By Laine FullertonIn this story:
Whether it's the local barista greeting you by name or a handmade purchase wrapped lovingly by a small boutique, there's no denying that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you shop local.
In Australia, small and medium businesses are the beating heart of our economy and make up a staggering 98 per cent of all businesses. And after two summers of restrictions, the upcoming holiday season is a long-awaited chance for local business owners to make a big difference for themselves and reconnect with their community at Christmas.
Don’t take our word for it—here are five ClassBento makers on what your support means to them this festive season.
You can help local artists pursue their creative passions
Helen Pollard, owner of ARTea Art School, transforms her studio, a hidden art deco warehouse in South Melbourne, into nothing short of a Christmas wonderland for the holiday season. Step inside and you’ll likely find families building festive terrariums or colleagues sculpting quirky clay renditions of Santa Claus. By attending one of these Christmas workshops you’re purchasing much more than just that experience.
“By coming here and supporting this, you're supporting us artists to function in a creative community, so we can go off and do our own work too,” Helen says.
Get behind ARTea Art School
To support Helen and her teacher community of passionate artists, switch up your holiday celebrations and dabble in some festive pottery or unwind as you sip and paint Rudolph. Not only will you have a guaranteed good time, but you’ll leave knowing you made a big difference to someone’s year.
You can help local makers connect with their community
Elin Kim, friendly teacher and cake artist, spends the latter half of the year decking out her sun-drenched Ultimo studio with festive decorations. The purpose? To help bring the magic of Christmas to the heart of Sydney.
“Local businesses are here to service the community and Christmas is a time where we love nothing more than seeing the warm smiles and joy-filled laughter of families and friends,” Elin says.
“Anyone could go and buy a gift on the shelf at a shop, but making something for someone or taking them to a class shows you want to take the time to show how important they are to you,” she adds.
Get behind Elin Kim
To support Elin, head along to her Christmas Ggot Tteok dessert making class and take home 10 delicious sweets and a soul-warming experience to remember!
You can support the Indigenous community
Brent Matters, Indigenous artist and musician, focuses on making First Nations education accessible all year round. His Dot Painting classes are the perfect blend of art, music and meditation, offering the local Perth community an enriching escape from the busyness of the holiday season.
“Knowing that my workshops create a deeper connection brings me happiness and motivation,” Brent says.
Get behind Brent Matters
To support Brent and the wider Indigenous community, grab a group of friends, family or colleagues and discover the healing power of art and music.
You can experience the joy of being creative
Elke Weeks, owner of scent studio Red Rosie, loves nothing more than a homemade gift from the heart at Christmas time. Her candle and perfume mixology classes empower the local Adelaide community to tap into their senses and learn how to make customised creations for themselves and others.
But the focus isn’t all on the final product. “It’s an experience you can share and remember forever and that’s what Christmas is all about,” she says.
Get behind Red Rosie
To support Elke, visit her scent studio in Kensington Park and get ready to sip, smell and socialise as you melt and pour festive candles or blend the perfect perfume.
You can help creatives make a living doing what they love!
Hayley Ryan, the macrame master behind Ivy Trove, is thrilled to be decorating her new studio space in Newstead, Brisbane this Christmas. “I'm obsessed with warm white fairy lights so they will definitely be getting exhausted,” Hayley says.
After a few turbulent years, the 2026 summer holidays are a sigh of relief for not only Hayley but creatives worldwide. “It means the world to me and to everyone, especially those who have dealt with the exhaustion of fighting for our futures the past few years. Every little bit counts,” she says.
Get behind Ivy Trove
To support Hayley, visit her in her new studio at Bottega Haus or catch her at a mobile venue on the Gold Coast and watch your macrame design unfold with each new knot.
