Our Story

    Mounted Welsh mountain art print perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Supporting Welsh makers

    Byw is a Welsh social enterprise with a big heart and a simple purpose, to support and champion independent makers across Wales.

    Wales is full of brilliant creative talent and we believe that more people should have the chance to discover it, support it and get to know the people behind the products.

    Byw began as a small Instagram community during lockdown, created as a way to support Welsh makers at a time when many small businesses were struggling. What started with sharing and celebrating makers online, grew into this supportive Welsh makers community we have today.

    Our mission

    Our mission is simple, to champion independent makers and small businesses across Wales, helping more people discover their work and the people behind it. We want to make it easier for people to find and support brilliant Welsh makers. And create more opportunities for small business owners to meet, support one another and be part of a community that champions Welsh creativity.

    What we do

    • Promotion and Discovery

      We make it easier for people to discover brilliant independent makers from across Wales, through our website directory, interactive Made in Wales map, maker stories, regular promotions and maker showcases, gift guides, seasonal showcases and more.

    • Community and Support

      Running a small creative business can be lonely. Our Welsh Makers Community gives small business owners a place to share ideas, ask questions, celebrate wins and connect with people who understand what it's like to do it all yourself.

    • Opportunities and Events

      We bring makers together through meet ups, pop ups, group events, collaborations and other opportunities to get involved, connect and showcase what they do.
    Photo of Gemma, founde of Byw in front of print exhibition

    Meet the founder

    “The goal for Byw has always been to celebrate and shout about the incredible talent we have across Wales. I wanted to create somewhere that genuinely helps makers get their work out there, but also gives them a supportive space to meet and connect with one another.

    I’ve also been running my own business for over 10 years now and have a young family, so I know first hand how rewarding, and challenging, running a small business can be. It can be really tough doing it on your own, and so having people around you who just get it can make such a difference.

    That’s a big part of why this community matters so much to me."

    - Gemma

    Join our community

    Are you a Welsh maker or small buisness owner in Wales? Join our Welsh Makers Community to connect with other makers, showcase your work and be part of a community championing independent businesses across Wales.

    Find out more