Susan Cawte from Island Hampers moved to Southsea just over 4 years ago and fell in love with the area of Southsea and Portsmouth. Having worked in retail and owning a successful business in Wickham meant she has always understood customers needs as well as feeling how important it is to have community spirit and support other small businesses.
I caught up with Susan and asked a few questions about this new venture…
How did Island Hampers begin?
Having spent my first Christmas in Southsea making up hampers for all friends and family made from all sorts of creatives and independents, I thought about how much I enjoyed doing this and that maybe this could become something more than just making a loved one smile. This is how Island Hampers was born.
Are you a big independent shopper then?
Yes definitely. I love that so many local businesses and creatives make such a wide range of products but also with such a passion for the Island, and that really resonates with me.
When did you start Island Hampers?
Last year during the first lockdown I found myself with very little work and decided to use the time to build Island Hampers. I approached several local businesses with the idea and now work with some amazing people. The idea, behind it all is to promote each individual or small business, this I strongly believe helps to create a stronger local economic community – especially at the moment! Working with these businesses allows me to bring together and share a selection of local unique and handmade products in one box.
How do you send out the hampers?
I have been putting together postbox hampers and postal hampers to include goods from different suppliers with the emphasis being on what is made by other small businesses and creatives in Portsmouth, Hayling Island, Isle of Wight, and the surrounding areas. I didn’t want the hampers to just include food or drink but instead to be a lovely box of treats that anyone would love to receive.
Categories vary from 'Get Well Soon' to 'Pamper' amongst others, with bespoke options also available. This is a great time to think about making a loved one smile and I also offer free local PO3, PO4 & PO5 deliveries.
During this current time, where we can’t see people physically I hope my hampers allow people to share some physical thoughtful gifts with family, friends and loved ones.
Check out more hamper love by visiting the website and maybe make a friend, loved one smile by sending them one of these lovely packages!
