{"id":57893,"date":"2021-12-19T13:26:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-19T13:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=57893"},"modified":"2021-12-19T13:26:27","modified_gmt":"2021-12-19T13:26:27","slug":"starting-a-business-in-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2021\/12\/19\/starting-a-business-in-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting a business in Covid: Young Cardiff entrepreneurs share their stories"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening a store is difficult at the best of times. But optimistic indie businesses say &#8216;there has never been a more affordable time to start&#8217;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"872\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-1024x872.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-1024x872.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-300x256.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-770x656.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-293x250.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-1400x1192.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report.jpg 1409w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-1024x872.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-1024x872.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-300x256.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-770x656.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-293x250.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report-1400x1192.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Black-Simple-Typewriter-Newspaper-Book-Report.jpg 1409w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Boris Johnson announces the first national lockdown. <\/strong><br>Image: 10 Downing Street under open government licence.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>IT is March 2020. Boris Johnson has declared a national lockdown, with clear guidance: \u201cFrom this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction &#8211; you must stay at home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first time, many of us had the chance to pause. The lockdown meant many had time to take a step back and to get in touch with their creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those of us lucky enough to be safe at home took time to think of others less fortunate than us. As we clapped for the NHS and baked banana bread, we connected with our neighbours. By shopping at local, independent stores we fostered a sense of community in our increasingly disconnected world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The turn to supporting small businesses was one of the best things to come out of the lockdowns. But has the sentiment to shop independent stuck around?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-background-dim\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"453\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-57898\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-1024x453.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-1024x453.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-770x341.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-293x130.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1.jpg 1273w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"453\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-57898\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-1024x453.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-1024x453.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-770x341.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1-293x130.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/thumbnail_15.11.21-mh-WW-Aoife-Doherty-25-1.jpg 1273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">FLORIS<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Aoife Doherty outside her shop, Floris.<\/strong> Image: British Business Bank<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aoife Doherty, 22, started her stationery brand Floris in August 2020. As part of the class of 2020, her time at university ended abruptly and she returned to her parents\u2019 home in Rhiwbina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lockdown gave her time and space to work on creating a brand. Aoife wanted sustainability to be at the heart of Floris, but she also did not want to compromise on style. She spent time in lockdown creating her first few products, and her sister suggested going to markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We spoke about the evolution of her business, from market stalls last year to the opening of her first store this October in St David\u2019s, Cardiff\u2019s biggest shopping centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;A week or so after launching Floris I had a stall at the Indie Superstore in Corporation Yard, Canton,\u201d said Aoife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was at markets almost every weekend from August to Christmas. The Indie Superstore moved outside with a new site at Clearwater Parade in Lakeside in November 2020. As winter arrived, more Covid restrictions came in but we could still run markets as they were outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;In a way, lockdown benefitted us as people were more comfortable shopping at outdoor markets, so there were more customers than before.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>British Business Bank supported Aoife with a loan, helping her to afford the prime spot in St David\u2019s Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-background-dim\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-58049\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-1024x1024.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-58049\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-1024x1024.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/255429691_226777039552358_5048325161829454360_n.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">The Queer Emporium<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>The Queer Emporium&#8217;s outdoor space.<\/strong> Image: The Queer Emporium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Yan White, 28, also started out at the Indie Superstore, selling candles there in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At markets, he met other LGBTQ+ sellers and realised the potential to do something as a collective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Royal Arcade is a quaint street between St Mary\u2019s and The Hayes. Dotted with vintage clothing stores, gift shops and eateries, the arcade is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. The Queer Emporium sits in a prime spot on the corner where the arcade meets St Mary Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yan opened The Queer Emporium, a queer makers&#8217; collaborative, in June. They stock goods from 15 local LGBTQ+ businesses, from wine, to clothing and accessories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Royal Arcade Cardiff\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wv10byz_Ms4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Royal Arcade Cardiff\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wv10byz_Ms4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><figcaption>The Queer Emporium store is on Royal Arcade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58005\" width=\"375\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-585x585.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58005\" width=\"375\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/194624732_800947013890406_4435108906386118558_n-585x585.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Some of the vendors at The Queer Emporium. Yan is front right.   <\/strong>  <br>Image: The Queer Emporium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>It has since become a hub in Cardiff and is a registered member of social enterprise UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;My original idea was to do a one-off queer market but it quickly built out of that into a bigger and more sustainable business model,&#8221; said Yan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI describe us as a queer department store and as far as we know we are the first one in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;<span style=\"font-size: revert\">We started as a pop up because we didn\u2019t know if it would work. There was nothing to base it on and we\u2019ve changed the model over time. We are in a good place now.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A time for optimism?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After the 2020 turn to small businesses, optimistic creators put effort into establishing their ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I asked Aoife and Yan about how they have found opening a store this year and whether they feel positive about how this year has gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"887\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1024x887.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57905 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1024x887.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-770x667.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1536x1330.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-2048x1774.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-293x254.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1400x1213.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"887\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1024x887.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57905 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1024x887.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-770x667.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1536x1330.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-2048x1774.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-293x254.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Aoife-Doherty-Floris-1400x1213.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;It is a difficult thing to say, but in a way lockdown has benefitted small businesses. It has opened people\u2019s eyes to the importance of shopping independent and local. We rely on our customers so much more.&#8221;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Aoife Doherty, Floris<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58058 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58058 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/244503106_879523426012908_6336811822101012620_n.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;I think the pandemic has caused a cultural shift and with that there is an awareness of supporting small, local businesses.&#8221;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yan White, The Queer Emporium<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Yan said: &#8220;The pandemic has given us a good opportunity to have a go. Landlords who own the arcades and the St David\u2019s Centre have tried to encourage small businesses. The rates holidays from the council means there has never been a more affordable time to start a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Simultaneously, there\u2019s never been a worse time because footfall is down and people have less disposable income.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Cardiff Indie Collective is a catalogue of businesses, providing a community for independents in the city. It aims to make shopping small easier, described as a kind of &#8220;local Etsy&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While CIC businesses have largely seen an increase in sales in December, November was a difficult month for many. Two businesses cited November 2021 as their worst month ever for sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rhian Pitt, founder of CIC, said: \u201cWe think this may be down to shoppers waiting for Black Friday deals at big chain stores. Sadly, there seems to have been less focus on shopping local, and people have been returning to the comfort of shopping centres.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere have been some positives this year. More face-to-face markets have given our makers the opportunity to chat to customers and give out business cards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardiff Council has supported small businesses during the pandemic. The economic development team said: \u201cWe operate a range of business property spaces across Cardiff including retail units. These properties are provided on flexible terms to assist small businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have also granted companies a one-year business rates holiday during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Federation of Small Businesses is a not-for-profit organisation which offers advice and support for small businesses. They lobbied for rates holidays, and are asking the Welsh Government to maintain current reliefs and to look at expanding them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rob Basini, development manager at FSB South Wales, said: &#8220;Of course, there is two sides to it. Some businesses have managed to be flexible and carry on working as normal, some even increasing their sales by adapting their online capabilities. &nbsp;But in central Cardiff many businesses rely on lunchtime trade from office workers. Many offices still haven\u2019t returned to full capacity and the recent government guidance to work from home where possible is concerning.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"sbi-embed-wrap\"><blockquote class=\"instagram-media sbi-embed\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CVGehDYDBjf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CVGehDYDBjf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CVGehDYDBjf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\">A post shared by Cardiff Indie Collective (@cardiffindiecollective)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>There has never been a more difficult time for small businesses.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Rob Basini, FSB<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>He added: &#8220;There has never been a more difficult time got small businesses. There\u2019s been the obvious impacts we all feel with restrictions but also the things most people don\u2019t see like supply chain and transport issues. We are doing all we can, but we urge people to support small businesses in Cardiff. Not just caf\u00e9s and gift shops, but tradespeople too.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, while we have largely adapted to the pandemic, there is the cumulative impact of nearly two years of difficulties on businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As CIC put it: &#8220;Amazon aren\u2019t going to miss two or three sales. But if you buy just one thing locally you will be making a  huge difference to that business.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the future hold?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With speculations about the new Covid variant, Cardiff\u2019s small business owners will have to be prepared for potential new restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"58063\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=58063\" class=\"wp-image-58063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"58063\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=58063\" class=\"wp-image-58063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/256107070_2876349852695898_4379884976332721187_n.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Wrapping Paper and Christmas Cards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"58047\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=58047\" class=\"wp-image-58047\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"58047\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=58047\" class=\"wp-image-58047\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Floris-Stationery.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Stationery<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\"><strong>Floris&#8217;s sustainable products. <\/strong>Images: Aoife Doherty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aoife has hopes of becoming an established name for sustainable stationery. After the success of her first store, she is interested in opening more stores in different places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her online shop is working well, and the click and collect service is proving useful for customers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p>Yan said: \u201cI think largely we will be ok \u2013 I\u2019m not too worried about more restrictions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We are yet to launch our online shop but if we were to go into lockdown we would accelerate that process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think Cardiff is a great place to be a small business. We\u2019ve received so much support and we have been able to collaborate with so many different local independent businesses.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"57997\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=57997\" class=\"wp-image-57997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies.jpg 1984w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"57997\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=57997\" class=\"wp-image-57997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Queer-Emporium-hoodies.jpg 1984w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Clothing<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"57998\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=57998\" class=\"wp-image-57998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-770x577.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1400x1049.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium.jpg 1701w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"57998\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=57998\" class=\"wp-image-57998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-770x577.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium-1400x1049.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Books-and-stuff-queer-emporium.jpg 1701w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Books<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"58001\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=58001\" class=\"wp-image-58001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-1400x1867.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings.jpg 1417w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"58001\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=58001\" class=\"wp-image-58001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings-1400x1867.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/QE-earrings.jpg 1417w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Jewellery<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">The Queer Emporium products. Images: Ellie Crabbe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As the new year rolls in, this is just the beginning for Aoife and Yan. Here\u2019s to an even better 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Queer Emporium <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thequeeremporium\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/li><li>Floris <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/floris.uk\/\">Instagram<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floris.uk\/\">Website<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffindiecollective.co.uk\/\">Cardiff Indie Collective<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Opening a store is difficult at the best of times. But optimistic indie businesses say &#8216;there has never been a more affordable time to start&#8217;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":737,"featured_media":58376,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[1291,6769,399,1408,6204,1273,137],"coauthors":[7295],"class_list":["post-57893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-longer-reads","tag-cardiff-2","tag-covid-3","tag-independent-business","tag-independent-shops","tag-local-business","tag-lockdown","tag-retail"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Starting a business in Covid: Young Cardiff entrepreneurs share their stories - The Cardiffian<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Opening a store is difficult at the best of times. 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