AN artistic entrepreneur from Newquay is being celebrated nationally, which is certainly no stroke of luck.

Textural seascape artist Gemma Lessinger, who runs working art space, Salt & Canvas, in a shared gallery and studio at Lanteague Studios in Zelah, has been named as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses for 2026.

The Small Business Saturday campaign, which celebrates independent local businesses and encourages consumers to shop local, selected the artist following a nationwide search celebrating 100 of the UK’s most-loved small businesses.

Gemma creates highly textural seascape artworks inspired by the Cornish coastline, incorporating textiles and upcycled materials to capture our connection to place, memory and the ocean.

Alongside her artwork and commissions, she runs creative workshops, retreats and experiences designed to help people reconnect with their own creativity and find moments of calm in increasingly busy lives.

The recognition comes almost four years to the day since Gemma took the leap from a 20-year corporate career in fashion to pursue her art business full-time.

Since then, what began with creating and selling her own paintings has developed into a multi-faceted creative business spanning original artwork, private and commercial commissions, creative experiences, collaborations and projects with hospitality and other businesses.

The Nation’s Favourite Businesses campaign will showcase each business as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on December 5, a grassroots, non-commercial campaign originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010, with American Express remaining the principal supporter in the UK.

Gemma has also been invited to attend an official Nation’s Favourite Businesses gathering at the House of Lords on November 30, bringing together selected businesses from across the UK.

Gemma said: “Almost four years ago to the day, I took a huge leap. I left behind a 20-year career in fashion, backed myself and decided to see whether I could build a business around something I truly loved.

“To now be recognised as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses feels incredibly special. Everything I do has grown from a desire to help people feel a connection – to the ocean, to the places and memories that mean something to them, and to the incredible power of creativity.

“Small businesses are incredibly personal. There is so much of you wrapped up in what you create, and every person who buys a piece of work, comes to a workshop, recommends you to someone or simply encourages you along the way becomes part of that story. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported mine.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses have always been, and will continue to be, among the nation’s favourite businesses. Whether on our high streets, online or embedded in local communities, they play a vital role in the places we live and in the strength of our economy.

“This year’s Nation’s Favourite Businesses are a true representation of the UK’s most-loved small businesses. From independent, family run cafés and local restaurants, to makers, services and traders, they showcase the incredible diversity of the UK’s small business community. We know how important small businesses are and the challenges they face, so as we kick off this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign, we’re urging the public to get behind them during the most critical trading quarter of the year.”

Dan Edelman, general manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said:

“Small businesses bring energy, innovation and character to our high streets and local economies. That’s why American Express is proud to have founded Small Business Saturday and why we continue to back small businesses to help them thrive. This year’s Nation’s Favourite Businesses are a brilliant showcase of the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re delighted to be providing grant funding that will help two of these inspiring businesses invest in their next chapter of growth.”

Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign. Since launching in the UK in 2013, it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses on Small Business Saturday, with an impact that lasts all year round.

Last year, the campaign saw extensive media coverage as well as public support from the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and Chancellor, the leader of the opposition, the Mayor of London and over 90 per cent of the nation’s local councils.