We have always been big supporters, and admirer, of independent businesses and we like to do what we can to showcase the hard work they do. This past year has been easy for no one, as Covid-19 has affected every aspects of our lives. But that hasn’t stopped these two Cowbridge residents opening up their businesses during the pandemic.

Sophie Fawcus-Robinson from Folk Gather Here

Folk Gather Here is a nature-inspired lifestyle store, yoga and beauty studio. The store is all about community, connection, feeling good and getting back to nature. You will find a carefully curated collection including dried flowers, clothes, accessories, homewares, jewellery, cards, candles, crystals, skin care and house plants.

We have partnered with the amazing Cosy Fox Shop leaders in their field and true plant enthusiasts to bring you the most beautiful and exotic collection of house plants, you can take a little piece of the jungle home with you to create your very own sanctuary.

Our yoga studio is home to the amazing Mesen, who will be running regular yoga glasses and one-to-one. Leanne’s classes are a beautiful way to unwind, feel grounded and centred. Our darling Gab is here for all your manicure and pedicure needs and will have you leaving feeling fabulous.

“Having spent so long in the city away from the countryside and environment I’d grown up in, I felt I had lost my connection with nature, and ultimately the connection with myself. I realised when I’m close to nature I feel much better within myself. It’s a natural tonic that reduces stress and anxiety.”

“Given the very difficult year the whole world has experienced due to the pandemic, I felt a need to create a safe place, a sanctuary for like-minded wellbeing enthusiasts, a place we could gather and get back to nature and ourselves- that’s when Folk Gather Here was born.”

Visit Folk Gather Here’s website here, and check out their Facebook and Instagram.

Or head over to their store in person; 5 Town Hall Square, Cowbridge CF717DD

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Sara from Cortile Coffee

Cortile Coffee is a family run, independent beverage business established in Pontypridd in 2017 from the love of all things tea and coffee! We specialise in gourmet coffee, fine loose-leaf tea, high end brewing equipment, tea ware and coffee machines. We stock over 44 speciality coffee-blends and our tea menu consists of over 100 fine loose-leaf teas.

We chose Cowbridge for our second outlet because Richard lived and worked as a Firefighter here for 15 years. We love Cowbridge and feel it is the idea location for us. It has been a difficult year for many, so it seems even more important to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their warm welcome and support in our first few weeks of trading. It is very much appreciated!

Visit Cortile Cofee’s website here, and check out their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Or head over to their store in person; 4 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7AD

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Folk Gather Here and Cortile Coffee have done the seemingly impossible and started up their businesses in Cowbridge, during a global pandemic and have already gained a strong, loyal customer base. This past year, we have seen a shift in the public’s attitude towards how they shop and the support for independent businesses has only grown.