The director of a nationwide communications business has used her PR skills to launch her own company supplying designer pet products during the covid-19 lockdown.
Samantha Henry was searching for collars and harnesses for her toy poodle puppy but struggled to find anything that fitted correctly. With extra time on her hands during the height of the pandemic, she decided to start her own business, Pup Chic Boutique, to produce the kind of products she wanted for her pet.
“It was a bit daunting to launch a new business during lockdown, but I like a challenge,” said Samantha. “I was just excited by the whole process, although I admit the nerves started to kick in a few days before launch. Would people like our designs? Were we going to have any customers?
“But the feedback has been amazing. Our customers have been so supportive, sharing the most amazing feedback with their followers on social media, including posting that we have the best quality harnesses they have ever purchased.”
JUGGLE
Samantha combines her duties at Pup Chic Boutique alongside her work for The Fourth Angel communications agency but is helped on the pet side by her sister and mother.
“I was worried it was going to be difficult to juggle both, but my director role is so flexible that I can easily balance my job while dedicating time to Pup Chic,” said Samantha. “I admit I’m doing far more than 9-5 working across both! Having family members on board has been amazing.
“My comms experience has certainly helped me with marketing. I was able to build up an audience of more than 4,000 followers for our launch and we have some lovely loyal customers already. I’ve worked with several start-up businesses so I have learned a lot from being on their journeys with them. I’ve also worked with various pet brands during my career, including National Pet Month and Petplan, which has really given me a lot of insight into the industry.”
Pup Chic supplies a range of harnesses, collars, leads and bandanas as well as slogan t-shirts and sweatshirts for dog owners from its website pupchic.boutique. She would like to branch out in to pet shops next.
“It’s a dream to see our products on the shelves of pet stores. I am already talking to some small businesses in North London, where I’m based, and Essex, where my mum is, about stocking our products, so we would very much welcome any retailers that are interested to get in touch.”
