About us
Greetings from Team O&M!
We’re Emily, Gilly, and Liz - the friendly faces behind Olive & Myrtle, a family-run independent gift shop in Bellingham, Northumberland.
Our shop is filled with ethical gifts, eco-conscious homeware, and beautiful handmade pieces created by talented local artists and fair trade artisans from around the world. We believe in shopping small, supporting creativity, and finding joy in meaningful, sustainable treasures.
🌿 Our Story
Olive & Myrtle opened its doors in July 2020, right in the middle of a global pandemic - proof that good things can bloom even in uncertain times.
Owner Emily (aka Olive) began her creative journey in 2010 as a professional jewellery artist. Her brand, Supremily Jewellery, featured in Vogue for its unique handcrafted designs. With a growing passion for ethical trade, she launched Wild Flower Trading in 2015 - inspired by her rural Northumberland surroundings and a desire to make a positive impact through fair trade.
Her adventures took her to India, meeting skilled makers and forming lasting partnerships that still shape our collection today. She went on to trade at major events including Glastonbury, WOMAD, and Eden Festival - sharing stories and handcrafted pieces with customers from across the UK.
When the world paused in 2020, a serendipitous opportunity arose - a charming little shop just minutes from home. Emily took the leap, combining her creativity, love of nature, and passion for community to create Olive & Myrtle - a name that Emily and her Mum came up with together. Gilly (aka Myrtle), Emily's Mum, decided to move up to Northumberland from York to help Emily in the shop. Retiring as a Speech and Drama teacher, she now helps on the shop floor greeting customers and helping to unpack deliveries.
Now joined by Liz, our friendly and ever-helpful shop assistant, we’re proud to welcome visitors near and far to our peaceful little corner of Northumberland National Park. The name Olive & Myrtle symbolises peace and good luck - a reflection of our bold and exciting new chapter.
✨ Our Values
Ethics and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
From eco packaging and recycled paper bags to green energy and fair trade partnerships, every decision we make supports a better, more mindful way to shop.
Around 70% of our products are fair trade gifts, handmade in developing countries using sustainable materials. We’re proud to ensure artists are paid fairly, work safely, and thrive creatively.
💛 Our Passion
We believe every gift should tell a story - whether it’s handcrafted by a local maker in Northumberland, painted by an artisan in India, or chosen with love for someone special.
Supporting independent creatives and sharing their work with our community brings us endless joy. And of course, you - our customers - are at the heart of our story. Your visits, smiles, and kind words make Olive & Myrtle what it is: a shop full of warmth, creativity, and connection.
Here’s to new adventures, meaningful connections, and beautiful things made with heart.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our little independent gift shop in Northumberland - the phoenix that rose from the ashes of 2020!