Forsyth And Tedd - Dog Clothing and Accessories.

Proving that practical definitely doesn't mean boring, Forsyth and Tedd lovingly design, sell and hand-make a huge range of Dog clothing and accessories; from home-baked dog treats and bow ties to dog jumpers and wax coats.

Forsyth and Tedd was founded by Mel Forsyth, and her Spanish rescue dog, Tedd. Based at Faraday Mill in Plymouth, Devon, Forsyth and Tedd is an eclectic emporium for both dogs and dog-owners (or dog-lovers, like us!) alike. With a shop downstairs and a sewing unit upstairs, it doesn't get more local than this.

'They've got you covered from nose to tail!'

The moment Mel saw a photo of Tedd her heart melted and she knew that they were meant to be together; as the heart and soul of the business, they've shared a special bond ever since. Since rescuing Tedd, Mel has now rescued a beautiful Podenco Ibicenco called Delphine. Delphine is the baby of the family, but is clearly going to be the biggest.

What started as a solution to her own problem has now become a popular go-to place for all things pooch. After several failed attempts to buy Tedd something practical, well-fitted and stylish, it soon became clear that Mel had to take matters into her own hands. It was at this point that the seeds of an idea for Forsyth and Tedd were born. Mel took the initiative, deciding that the only solution was to learn to sew (shoutout to Make @ 140!) and design her own dog coats and jackets.

With support from her friends and family, as well as those asking about her designs, Mel took on the challenge with both hands and started her business. With a clear focus on gorgeous, unique and high-quality fabrics, each custom design is practical and versatile.

With sighthounds of her own, Mel understands the importance of well-fitted clothing and collars, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing. Whether you have a wonky whippet, a gangly greyhound or a wiggly iggy, Forsyth and Tedd have a large Sighthound Collection as well as made-to-order clothing, coats and accessories.

Alongside their own products, Forsyth and Tedd also stock and sell stylish accessories from other quality suppliers around the world, whilst supporting other independent businesses. They are even the first UK stockist of Collar of Sweden!

Having lived in Plymouth and Cornwall for most of her life, seeing her creations on other peoples dogs and knowing they look and feel great instills - rightly so - a great deal of pride. When she's not working on new designs or orders, you can find Mel out and about in the Cornish countryside with her dogs.

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Bamboo Clothing

Introducing sustainable clothing that’s a little different... ideal for yoga lovers, fitness enthusiasts and comfort-seekers alike.

Based in Plymouth, BAM Clothing have been pioneering the way for sustainable and contemporary fashion since 2006 and are now the go-to brand for oh-so-soft clothing... made from Bamboo!

David Gordon - founder and CEO of BAM Clothing - describes himself as an adventurer; he has successfully completed a man-haul expedition across Greenland with a team of Gurkahs and recently held the titles of World Masters Games Pole Vault Champion and European masters pole vault champion!

This experience, combined with his long held interest in the future of the planet, brought about a year long search for a viable and environmentally sustainable business idea. Something that might actually make a difference.

As a P.E student at Loughborough University in 1988, David started selling T-Shirts to finance his ‘world tour’. It was his natural entrepreneurship, alongside his dedicated passion for the environment, that inspired David to start BAM Clothing in 2006.

BAM Clothing was the first bamboo clothing company in Europe

What began as a collection of base-layers and undergarments for active individuals with a passion for 'living life to the max', has grown organically to satisfy customer demand. With the lines blurring between fitness and leisure-wear, the designs are more relevant and popular than ever.

Ideal for both men and women, BAM produces two seasonal collections a year: spring & summer and autumn & winter. Aside from the comfort and performance criteria of using bamboo, it is also the most sustainable crop on the planet. Did you know that it's three times more absorbent than cotton?

BAM Clothing are leading the way in contemporary, sustainable style

Ultimately, David has a very clear ambition for the company - for it to be impact positive. He wants the business to leave a positive footprint on the world, even working closely with select experts in the field who are supporting BAM to shape their impact positive strategy.

David created a label that he himself would buy, wearing his brand day in and day out. He was – and still is – motivated to show the world that you can build a successful business whilst taking a totally environmentally friendly and ethical approach.

With such a huge - yet highly refined - range of super soft, flattering and stylish garments, it's no wonder that customers buy from BAM time and time again.

'We want to be the favourite brand of active people with enquiring, discerning minds and a global conscience.'

But it's not just about the clothing. As customers, we like to enjoy the experience of shopping with an independent business. David and his team pride themselves on their award-winning customer service, having receieved a Feefo Gold Service Award; it’s an independent seal of excellence that “recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, rated by real customers”.

From the outset, the BAM team are consistently striving to build something truly special whilst growing organically in the process, without compromising on values.

With the immediate agenda of addressing concerns of sustainability within the clothing industry, BAM want to ensure they are making real changes whilst inspiring individuals to shop more consciously.

'Everyone gets treated fairly and responsibly, from the garment factory workers to the customer. Not forgetting ourselves!'

BAM believe in the pursuit of active health and want to encourage and support others, regardless of age or ability. Their breathable, modern and high-quality pieces are perfect for adventurous, fun and discerning customers... who prioritise their comfort and the wellbeing of our planet.

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Botanical Boheme

Copper tones, nature-inspired patterns and bold designs; Botanical Boheme is a unique, bohemian style jewellery and homewares brand based near the sea in Plymouth, Devon.

Stevie-Leigh's journey stemmed from her hunt for unique festival-wear jewellery. As a creative individual her whole life, Stevie-Leigh began to make her own accessories out of driftwood and feathers.

Originally focused more on Fashion Textiles, Stevie-Leigh found a passion for jewellery and, in an exciting change of direction, went on to graduate from a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing in 2016.

Wholly inspired by nature, every item is made from the corner of Stevie-Leighs dining room while her two little girls sleep. Completely hand-crafted, no two pieces are the same; only adding to their refined charm. From start to finish, the Botanical Boheme process is focused around sustainability and beautiful simplicity.

All jewellery is packaged in 100% recycled packaging, and any leftover scrap silver is used to create new designs. In the future, all silver used will be completely recycled; something Stevie-Leigh is currently working towards.

'All of my work has a bohemian style - I’m drawn to the imperfect and rustic style finishes, and my collections are directly inspired by plants, either in simplified shapes or the leaf imprints that are put onto the metal. I merged the two main themes of my work together to create the name Botanical Boheme.'

After the birth of her first child, Stevie-Leigh started an interiors based Instagram account as a creative outlet. It was through interiors that she became inspired to create wall hangings, encapsulating foliage in Resin and Jesmonite. Whilst building up a loyal following, Stevie-Leigh began making jewellery again, designing and hand-making an ever-growing range of fresh, minimal and bold artisan jewellery and homeware.

'I love the ‘botanical’ collection, I use dried leaves to put through a rolling mill with the metal, which leaves detailed imprints on the metal. The beauty of this is that every leaf is unique, therefore every outcome is unique. I can never replicate a piece of jewellery because of the process, which makes the finished article even more special.'

From Boho Tassel Copper Earrings to Copper Wall Hangings, you can shop Botanical Boheme on Etsy. But, watch this space as her Website is coming soon!

You can also catch Botanical Boheme at 'Trepol and Pen' at the end of July with Native Makers.

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Have you got an independent, local business or know someone that does?! Get in touch. We'd love to chat! info@lovelocalcollective.co.uk