The Story Behind Parcel Pigon
Brand Inspiration
The name Parcel Pigeon was inspired by the humble carrier pigeons of history, particularly those that carried messages during World War I. These birds, often overlooked and underappreciated, have always held a special charm for me. While pigeons are sometimes portrayed in media as clumsy or even a little silly, I see them as quirky, resourceful, and full of character—just like the cards I create.
I like to say that pigeons are the blue-collar workers of the bird world. They might not be as graceful as doves, but they have grit, street smarts, and a lot of heart. They embody that unmistakable city vibe—the kind I grew to love during my time in Boston and visits to New York. It is their rough edges that I find so endearing.
Parcel Pigeon is all about celebrating the unexpected and finding joy in the everyday. Whether it is a heartfelt message, a whimsical doodle, or a quirky pun, my cards aim to bring a little delight into the lives of those who receive them—just like the surprise of spotting a pigeon strutting confidently through the city.
Welcome to Parcel Pigeon, where quirky charm takes flight.
Why Stationery?
My love for stationery began in childhood, fueled by countless trips to papelerías—the stationery stores in Mexico where I’d eagerly spend my allowance. I could spend hours exploring shelves filled with colorful notebooks, pens, and stickers, always coming home with a new treasure. Even in second grade, I found joy in stationery, sneaking sales of pens and notebooks to classmates when my teacher wasn’t looking!
In college, I started making handmade cards, which opened the door to my creative journey. Fast forward to 2024, I took the leap by designing my logo, testing paper samples, and partnering with local printers. My passion truly took off when I was accepted to sell my cards at Sueños, a local shop that celebrates small creators.
For me, stationery is more than just a tool for communication—it is a way to slow down time. Writing a note allows us to capture a moment, reflect, and appreciate life’s little joys. My hope is that each card I create inspires others to pause, connect, and savor those small but meaningful moments.
From Policy to Paper
My journey to creating cards has been anything but conventional. By day, I work in retail, enjoying my interactions with customers and often coming home with stories to tell. But not too long ago, I was drafting legislation and analyzing budgets as a fiscal policy analyst for the state of Massachusetts at the Massachusetts State House.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Hope International University, and through my brother, I landed a job in Boston working for a state representative. It was a world I never imagined myself in, and while I gained invaluable experience, I always felt drawn toward something more creative.
The pandemic brought me back to California—a move I wanted to make but had not figured out how. Back home, I met my partner, and a couple of years later, we moved to Santa Clara together. This change gave me the chance to explore my creative side further and focus on my cards.
Up until 2024, I worked in government administration. A friend then helped me transition into retail, where I discovered a new love for connecting with people. Now, retail is my full-time focus, while creating cards gives me the perfect outlet to share my creativity and bring a little joy to others.
Spreading Our Wings
At Parcel Pigeon, I am passionate about keeping the tradition of handwritten cards alive. My goal is to partner with small shops—both local and national—that share this same love for meaningful, tangible connections.
I am starting close to home in the South Bay Area, working with local shops that value creativity and community. But I have big dreams of expanding beyond the Bay, bringing my cards to stores across the country and helping people everywhere celebrate the joy of putting pen to paper.
As Parcel Pigeon grows, my hope is to inspire more people to slow down, take a moment, and reconnect with those they care about through a simple, heartfelt card.
If this resonates with you or a local store you know, I would love to hear from you! Send me an email at hello@parcelpigeon.us or check out my page for wholesale buyers. And be sure to follow me on Instagram @parcel.pigeon to stay connected and see what’s new!
Thank you for supporting my journey and for helping keep the magic of handwritten connections alive. Here’s to spreading joy, one card at a time!
Cecilia Nava
Founder / Greeting Card Designer