leaving brands free to do what they do best: create.

Any recent wins?

Rapidly increasing....with over 200 brands already in the process of going live and 100's of new applications per month — proof of demand for what we’re building.

A growing international reach, connecting makers with global audiences.

Most importantly, the community — genuine relationships between brands, customers, and us.

What’s next?

We’ll continue to grow thoughtfully, bringing on board more independent brands such as { Navy or Grey as seen in the fabulous video attached } that align with our quality-first, ethically-conscious approach. We’re also exploring immersive experiences and collaborations to strengthen connections between makers and customers.

The goal remains the same: a world where independent brands thrive, conscious consumers discover products that reflect their values, and shopping becomes a force for positive impact.

Discover more from Brix + Bailey Explore our marketplace at brixbailey.com

Explore our lovely new mens bespoke tailoring and styling brand Navy or Grey

Introducing Shop by Location

A passport to independent design — minus the jet lag

We’re rather delighted to launch something new on the Brix + Bailey marketplace: Shop by Location.

Instead of scrolling endlessly, you can now explore our marketplace geographically. Think Copenhagen’s sustainability pioneers, Kyoto’s meticulous artisans, or New York’s bold jewellers — all in one place.

Why it matters

Independent design is shaped by culture, community, and a sense of place. Shopping by location means you’re not just buying a product; you’re supporting:

A Melbourne boutique owner championing local makers

A Scandinavian designer experimenting with sustainable fabrics

A London craft studio keeping traditional skills alive

How we’re building it

Hidden gems – discovering makers from hubs and unexpected corners alike

Authentic partnerships – we know their stories, not just their stock

Boutique champions – shopkeepers are the unsung curators of taste

Quality first – fewer, better, more interesting

Recent highlights

Scandinavian fashion minimalists

Japanese home goods with heritage flair

British craft reinvented for today

New York jewellery with character

Eco-conscious European accessories

Explore the world through design Visit our Shop by Location section and start your journey. Because the world is full of extraordinary design — and we’re simply here to make the introductions.

Discover more from Brix + Bailey Explore our marketplace at brixbailey.com