It’s Pride Month and what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of our favourite LGBTQ+-owned Irish businesses? From a cult face oil beloved of beauty editors to the tastiest vegan treats in town and some seriously cool sustainable leisurewear, you’re sure to find a new indie business to love in our curated edit.

Modern Botany

Based in the beautiful village of Schull in West Cork, and inspired by the principles of botanical science, Modern Botany create simple, effective and beautiful skincare products.

Developed by Pharmacognosist (that’s the study of medicinal compounds obtained from plants or other natural sources) Dr Simon Jackson and his husband John Murray, we love the chic, minimal packaging, not to mention the 100% natural ingredients inside. Their luscious multi-tasking Modern Botany Oil quickly became a cult favourite among beauty insiders, and we’re huge fans of their natural deodorant too, which is packed with plant-based goodness.

Where to find them: modernbotany.com , @modernbotany

Bear Lemon

Opening up last November, Bear Lemon is Ireland’s first walk-in vegan bakery, serving up unreal looking – and tasting – treats in Dublin’s Drumcondra.

Owner Ciara Lennon studied fashion at NCAD, and her creative flair is evident in her inspiring creations – think baked chocolate cheesecakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, lemon and pistachio twists as well as iced caramel lattes made using Dublin Oat Company’s yummy oat milk.

Their Insta account is the stuff of cake dreams too.

Where to find them: @bearlemon_

Sewaoife

We’ve been so inspired by the many lockdown businesses, not least of all Irish embroiderer Sewaoife, who makes the most divine collars and matching reusable face masks.

Unabashedly fun and feminine, the statement collars work with everything from tees to jumpers and are the perfect Zoom call accessory, while the masks add a bright pop of colour and positivity to the day.

Where: Sewaoife on Etsy , @sewaoife

The Bearded Candle Makers

Smells can transport you to a different time, place or even a memory and it’s that magic that Michael Morris, aka the Bearded Candle Maker, captures so beautifully in his soy wax candles, which are hand-poured in small batches in Castlewellan, Co Down.

From the comforting, cosy warmth of a real turf fire to the uplifting and refreshing scent of wildflowers, nature acts as a big inspiration for his creations.

Booklovers will also fall for the literary collection, which includes the Harry Potter inspired ‘Phoenix Feathers’ and the gorgeous vanilla, liquorice and tea scents of A Curious Tea Party.

Where to find them: thebeardedcandlemakers.com , @thebeardedcandlemakers

Grey + Ginger clothing

What’s cosy, comfy and cool? Grey + Ginger’s collection of divine sweatshirts. Galway-based fine artist Peter Bradley – the “grey” – and his partner Paul McConnell – the “ginger” – have created a seriously covetable collection of size-inclusive, sustainable and organic sweatshirts and t-shirts featuring bold, graphic designs.

We love how each piece is a work of art in its own right, with Peter explaining the thinking and inspiration behind his designs, which often explore gender and identify in some way or another.

Where to find them: greyandginger.com, @greyandgingerclothing

The Edible Flower Company

From running inspiring courses on how to grow a kitchen garden to dreaming up beautiful ways to use edible blooms, Erin Bunting and Jo Facer are all about sharing their love for home-grown goodness.

We have a visit to their dreamy seasonal pop-up supper clubs – which feature delicious ‘fork-to-fork’ dishes, food demos and beer tastings – high on our wishlist.

The couple infuses all their creative projects with fun, colour and joy – follow their Instagram adventures and we guarantee you’ll be inspired to get growing.

Where to find them: theedibleflower.com , @theedibleflower