Journaling- Jotting down your goals and ideas can make a significant difference. By writing them down and revisiting them frequently, you can stay focused on your path. I often come up with brilliant ideas unexpectedly, so I make sure to note them down on my phone. Even if it’s not the right time to implement them, having them saved allows me to revisit them when the timing is perfect.
As a part of our series about “Big Ideas That Might Change The World In The Next Few Years” we had the pleasure of interviewing Twila McGee.
Meet Twila, CEO and founder of NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC, devoted to enhancing the well-being of our furry friends as the state’s first Bi, Black, Woman-owned pet health & wellness hub. Born and raised in Uptown, NOLA, Twila is a pet expert, artist, and proud fur mom. With over a decade of professional pet care experience and a lifetime of being a devoted fur mom, she specializes in cats and dogs and has extensive knowledge in fostering and caring for pets in every stage of life. Twila’s passion for her work has earned her business the recognition of America’s Best by Happy Doggo, Lux Life Magazine 2023 pet products/service awardee and Best in New Orleans by Kev’s Best. Her accomplishments have also been celebrated in various publications such as The Story Exchange, Huffpost, Disrupt Magazine and more.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you please tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Thank you for having me! Growing up surrounded by pets brought me immense joy as I cared for them and witnessed their happiness. However, the idea of in-home pet care truly struck me in my mid-20s. This revelation came after a distressing boarding experience my partner, now my spouse and I encountered, where we saw how anxious our cats became compared to their calm demeanor at home. This led me to research how stress affects pets’ health, both mentally and physically, similar to humans. Realizing the importance of in-home care, I founded NOLA’s Finest Pet Care LLC after moving back to New Orleans a year later. The decision to hire a professional to care for your pet at home offers numerous benefits, such as maintaining their routine, keeping them in a familiar environment, and the 1-on-1 attention they deserve to name a few. While your furry friend may still miss you, they will experience less stress, knowing you will return home soon, unlike the feeling of abandonment they may face elsewhere.
Can you please share with us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Throughout the pandemic, while facing various challenges, new opportunities arose for me to expand my business into a health and wellness hub dedicated to helping more furkids and their parents. Since the pandemic, I sell locally crafted healthy pet treats on DoorDash, design dishwasher-safe feeding bowls inspired by New Orleans art and offer other products that can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. Additionally, I have developed and teach my virtual Training for Hoomon© course. It is truly humbling to see my work recognized in different publications. I believe this is a form of divine intervention — life may present challenges, but with faith and guidance from God, these obstacles can be transformed into valuable opportunities.
Which principles or philosophies have guided your life? Your career?
- Faith- Letting God lead, guide, and protect.
- Resiliency- Not allowing negative situations or people to distract me from my purpose and missions.
- Creativity- making my own seat & table when there aren’t any invites and not being afraid to do things differently.
- Put in the work- I strongly believe in working smarter, not harder, although I acknowledge that there are times when shortcuts are insufficient, and you must put in the effort.
Ok thank you for that. Let’s now move to the main focus of our interview. Can you tell us about your “Big Idea That Might Change The World”?
I was inspired to develop an interactive virtual pet care course called Training for Hoomons ©. This course covers a wide range of topics from mindset of a pet parent, budgeting, and hygiene to positive child/pet interactions and more, aiming to provide comprehensive pet care guidance. The internet has vast but scattered information available online, including misinformation, my course makes it convenient and easy to learn.
How do you think this will change the world?
I’m confident that my online course, “Training for Hoomons ©,” will make a significant positive impact on the world. The course provides a comprehensive collection of essential information for both new and experienced pet parents, all conveniently in one place. It includes engaging quizzes, informative lectures, downloadable course materials, and a certificate upon completion. Being an online course, it offers flexibility for pet lovers to learn at their own pace, accessible to anyone with an internet connection worldwide on various devices like cell phones, tablets, and computers. Priced affordably at $99, I also aim to ensure that individuals facing financial challenges can benefit from this valuable resource by inviting sponsors to participate in this impactful initiative. Just as important, the increase of happy heathy furkids living their best lives in their forever homes.
In my opinion, when it comes to adoption, shelters and rescue groups are often overlooked or considered as a last resort. “Training for Hoomons ©” sheds light on these organization, emphasizing that they should be the first choice for pet lovers. While responsible breeders are not criticized, I strongly believe that priority should be given to adopting pets that’s been abandoned. By adopting from shelters and rescue groups, we not only provide a home for one pet but also create space for another until they find their forever home, ultimately saving two lives.
Another great benefit of my course is that once pet parents learn how to keep pet care affordable and other essentials, they’ll be able to keep their furkids which will reduce a lot of anxiety and loneliness. Studies have shown that constant interactions with pets boost mental and physical health.
Keeping “Black Mirror” and the “Law of Unintended Consequences” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks about this idea that people should think more deeply about?
That’s an excellent question. While I am yet to watch Black Mirror, I am familiar with the concept of the Law of Unintended Consequences. I have carefully considered the possible negative outcomes of this project and I do not foresee any. Although this project will greatly reduce pet abandonment, it may not eliminate it entirely due to unexpected life events. If anything, those working in this field of rescuing furkids, their job will become more manageable, allowing shelters and rescue groups to allocate their resources more effectively. In case a pet parent must surrender their pet due to unforeseen circumstances, they will now know to return their furry friend to the shelter or rescue organization instead of abandoning them elsewhere, thanks to my virtual course.
Was there a “tipping point” that led you to this idea? Can you tell us that story?
Last year, I received the Maddie’s Fund BIPOC business scholarship, granting me the incredible chance to not only attend Animal Care Expo but also exhibit my work. This opportunity allowed me to engage with numerous shelter workers and animal advocates, discussing the pressing issue of pet abandonment. Their feedback reinforced my belief that education is key to reducing abandonment rates significantly. A wise woman once said, “you don’t know what you don’t know until you know,” a sentiment that holds true for pet care and animal welfare.
What do you need to lead this idea to widespread adoption?
Just like any positive and impactful change, teamwork is essential for success. I’m seeking to collaborate with rescue groups, shelters, and sponsors to cover the course costs for adopters and fosters involved in rescues and shelters. Additionally, I am looking for media and journalists support to help promote and spread the word within the pet community.?
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why.
1. Journaling- Jotting down your goals and ideas can make a significant difference. By writing them down and revisiting them frequently, you can stay focused on your path. I often come up with brilliant ideas unexpectedly, so I make sure to note them down on my phone. Even if it’s not the right time to implement them, having them saved allows me to revisit them when the timing is perfect.
2. Strategic Marketing plan- Be selective when choosing marketing services; many outlets are saturated which can be overwhelming for the right people to find you. This is where creativity comes into play. Additionally, avoid feeling pressured to have a presence on every social media platform available. Instead, focus on selecting the ones that align with your business and objectives.
3. Mentorship- Connecting with individuals who have already achieved your goals is crucial for guidance. Remain open to unexpectedly finding a mentor and consider having multiple mentors to assist with various aspects of your business.
4.Grassroot is another great option- The conventional approach of using capital and intensive marketing is a common strategy to bring your dreams to life However, if this is not an immediate or viable option, explore creative legal avenues because dismissing your purpose and goals isn’t an option. There’s nothing wrong with organically growing your business. I promise, the time, dedication, and effort you put in will be rewarding and impactful.
5. Stay prepared for growth– From my experience, opportunities can unexpectedly arise, and their potential outcome may not always be clear at first. That’s why I strongly believe in staying ready and humbly embracing the opportunities that come your way.
Can you share with our readers what you think are the most important “success habits” or “success mindsets”?
Another great question. In my opinion, self-care, having a positive mindset, research, and taking initiative.
- Self-care– it is very difficult to pour into your goals or help others when you’re depleted.
- Positive mindset– negative thoughts lead to self-doubt which turns into standing still. Positive thoughts are the seeds to growth.
- Research– never stop learning and seeking opportunities.
- Take initiative– don’t be afraid to take risks and be the first to make a difference.
Some very well known VCs read this column. If you had 60 seconds to make a pitch to a VC, what would you say? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
I am Twila, the CEO and founder of NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC, as well as a pet expert, artist, and fur mom. For over a decade, my business has served as a hub for pet health and wellness, providing pet parents with essential resources to ensure the well-being of their furry companions.
I’m on a mission to help curb pet abandonment rates and ease the burden on overcrowded shelters and rescue groups. How? By unleashing my interactive course, packed with budgeting tips and pet care hacks, and juicy insights from me, a pet expert! With the help of awesome sponsors, I’ll be able to offer this $99 value for free! I’m excited to collaborate to bring about a pawsome change. Let’s spread the love and give our furry friends the life they deserve!
If interested in collaborating I can be reached at info@nolasfinestpets.com
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Instagram & Facebook @nolasfinestpetcare
Website: www.nolasfinestpetcare
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.
Training for Hoomons: Twila McGee’s Big Idea That Might Change The World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.