Scarletts Parrot Essentials going from strength to strength

But for Scarlett DelaCroix, the inspiration behind her business was none other than her pet parrots!

Scarlett explained: “We initially started Scarletts Parrot Essentials as a hobby in October 2009 during a period of transition from previous jobs.

“We’ve always owned and loved parrots and at the time, we had our Greenwing Macaw parrot called Oliver and a rescue parrot called Matilda.

“We started off Scarletts Parrot Essentials on a very small level by selling a few parrot perches through eBay and were surprised at how quickly we were able to sell these items.

“Our products were flying off the shelves and there was a clear demand and gap in the market for these supplies.

“I was then inspired to take this idea a step further by creating and launching our own website through endless late hours and YouTube videos, and the rest is history.

“As we started exploring ways of taking this small business idea to the next level, we spotted a gap in the market to specialise in pet bird supplies.

“Many businesses sold bird products, but they didn’t have the first-hand experience to back up the product and advise the customer.

“It quickly became apparent that what initially started out as a hobby was rapidly expanding into a successful small business, so we purchased a large property in Fulletby and built a bigger and better website.”

Many business, including Scarletts Parrot Essentials, have adapted during in recent months due to the unprecedented nature of Covid-19.

Scarlett explained: “During lockdown, there has been a significant rise in conversations around the impact of the pandemic on both people’s physical and mental health.

“It is a well-known fact that people who have struggled with loneliness and depression have really benefitted from spending time with pets, particularly 
companion birds.

“We also found that as people were spending more time at home than ever before, they were looking to our feathery friends for company.”

Scarlett is also full of praise for delivery and courier companies who have stepped up during a difficult time to supply businesses and customers.

She said: “Luckily, as our business has rapidly expanded over the past couple of months, we have been able to work with FedEx Express.

“They have supported us throughout this transition as we quickly responded to the rise in demand.

“Thanks to FedEx, we were able to set up international shipments within a matter of days.”

Scarletts Parrot Essentials has been so successful that the business even supplied items for a film set!

Scarlett said: “Last year we supplied a film and television studio in Buckinghamshire with several products including Java trees, which are part of a sustainable forestry programme in Indonesia.

“The trees produce coffee beans for farmers then, when the trees age and no longer produce coffee beans, they are felled and purchased to make parrot stands, perches and toys.

“We were thrilled to be able to supply these products as part of a film set for an upcoming release, so keep your eyes peeled for that in the coming months!”

Scarlett added: “We have been very fortunate as a small-business owner during these challenging times.

“Due to the significant increase in demand we’ve experienced in the past couple of months, we have been able to employ a new member of staff, while also being able to promote some of our current staff.

“While times have been uncertain for many people, we are thankful that we have been able to fully support our staff and offer stability during this difficult time.

“Our customers, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable, have always commented on how well FedEx has adapted during this time by safely delivering parcels and maintaining social distance.

“This has made a real difference to our customers, who have felt confident and comfortable in receiving deliveries.

“Fortunately, with the help of FedEx Express, we have been able to keep trade flowing and deliver goods across Europe.

“We have a fantastic working relationship with our local FedEx representative, who has ensured that we respond to customer demand in a challenging climate.

“We have also been really pleased and confident with the diligence in regards to safety that drivers have taken during this time.

“They have been able to maintain social distance and take extra safety precautions throughout the entire service.

“We are in uncertain times and as a small business, we are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure we are fully prepared for a possible second lockdown.

“We have seen people’s spending habits change over the past couple of months and think this trend in shopping online for everything from groceries to clothes will continue after Covid-19.

“There will be difficult times ahead for small business owners and we consider ourselves very lucky and will not take for granted the fact that our small
business has been doing so well in current circumstances.

“We are excited for what the future holds and are looking forward to continuing to grow our business and taking it to the next level!”