Different Kind: curating design-led products from social and ethical producers around the globe

Launched in October 2021, Different Kind is a store which showcases design-led, best-in-class products, all curated and sourced from social and ethical producers, making a difference in the world and influencing shoppers to buy into change. The company is run by Liz Warner and a small team of Emie, Sophy, Melissa, Vik, Gerry, Anna, Rebecca and Ola.

With a mission to bring positive social impact through beautifully curated products, the brand specialises in gift boxes and handmade items sourced from independent producers and artisans around the globe, offering a wide range of stylish homeware, accessories, food and drink. 

This season Different Kind has curated thoughtful gift boxes featuring handmade, gorgeous goods designed to cater to every kind of giver and with prices from £35. With sustainability at its core, each product is ethically sourced, supporting fair trade practices and small communities worldwide.

From luxury hand soaps produced by people with learning disabilities to bath oils and salts by LoveWell – a brand supporting women who have been exploited and trafficked – each product empowers individuals and communities. 

In addition to its online presence, Different Kind is excited to announce the opening of its first physical pop-up store in Cirencester, Gloucestershire this month (November 2024). The new store will showcase a carefully curated range of ethically sourced and handcrafted gifts, offering customers the opportunity to explore the full range of Different Kind’s meaningful, socially conscious products. 

Liz Warner, a passionate advocate for social change, created Different Kind in 2021 to challenge theconventional retail industry by offering high-quality, ethically made goods that give back to both the environmentand people. “Our goal is to help consumers make more thoughtful purchasing decisions by providing items thatnot only look beautiful but also do good,” says Liz.

ABOUT LIZ WARNER

Liz was the CEO of charity Comic Relief for three years, starting in 2016. Her task was to update the organisation, moving away from ‘white saviour’ narratives and into a modern, inclusive space. She led a 250-strong team in the UK and US, raising over £100m a year. Her transformation programme included a complete overhaul of its governance, new trustees, a newly focused strategy for funds, a changed management team and a slimmed down organisation with a renewed digital focus. She also de-plasticised the famous red nose.

Before that, Liz worked in television. She has won RTS, BAFTA, Emmy and Edinburgh innovation awards. She was the founder of the TV production company betty, one of the first female-owned independent TV production companies, which became known for documentary work and the C4 series The Undateables.

She was the CEO of betty for 13 years, during which time it was named one of Broadcast’s Best Places To Work. She grew the company and sold it to a US network. As the commissioning editor for Channel 4, Liz gave the green light to the first series of Big Brother, the first series of Grand Designs and spotted the TV potential of Nigella Lawson, Gordon Ramsey and Nigel Slater.

Liz is an innovator with heart. She is a lifelong campaigner on sex education, women’s equality and a more inclusive and kinder business. She believes business can be a force for good.

For more information please visit thedifferentkind.com.

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