We recently had the chance to connect with Jamie Irby and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Anything working around the barn and horses makes me lose track of time. Other people (parents, volunteers, and my family) help me find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jamie Irby and I am the founder of Blissful Dreams Rescue Ranch in Huger, SC. I am one of the few Charleston natives left in the Charleston area.The mission Blissful Dreams Rescue Ranch (“BDRR”) is a place that The mission of Blissful Dreams Rescue Ranch is to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ through therapeutic horseback riding and animal related activities for children and adults struggling with psychological, emotional, physical, and relational challenges while using formerly abused, neglected, and abandoned horses and dogs. While we do offer therapeutic horseback riding, we also serve as a ministry. We do this, not by forcing Christianity on anyone, but we hope to be true examples of God’s love & to share the unconditional love through our animals.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed that I was never good enough at anything that I did. I believed that the only way to continue my love of horses and animals was to either continue riding horses professionally or to go to Vet school. It has taken a while & a lot of unexpected detours in life to bring me back to the horses and feeling like I am serving a purpose through the animals. I now believe everyone has a unique passion or gift that can be used in some form to serve others. I do now believe that I do have a special bond and gift with the horses. I now hope that the gift is being used to help others and show love towards others.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that I can persevere in difficult circumstances. If I am honest I have suffering in my life now. Suffering helps us to be able to empathize with those around us who are going through difficult times. If I always have success in my life, I definitely wouldn’t be able to know how to overcome and learn difficult things that we will all experience in life. I would not have the experiences to be able to truly empathize with those who are suffering in similar ways. When you are suffering it is easier to listen to and take advice from someone else who has walked in those shoes. I try to use my suffering to encourage those who experience that similar suffering.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe all of our pets go to heaven. I fully believe that but have nothing to actually give full proof of that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I am kind, compassionate, honest, trustworthy, and I always show my love to everyone even if they have wronged me. I hope that they will say I have been a positive role model for them &/or their kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blissfuldreams.org
- Instagram: Blissful_dreams_rescue_ranch
- Facebook: Blissful Dreams Rescue Ranch
Image Credits
Jamie Irby
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
