The North Warwickshire-based wellbeing franchise has been recognised for bringing mindful nature art, craft and play to children, families and communities across the UK.

Nature Makers Receives National Recognition

Nature Makers, a UK-wide franchise founded by Faye Smith in 2019, has been named one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses for 2026. The organisation delivers mindful, nature-inspired art, craft and play experiences designed to support wellbeing at every age.

From children’s classes and school programmes to family events, adult wellbeing sessions and community projects, Nature Makers uses creativity and time in nature to help people connect, slow down and feel better. Its selection recognises both the work and the contribution made by its growing franchise network.

What Is The Nation’s Favourite Businesses Campaign?

Nation’s Favourite Businesses is a Small Business Saturday UK initiative celebrating independent businesses that make a meaningful difference to their customers and communities. The 2026 line-up forms part of the national countdown to Small Business Saturday on 5 December 2026.

The campaign is non-commercial and highlights the variety, resilience and social value of small businesses across the UK. Find out more on the Small Business Saturday UK website.

“Sometimes, when you are deep in the day-to-day of running a small business, it’s hard to see the larger impact we have on our communities. This recognition means everything to me and our Nature Makers franchise team. It will spur us on and give us greater opportunities to change even more people’s lives and wellbeing through nature art, craft and play.” Faye Smith, founder of Nature Makers

Why This Recognition Matters To Teachers

For teachers considering a change of direction, Nature Makers offers a useful example of how education skills can transfer into business ownership. Planning engaging sessions, adapting activities, communicating with families, managing groups and building confidence are all familiar parts of teaching, and all valuable in a children’s activity franchise.

Nature Makers founder Faye Smith has previously told Those Who Can that more than 85% of her franchise team are former teachers. In Do Teachers Make Good Franchisees?, she explains why teachers’ creativity, organisation and experience of supporting children can translate especially well into franchise ownership.

Teachers who want to explore the model can view the Nature Makers franchise opportunity on Those Who Can, including the current investment information, support available and earning potential supplied by the franchisor.

Nature, Creativity & Wellbeing

Nature Makers’ work sits at the intersection of education, creativity and wellbeing. Its activities encourage participants to notice the natural world, experiment with materials and enjoy making without pressure to produce a perfect result.

That approach also extends beyond children’s activities. Nature Makers has contributed to Those Who Can’s guide to how UK franchises are making a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, sharing examples including Wild Wellness sessions and adult wellness circles.

What Could This Mean For The Nature Makers Franchise?

National recognition can introduce a growing franchise to new families, schools, community partners and prospective franchisees. More importantly, it reinforces the value of a model built around local relationships: each franchise owner can create an impact in their own area while working within an established brand and programme.

For Nature Makers, the award is both a milestone and an opportunity to widen access to nature-based creative wellbeing across the UK.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nature Makers?

Nature Makers is a UK-wide franchise offering mindful nature art, craft and play activities for children, families and adults. It was founded by Faye Smith in 2019.

Why was Nature Makers recognised in 2026?

Nature Makers was selected as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses for its positive community impact and its work supporting wellbeing through nature-inspired creativity.

Can teachers become Nature Makers franchisees?

Yes. Teaching experience can be highly relevant because the role draws on session planning, communication, creativity, safeguarding awareness and group management. Prospective franchisees should still review the franchise information carefully and complete their own financial and legal due diligence.

When is Small Business Saturday 2026?

Small Business Saturday takes place on Saturday 5 December 2026 in the UK.

Considering a franchise after teaching? Explore the Nature Makers franchise opportunity on Those Who Can