Home Alone inspires gift idea for new turtle doves business

A Christmas shopping trip to the Big Apple inspired an entrepreneurial businesswoman to launch her own brand of beautiful gifts for all occasions.

Carla Harry, 31, enjoyed a Christmas trip to New York with her mother and was asked by friends and family to bring back the usual array of gifts and mementoes.

She said: "Top of many people's list was a pair of the two turtle doves, like the ones featured in Home Alone 2 - Lost in New York.

"I thought what a great idea, a lovely stocking filler but also a beautiful Christmas decoration for your Christmas tree. They would also be the perfect gift for Wedding Favours and Mother's and Father's Day."

"But I searched high and low only to bring the disappointing news back that I couldn't find any."

That led to the idea of launching her own business and putting her own spin on the idea and Ms Harry, who lives in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, finally took the brave decision to quit her high-flying job in London and launch Two Turtle Doves.

She said: "Our turtle doves are made in the UK in fine bone china, they are supplied with gold or silver thread ready for hanging, as well as two velour pouches and a black presentation box."

She said sales were going well with orders coming in from far and wide after the launch of the website www.twoturtledoves.co.uk where orders are being placed online.

She said: "So far, we have attended craft fairs and are currently selling via our web site and e-Bay, interest in the doves has been coming in from across the country.

"Longer term I want to get the product into the shops, the bigger the better because the doves are ideal gifts for all occasions.

"Valentines' Day was a good selling point but Mother's Day is now on the horizon too. If anyone would like to order they can go to our website or e-mail me at carla@twoturtledoves.co.uk "

The former Ferrers School and University of Northampton student has had a varied career to date including working as a PA to the general manager of London entertainment industry suppliers John Henrys and a stint as PA at The Deco Theatre in Northampton.