An Inspired Chat with Twila McGee of Covington

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Twila McGee. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Twila , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Thank you for inviting me back.

Grounding- During the week, my day typically begins around 7 a.m. I start by feeding our whippet-mix, and then my spouse and I enjoy breakfast together, sharing both food and conversation before Chris heads off to work. I love to savor my coffee slowly while planning my workday, and then I prepare for the day ahead. The way we initiate our mornings significantly influences the tone for the rest of the day, so I make a conscious effort to embrace these calm, early hours.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC, I built my business from a deeply personal and compassionate experience rooted in my lifelong love of animals. Born and raised in Uptown, New Orleans, I’m a pet expert, artist, entrepreneur, and “fur mom” who turned a negative event into a purpose-driven career.

My idea for NOLAs Finest Pet Care began in my mid-20s after a distressing experience boarding my cats while traveling. The incident left my cats anxious, traumatized, and unwilling to eat — which opened my eyes to how stressful boarding can be for pets accustomed to their homes. Determined to create a better alternative for both pets and their paw-rents, I came up with the idea of offering in-home care to reduce pets’ stress and improve well-being.

My business has since transformed from a pet-sitting service into a comprehensive pet wellness brand offering:
Holistic educational programs for pet parents (“Training for Humans”)
Healthy gourmet pet treats available via DoorDash and Uber Eats
Art-inspired, functional modern pet products like dishwasher-safe bowls.
Trendy home decor & Stylish looks for pet lovers

In-home per care is still available, currently I offer to Covington residents only.

My leadership and advocacy have earned me numerous recognitions, including features in The Story Exchange, Bold Journey, Yahoo Life, and Canvas Rebel, along with business awards like the BIPOC Business Scholarship and Lux Life’s Best Pet Health & Wellness Award (2023, 2024, & 2025).

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Excellent question. Since I can remember, I have largely relied on my intuition, even before I fully grasped its meaning. If something doesn’t resonate with me, I choose not to pursue it. While some may view this as rebellious, I see it as embracing my authentic self, unapologetically. Living in a society that often urges us to seek clarity or validation outside ourselves, especially surrounded by family members who genuinely believe they know what’s best for us—regardless of their intentions—can make it challenging to trust our own discernment. I firmly believe that our true selves emerge from the inner work we engage in daily, drawing from our life experiences and the opportunities that resonate with us. So, I’ve always been uniquely me lol.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
My very first best friend was an adorable silver-haired toy poodle who was part of my family even before I was born. As a child, we did everything together; no matter the circumstances, he was always by my side. His joyful presence, playful antics, and warm cuddles never failed to lift my spirits.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
100%. I can only be true to myself; I cannot pretend to be someone else. I am the same smiling cheerful, fun-loving, honest, and creative, animal lover in public as I am in the comfort of my own home.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
That’s a tough question given the uniqueness of my business and the fact that no one else can genuinely replicate the magic that only I can offer. However, I would say it’s a close call between my gourmet treats and my personalized in-home pet care services. Not many pet businesses create their own pet-friendly peanut butter or avoid harmful food coloring in their treats, which sets me apart.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Twila McGee

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