Meet Twila Mcgee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Twila Mcgee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Twila below.

Twila , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

From a young age, I developed a strong sense of self-awareness which has grown my self-esteem and still is growing, along with an understanding of various topics (my confidence) which I utilize to assist myself and others. An essential aspect of my self-esteem and confidence stems from knowing myself and recognizing the power of choice. Unfortunately, many individuals either relinquish control over their lives, allowing circumstances to unfold on their own, or they base their lives on others’ expectations rather than their own. In both cases, they are opting for suffering over happiness (life’s purpose, which is individually unique). The other choice we have is continuous learning (confidence); this ongoing process never truly ends and serves as a means to enhance your confidence by deepening your understanding of specific subjects including self (self-awareness). I attribute my insights to certain role models from my childhood and my interest in psychology since high school.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The idea of in-home pet care struck a chord with me in my mid-20s, particularly after I walked away from my college career in psychology to fulfill my purpose and passion of pet advocacy. This epiphany arose from a distressing boarding experience that my spouse and I encountered. Witnessing our cats’ anxiety, which starkly contrasted with their usual tranquility at home, was a pivotal moment. Their signs of stress, loss of appetite, and trauma led me to investigate how stress affects pets’ well-being, similar to our human experiences.

Recognizing the importance of in-home care, private walking, and pet sitting, I founded NOLA’s Finest Pet Care LLC in 2013 when I returned home to New Orleans. I sought a rewarding and flexible career, fully committing to this endeavor, especially after my spouse overcame a brain AVM and amputations. This journey has enabled me to support my spouse in reaching her professional goals while remaining dedicated to my profession, just as I was when I first began this amazing journey.

Fastforward, while the pandemic presented challenges, it sparked my inspiration to assist more furkids and pet lovers. Initially, NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC focused solely on in-home services, but I have since transformed it into Louisiana’s first pet health and wellness hub. I now offer a range of services, including educational classes, gourmet treats available through DoorDash, wellness products, and of course, in-home pet care. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my pet expertise and have been recognized in major publications, for which I am immensely grateful. This journey illustrates that even in dark times, silver linings can be found. Sometimes, all it takes is a step back to see the larger picture and identify the opportunities that await.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. The loudest boos always come from the cheapest seats so keep slaying:

Individuals who concentrate only on your “lush green grass,” while ignoring their own, and who find more comfort in sending negative energy your way rather than celebrating your successes, often struggle with insecurity and envy. They are still on a quest for their own sense of purpose and abilities. Understanding that their actions do not reflect on you can empower you to establish boundaries and allows you to stay focused on reaching your own goals.

2. Discover your purpose & passions:

Self-discovery is the key to growth, the path to choosing happiness, and means to create a positive impact in the world. All of us are blessed with extraordinary skills and talents that the world desperately needs-qualities that no one else can provide. It’s our responsibility to unleash & cultivate our unique gifts instead of becoming distracted by the noise, chaos, and negative opinions.

3. Read, Research, Develop Experience Repeat:

Regardless of profession, never standstill & stagnate. Continue to develop self-growth and advancement of your career/business by constantly reading and learning. The more knowledge you acquire, the more experience you can gain and the more opportunities you can create. Embrace creativity & adaptability because life is always changing and moving forward.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m currently seeking collabs with shelters/rescues, responsible AKC breeders, sponsors & influencers.

Why?

Research shows that bringing a furry friend into your home can greatly enhance both physical and mental health. Who wouldn’t love the joyful presence of a lovable cat or dog? Unfortunately, many people adopt pets without considering their lifestyle, which can inadvertently harm their furkids and increase the costs of pet care. This can lead to unfortunate outcomes such as abandonment, surrender, or loss, all of which can be avoided with the right information. Education is key in this regard. As one insightful woman once said, “You don’t know what you don’t know until you know.” This wisdom is also true with pet care.

Approach:

Recently, I introduced a self-paced online course designed to educate both new and experienced pet parents on proper pet care. Participants will learn:

-Budgeting and Planning
-Tips for affordable pet care
-Establishing a pet care team
-Selecting the best food and age-appropriate toys
-Pet-proofing their home and garden
-Maintaining proper hygiene
-Pet Heimlich maneuver
-Preparing for pet-friendly holidays, and more
The courses feature a budget sheet, 22 colorful downloadable class materials, on-demand lectures, engaging quizzes, worldwide accessibility with internet connection, a certificate upon completion, and more.

Solution:

Through collaboration with shelters, rescues, and responsible AKC breeders, I aim to present my online course to both new and experienced adopters and fosters. This initiative will ultimately help decrease pet abandonment rate while enhancing the physical and mental well-being of both pets and their paw-rents. Kind-hearted sponsors play an essential role in this passion project, as financial challenges should not hinder pet parents from accessing vital education. Lastly, pet loving influencers to help spread the word.

Let’s Collab

If you’re interested in making a pawsitive difference in the world, please e-mail [email protected]

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Twila McGee/NOLAs Finest Pet Care llc

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