A Strabane mum with three young children who set up a pet accessory business during lockdown has been nominated for a top award.
Jenna Mitchell set up her Scottie Paws business during the pandemic, and it is now been shortlisted for the Independent Pet Shop category at the NI Pet Awards.
The farmer’s wife living in Cullion came up with her crafty idea while her horse-riding school was closed during lockdown.
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“I have a Jack Russell called Scottie and I could never find the harnesses I wanted for him in the shops in terms of colour, quality and affordability so I decided to see if I could get some made,” Jenna said.
“I looked into getting some manufactured here, and that’s something I would still love to do, but it just isn’t viable at the minute so, through contacts I have through the horses, I started dealing with an international supplier.
“I got my first lot of products in September and got a website up and running and started trading in October 2021.
“I thought it would be good to do a trade show so I applied for one at Halloween with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
“My application must have told them that I did not have a clue what I was doing so they got in touch and helped me do an application form for the next shows at Christmas.
“The people of Strabane have been super, anyone who has come in to me has bought something which is great to see because it is lovely stuff.”
Jenna is now turning her attention to how to enhance her products such as collars for dogs and cats, dog leads and harnesses.
The mum of three said the support she has received so far from the local community has been ‘incredible', and paid particular tribute to business improvement group Strabane BID.
“I just go with the flow, so many doors have opened for me, it’s incredible,” she added.
“We’re now involved with North West Regional College, developing fancy high-end dog treats and we’re hoping to get a spot at this year’s Clipper Maritime Festival in Derry during July.
“I’ll just keep having a go at things because what’s the worst that can happen? Someone will say no, but that’s fine, I’ll just move on to the next thing.
“Strabane people and the other businesses have been so supportive, they want everyone to succeed for the good of the town and Strabane BID has been brilliant.
“They’ve blown it out of the water in terms of the help and assistance they’ve given me.”
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