Author name: offleashd

Offleash’d is not your average social networking app. It is unique and multifaceted, much like our users themselves. But what sets Offleash’d apart from the other social apps out there? Perhaps it is because we are the first app dedicated especially to all people and all pets, from horses and rabbits to iguanas and parakeets. Perhaps it is our patented matching algorithm that filters for both pet and human characteristics to ensure quality connections. Or perhaps it is the ease with which users can switch between two unique modes, Pet Social and Dating, depending on what kind of relationships they wish to pursue. We are striving to create a community that keeps growing, where people can build genuine connections that extend beyond the parameters of a typical dating app. But we also know that relationships are not so easily defined, and that is where Pet Social mode comes into play. Pet Social is the perfect avenue for people to form relationships of all kinds. Not only can you find new friends, but you can also use Offleash’d to connect with pet lovers in your area to share resources and information or even plan playdates for your pets! With the help of our unique matching algorithm, there is no limit to the number of connections that are possible, making Offleash’d one of the few social networking apps that is not meant to be deleted after you have made a match. So, whether you are looking for love, friendship or just hoping to broaden your horizons, Offleash’d can help connect you with pet people who share similar interests and goals. Have you tried out Pet Social mode yet? We would love to hear about your adventures with the Offleash’d community. Send us an email at info@offleashd.com to share your story and for a chance to be featured on the blog!

October is National Pet Wellness Month! In honor of this special month, we wanted to take this time to show a little extra love to our feline friends. After all, a happy and healthy cat = a happy life, right? A great way to kick off Pet Wellness Month is by scheduling a vet appointment for your cat. Because cats are thought to be more self-reliant than other pets, it can often be misconstrued that they don’t need as much care, but it is important to maintain regular vet visits for any pet to make sure they are feeling happy and healthy. Grooming is also a good way to check for injuries or health issues while keeping their fur clean. Plus, they love it! Any cat owner will tell you that not all cats fit the stereotype of being aloof and unfriendly, they just show their affection in different ways. Head butting is their way of saying “I love you” while purring and kneading with their paws are good indications of their contentment. But remember, there are some instances where purring can mean they are feeling stress, fear, or pain, so knowing your cat and their moods can help you take the necessary steps to ensure their happiness. Here are a few simple ways you can keep your kitty content right from the comfort of your own home. Keep their environment clean A dirty home can cause your cat stress, as it can keep them from getting comfortable. Regularly cleaning their litter box will help with odor control, while vacuuming can control excess dander that could harm your cat’s delicate respiratory system. Invest in cat grass Cat grass is an easy way to introduce some essential nutrients that might be missing from your cat’s diet, especially if they are an indoor cat. Chewing on grass is a natural behavior and cat grass is great for digestion, can relieve upset tummies, and help them deal with anxiety. Fun games and cuddles! Playing fun games that stimulate their hunting instincts, such as hide and seek, is a great way to bond with your cat while giving them a chance to act on natural behaviors. Cuddling is also a great way to bond, as cats form social and emotional bonds through physical contact. Did you know that cuddling with pets can also benefit humans? Studies show that close contact with animals can relieve stress and even lower heart rate and blood pressure. Besides the many physical health advantages to pet ownership, there are many links between pets and mental health as well. While cats tend to be more independent than other animals, they still offer steady companionship, which can help fight feelings of loneliness and depression while improving our quality of life. Here at Offleash’d, we think that every month should be National Pet Wellness Month, and for all our feline fans out there, we want to give you access to resources to ensure both you and your cat lead the happiest and healthiest of lives. Do you have any other fun tips and tricks for making your cat happy? Tag us on social media @offleashd and show us how you bond with your favorite feline companion!

Spooky season may be in full swing but don’t let the ghouls get you down! Offleash’d is here to help you learn all the tricks of the relationship game so you can treat yourself to amazing new connections. This Halloween, we will be breaking down the psychology behind the most haunting trend on social media: Ghosting. *Cue Ghostbusters Theme Song* Ghosting is defined as “the practice of suddenly ending all contact with a person without explanation, especially in a romantic relationship.” It is not a new phenomenon, but with the advent of dating apps, ghosting has become an inescapable part of our society’s lexicon. Many of those who are active on social networking apps will most likely have been ghosted or have done the ghosting at some point in time. It has become so common that we often don’t blink twice when it happens, but does this detached mentality actually erase the feelings of shame, regret, confusion, or hurt we may feel on a subconscious level? The most recognizable form of ghosting often occurs via online mediums like messaging when the other person fails to respond and the match ‘fizzles out’. It is often a matter of convenience, especially when a face-to-face interaction has yet to occur, as there are fewer perceived consequences to ending something that to certain parties never officially began. According to Tara Collins, an associate professor of psychology at Winthrop University, in our new era of dating, “people go on dates with someone they would have never met otherwise. Without a social network tying two strangers together, it’s easier to just drop everything and vanish without any consequences.” Since most messaging is done asynchronously, meaning that communication is not happening in real-time, ghosting occurs much more frequently as both parties have time to assess the situation and respond on their own terms, if at all. The discordant timeline, while offering freedom and flexibility to some, can be misleading to others. For those who have been ghosted, the loss of communication and ambiguity of the cause can leave them confused and hurt. In an article written for the Thought Catalog, Heidi Preibe chronicled what it felt like to be ghosted for the first time, stating that “it still felt a bit like someone had punched me in the gut when it happened. The disregard is insulting. The lack of closure is maddening. You move on, but not before your self-esteem takes a hit.” Ghosting doesn’t just end a conversation, it can jumpstart a vicious cycle that disrupts the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those involved. Since it has become such a common practice, these negative impacts are often overlooked, but upon closer inspection, ghosting actually says more about the personality of the ghoster than the person they’ve left on read. Collins explains that “ghosting is most similar to the avoidance and the mediated communication strategies”, where a person with an avoidant attachment style tends to avoid getting too close or emotionally attached. This in turn leads them to see ghosting as the best course of action when dealing with a relationship they don’t see a future in. In a perfect world, people would be honest about their feelings and address them head-on regardless of how uncomfortable the situation may be. But we are not living in a perfect world, and humans by nature are flawed and multi-faceted. We have been shaped by people, culture, and the world around us which dictates how we respond to certain situations. Our culture today, especially in the United States, is moderated by time. It is ingrained in us from an early age to always be working towards a goal, that slowing down is the enemy of progress. So, when we come across people or situations that do not meet our needs, we do not have the patience to nurture a connection. Instead, we move on to the next, because in a world interconnected by apps and the internet, there are infinite possibilities for who or what comes ‘next’. Ghosting itself is neither good nor evil, it is simply a product of our fast-paced, impersonal media-centric culture. So how do we combat ghosting? At Offleash’d, we believe it all starts with quality, personable connections. Using a specially tailored algorithm to match people based on shared interests and values, we hope to decrease the likelihood of ghosting by providing a platform for more meaningful relationships. And we can’t forget about the important role that our pets play in this strategy. Our goal from the very beginning has been to learn from animals – to create a community based on the compassion, respect, and unconditional love that animals personify. Ghosting, like many things in life, is not just seen in black and white or right vs. wrong. Every situation offers the opportunity for growth, where you can learn more about your own strengths and how your actions affect those around you. So, don’t settle for the scaries who can’t text back. Your perfect boo is out there waiting for you. (Too many puns? Ok, ok, we’ll stop. For now.) Have a safe and happy Halloween!!

The second week of November marks Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week, and we wanted to take this time to acknowledge all the ways that owning a pet can benefit people (and vice versa!). From companionship to protection, animals have served man and womankind for millennia. Established by the Institute of Animals and Society in 2016, Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week aims to create an “environment that benefits both humans and animals” by hosting seminars and activities that help promote better relationships between people and their pets. One of the most common reasons people become pet owners is companionship. Animals offer a steady presence, demanding nothing more than a fulfillment of their basic needs in exchange for unconditional love. Despite their inability to communicate with words, they fill a vital role in our lives with their physicality alone – Sometimes, all we need is the company of another being, to draw on that quiet strength and solidarity. This companionship can greatly impact their owners’ emotional and mental well-being, with studies indicating decreased levels of cortisol (a.k.a the stress hormone) and loneliness. We are living in an age where information is easily accessible and difficult dialogues are more openly discussed. Mental health, in particular, is at the forefront of the global conversation, with more and more people opening up about their struggles than ever before in the history of our society. As of 2020, 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffered from mental illness to various degrees of severity. Increased access to therapy and resources has helped to mitigate the mental health crisis in our country, but pets play a large part in this fight as well. Specially trained service animals and emotional support pets can help people suffering from physical, emotional, or behavioral disorders function more normally in the world. Whether they are trained to identify seizures before they begin, help their owners perform day-to-day tasks, or simply provide a comforting presence, animals can serve in a multitude of ways. According to Dr. Layla Esposito of the National Insitute of Health’s Human-Animal Research Program, “There is not one answer about how a pet can help somebody with a specific condition. Is your goal to increase physical activity? Then you might benefit from owning a dog. If your goal is reducing stress, sometimes watching fish swim can result in a feeling of calmness. So, there’s no one type that fits all.” That’s part of what is so great about pet ownership! There are so many different animals to suit every personality and every situation. Whether you are an apartment dweller or suffer from certain allergies, whether you have time or financial constraints, there is an animal out there to suit your particular lifestyle. Now that we covered all the ways that pets can benefit our lives, we wanted to take a few moments to share a few ways in which we can take an active role in enriching the relationship we share with our pets. While our mission at Offleash’d is to help people form connections with each other, it is also important to emphasize the strong bonds people have with their pets. We believe that there is an animal to fit every personality and situation, and Human- Animal Relationship Awareness week is a great time to focus on finding those special relationships! For more information on service animals and ESAs, check out some of these resources from PetMD.

Warmth. Gather. Family. Thankful. All of these and more have come to denote one of the most beloved holidays in the United States. However, Thanksgiving doesn’t leave everyone with warm and fuzzy feelings. Sometimes the holidays are just hard. They can be filled with loneliness and pain rather than the sugar-coated commercialism we see on TV. Whatever feelings you have towards the holidays, there is always a chance to turn it into a season of connection and love. Whether that means getting together with family or creating your own traditions with friends, Offleash’d knows that the strongest bonds are not always the ones you are born with. It is the relationships that we foster and nurture that are the most valuable. That is what makes Friendsgiving the perfect ingredient to a festive holiday season with your newfound pet buddies! For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Friendsgiving is a lovely mash-up of Friend and Thanksgiving, referring to “a large meal eaten with friends either on or near Thanksgiving.” Pretty self-explanatory, right? Friendsgiving has seen a rise in popularity over the last several years, especially among college students who might be unable to make it back home for the holidays. Millennials are usually credited with turning Friendsgiving into a recognizable holiday in its own right. This is due in large part to a cultural shift in our country; people are staying single longer and waiting to start families of their own. But there is also a psychological shift. Marriage is no longer seen as the ultimate goal, nor is it the only option available to young women once they leave the comfort of their family home as it has been in years past. The “traditional” family is on the decline, paving the way for Friendsgiving and other holidays that are more tailored to the lifestyles of the next generation. With this change in the family dynamic, creating community is now more important than ever. A safe and inclusive community starts with the sharing of ideas, stories, and traditions. While most friendships are formed on the basis of common interests, at Offleash’d, we know that some of the best dialogues are created when those with different opinions and backgrounds come together. With its laid-back vibes and emphasis on communal cooking, Friendsgiving is the cool cousin to the stuffy traditions that many equate with the official holiday of Thanksgiving. For starters, it doesn’t have a set date in the calendar, meaning that Friendsgiving can be celebrated at any time. This makes it easier to plan around multiple schedules, especially for those who still plan on observing Thanksgiving as well. Since most Friendsgiving get-togethers are potluck style, the burden of cooking doesn’t fall solely on the host. Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to share favorite holiday dishes and traditions with a new group of people. Offleash’d Lead Copywriter, Makena Schoene, is no stranger to creating new Friendsgiving traditions. “When I was living in Finland, I wasn’t able to make it home for Thanksgiving, so my friends and I decided to host a Friendsgiving with the local men’s volleyball team. Each person would bring one appetizer, side dish, dessert, or drink, and in the end, we had a delightful smorgasbord of food hailing from all over the world, from Finland and Russia to the United States and Canada. It was a true fusion of cultures, but most importantly, it was a time to gather with friends and share the traditions that reminded us all of home no matter how far away we were.” Friendship. Togetherness. Community. New traditions. This is what Friendsgiving is all about. An antidote for the holiday blues, a balm for the lonely soul. Friendsgiving has become an important fixture of the holiday season, carving a space where the next generation can create their own narrative with their own communities. Familial bonds are one of the most important things for human survival, but family is not only based on blood and ancestral ties. It is the people you feel drawn to, where you feel free to be totally and unapologetically yourself that truly matters. Friends are the family that you choose, and those bonds can carry you through all that life throws at you. From our Offleash’d family to yours, we wish you a happy Friendsgiving, a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a joyous holiday season!

Establishing strong social connections is essential to good mental and physical health. From BFFs to gym buddies or even ‘work besties’, friendships come in a variety of forms with each relationship tailored to suit individual lifestyles and needs. Female friendships, in particular, play a huge role in the lives of women everywhere. Whether it comes down to biological wiring or simple compatibility, the power of the girl squad cannot be underestimated. The ’tend and befriend’ hypothesis, for instance, is the biological response of many women to stressful situations, where the hormone oxytocin is released and, when it interacts with estrogen, produces a calming effect. According to psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada, this leads women “to nurture those around them and reach out to others, often other women.” It’s literally written in our DNA. More importantly, empathy can be a powerful bonding tool, and this could be the explanation for the evolution of the modern girl squad. Because who gets you better than your best girlfriend, right? Fostering friendships of any kind has a multitude of health benefits, from combating loneliness and depression to aiding in longer life expectancy. According to a study, “people with strong social relationships have a 50% greater chance of living longer than those with weaker ties.” With seemingly endless methods of communication, we are living in a hyperconnected society, and yet somehow, we have lost the sense of interconnectivity. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, but even with the ability to check in on family and friends who live all over the world, there is a figurative drought when it comes to deeper relationships. Offleash’d aims to bridge this divide by creating a community where friendships are forged not just on shared interests but on complementary personality traits. “Complementary” is often misconstrued for “homogeneity”, or the state of sameness. In truth, it speaks more to a harmonious blending of qualities that enhance each other. Girl squads and friend groups are the best examples of complementary relationships, as they are not just built on the gathering of like-minded individuals, but on the beautiful blending of differences. By bringing together people from varied backgrounds with differing points of view, more well-rounded relationships can be formed. Respect for the thoughts, feelings, and rights of others even if they differ from our own is what drives our society and our relationships with each other forward. As December 1 is National Women Support Women Day, Offleash’d is committed to supporting the power of female friendship and the rights of women everywhere. The current humanitarian crisis of women in Iran has been a harsh reminder that not all women have the freedoms that many take for granted. While the Iranian Women’s Rights Movement has been active in the fight for women’s rights since its inception in 1910, the Iranian Revolution in 1979 further curtailed women’s freedom of speech and bodily autonomy, making it that much harder for the women of Iran to have a voice in their own country. With the tragic death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of morality police in September 2022, the world united in the plight of Iranian women and the need to support those who can’t speak for themselves. Iranian-American writer Negar Esfandiari urges people to use their platforms to help amplify Iranian voices – “We can’t just raise awareness when big news breaks; we have to keep consistently sharing information.” This can be as simple as following Iranian journalists and activists like Masih Alinejad or donating to organizations such as the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the Iranian American Women Foundation. (Before making financial donations of any kind, be sure to do your research and verify the organization to avoid charity scams.) Every person deserves to be heard, and Offleash’d stands with those whose voices have been silenced.

The holidays are the perfect time to spread some extra cheer. At Offleash’d, we believe in the power of connection and the beauty of bringing people together. When the days are short and the air is cold, nothing beats gathering with loved ones to share the warmth and joy of the holiday season. However, there are those who may not be as lucky to have a strong support system or even the ability to provide simple necessities to those they love. Community is defined as the “feeling of fellowship, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” Whether you find your community among coworkers or congregations, there is no denying the strength we derive from the support of others, and it’s important that we recognize all the ways that others help us every day so that we may pay it forward in our own way. “Volunteering moves people into the present and distracts the mind from the stresses and problems of the self. Many studies show that one of the best ways to deal with hardships in life is not just to center on yourself but to take the opportunity to engage in simple acts of kindness,” says Stephen G. Post, the founding director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. When we do things for other people, a chemical reaction takes place, where dopamine, an endorphin that blocks pain signals, and oxytocin which is known as the tranquility hormone are released. Not only is giving back good for your health, but it can seriously impact someone’s day, perhaps even change their life. When we take the initiative to give back to our fellow humans, we are taking the first step in bettering the world, starting with our local community. This year, we want to help you find ways to give back to those who could use a little extra holiday cheer. There are plenty of organizations around the country that are always in need of some helping hands. Our amazing partner, PAWS, is always looking for new volunteers to help care for animals and join in community outreach programs. For our human neighbors, joy can be spread in a multitude of ways, from serving food at homeless shelters to helping facilitate toy drives for kids in need! Here are a few nationally recognized campaigns where you can give back no matter where you live! Barnes and Noble hosts an annual Holiday Book Drive at their locations across the United States, where shoppers can purchase books to be donated to several different charities, such as hospitals, schools, and literary programs. The Toys for Tots Foundation is a nonprofit charity that has been delivering toys for kids since 1947 with the help of the United States Marine Corps. Today, the foundation donates an average of 18 million toys to 7 million children annually. You can donate a toy for deserving children by finding a local donation box, or if there are none in your area, you can give virtually as well! Chewy.com is partnering with animal shelters by giving shoppers the chance to shop virtual wish lists for rescue organizations in their area. The Chewy Gives Back program helps supply shelters with food, toys, and other essentials. Looking for a more DIY approach? Nothing spreads holiday cheer like something homemade and given from the heart. This can be as simple as handing out Christmas cards to friends and family or baking yummy snacks for your neighbors. (Bonus points if you make your own pet treats!) So, this holiday season, gather with those you love and give back however you are able. After all, we are all one big community!

We are living in an era defined by technology and connectivity. The internet has broken down the barriers of time and space to bring people together across the world while providing immediate access to information with the touch of a button. Social networking apps have become the new normal when searching for friends, love, and even business opportunities, but with these amazing advancements come the potential risks of interacting with strangers online. A study conducted by the global research agency OpinionMatters stated that 53% of US participants lied on their online profiles. While this is often as trivial as adding a few more inches to their height or embellishing their occupation, it can also involve fake names and photos to ensnare unsuspecting people for nefarious purposes. Catfishing, the colloquial term for the “deceptive activity in which a person creates a fictional persona or fake identity on a social networking service, usually targeting a specific victim,” is a very common occurrence across apps where anonymity is virtually guaranteed. With the threat of catfishing always lurking in the background, it can make it even harder to tell if you are making real connections with authentic people. Unfortunately, there is an even darker side to the internet that we must be prepared for. In 2016, President Barack Obama proclaimed January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. He stated that “that millions of men, women, and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking. This month, we rededicate ourselves to assisting victims of human trafficking and to combating it in all its forms.” Modern-day slavery remains a prevalent issue, an ugly aspect of society that demands our attention as consumers and citizens. Between 2015 and 2018, almost 1,000 potential trafficking victims were recruited using online platforms, including dating apps. Traffickers often pose as ‘saviors’, offering jobs, financial aid, and wish fulfillment to lure their victims, though some may resort to force and coercion. It is important for everyone to practice safety when navigating the real-life metaverse, and we have compiled a few tips to keep in mind as you continue to explore the world and interact with new people. One of the most overlooked tools in your arsenal is your instincts. If something feels off, trust that gut instinct. Look out for profiles that look overly curated with professional photos, or profiles that don’t employ any photos at all. Both could be signs that the individual is not presenting their honest self by hiding behind non-existent or stolen images. The people we surround ourselves with are good indicators of our own values and personality, making recently created profiles with few friends, followers, or engagements another red flag to watch for. Now, let’s say you have matched with a potential romantic partner or a new friend and you are ready to meet them in person. The individual who shows up actually matches the pictures on their profile – hey, we’re off to a great start! Keep the good times rolling by keeping yourself safe and taking a few simple precautions. First Meet-Up Safety Checklist Creating a safe environment is always our top priority here at Offleash’d. We employ a multi-factor verification system and adhere to a strict harassment policy via user reports. With these measures in place, we aim to create a safe online community where people can make deeper connections with authentic individuals. Even with advanced safety protocols in place across social networking apps, it is not the end-all solution. Human trafficking remains a real problem, and it occurs more frequently than expected. If you or someone you know is at risk or potentially in danger of trafficking, we encourage you to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. For those looking to support the cause in any way they can, Bustle.com has curated a list of organizations that are working to fight against Human Trafficking and support survivors.

Updated: Nov 28, 2023 Offleash’d Names Terry James as CEO The Social App for Pet People Kicks Off the New Year with a Company Revamp SEATTLE, Washington, January 17, 2023 – Offleash’d, Inc., the Seattle-based social relationship app for pet lovers, is ready to accomplish big things in 2023. Ahead of their highly anticipated Los Angeles launch, Offleash’d has made internal changes that will set the stage for a successful year. Manish Methai, the co-Founder of Offleash’d, will be stepping into the roles of Chief Information Officer. With his extensive expertise in the tech space, Methai will be an invaluable asset in keeping Offleash’d at the forefront of technological development. “Change is a natural part of growth, and I am confident that these changes will help Offleash’d continue to grow and develop along the lines of our mission. I look forward to Terry moving into this role and taking us to the top!” – Manish Methai Transitioning from his role as COO to Chief Executive Officer, Terry James is ready for the job. Bringing over twenty years of experience as a business owner and CEO of several real estate companies, James is committed to creating a seamless bridge between the tech and pet industries by pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence. “As we embark on 2023, I’m honored to lead Offleash’d and our team as CEO, especially as we move forward with our launch in LA and across the country. Leaning on more than two decades of experience as a successful business owner, I will work to guide Offleash’d towards an even brighter future. We’ve got some big plans to make a positive impact in our communities, and we are looking forward to welcoming all the new pet people who will soon be part of our growing Offleash’d family!” – Terry James These small yet significant changes represent the continued commitment of the Offleash’d team to the company’s mission, channeling the strengths and varied skills of each individual in order to better serve the growing community of users.

Updated: Apr 10, 2023 For those who possess the entrepreneurial spirit, life is seen as a series of endless possibilities. They see a world ripe with potential, but to create something from the ground up calls for someone with a fire in their belly to surmount seemingly impossible odds. Those with the entrepreneurial spirit see those odds and do not shy away, because the only outcome they will accept is success. Entrepreneurs of color are no strangers to beating the odds. They face a world that for centuries has been designed to keep them from achieving their own success, and yet every day, we see them breaking down barriers in the pursuit of excellence. In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight the significant contributions of black entrepreneurs and creators who are making huge impacts in the world. With two men of color at the helm and a senior leadership team comprised of amazing women, Offleash’d is uniquely positioned to champion individuals from historically marginalized communities as they lead their industries and communities forward. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three major tenets of our mission, and we strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all people to form genuine connections no matter their race or gender, starting with the members of our team. We are so excited to kick off our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion series (also known as DEI) by introducing the new CEO of Offleash’d, Terry James! With over two decades of experience as a business owner, Terry has made a career operating successful enterprises in highly competitive fields. After kicking off his career as a licensed financial advisor with Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services, Terry transitioned into real estate by founding his own mortgage financing firm and later starting his eponymous business, the James Real Estate Group. Our company is on the precipice of achieving ambitious goals, and no one is better suited to lead us toward success like Terry James. O: When you first heard about the idea for Offleash’d, what made you want to get involved? TJ: I had been a pet lover and owner nearly my entire life. I was so intrigued by the idea of being able to blend my passion for pets with a business focused on helping people forge new relationships and build community. When my research into the pet industry unearthed all of the possibilities for a life-changing platform that could benefit potentially millions of pet people, I simply knew I had to be a part of this journey. O: You have spent the last twenty years as a business owner in the competitive real estate market. What important lessons have you learned from that field that you are implementing with Offleash’d? TJ: I think the most important thing I’ve learned in business is perseverance. I don’t allow myself to get too high with the success or too low with the challenges. I try to remain balanced and focused on the goals set out in front of us. I work every day to get a little closer to accomplishing those goals by breaking them down into smaller objectives that can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time. Each milestone accomplished moves us a little closer to accomplishing the larger goal set out in the beginning. That way huge goals seem obtainable and within reach. O: Now that you have officially stepped into the role of CEO, what are your biggest goals for this company in 2023? TJ: We have a number of goals that we want to accomplish in 2023, the largest of which is having a successful launch in California. There are so many pet lovers that live in this area and the weather makes it really conducive for people to connect in-person and outdoors. I am so excited to help bring Offleash’d to Southern California! Other upcoming projects include launching our own apparel line for pet lovers and engaging with our Offleash’d community via our own podcast, where we can encourage our users to share their stories. I really want people to feel like Offleash’d is a safe and inclusive community for everyone and sharing those stories is a way to help people feel more connected to one another. Finally, we will be rolling out many new features on our app including a Groups Feature and Events platform providing our community with even more ways to engage with each other, whether in person or socially through our app. Our future at Offleash’d is extremely bright and I am honored to be leading us as we continue to grow. O: As we celebrate Black History Month, we seek to amplify black voices, share black stores, and champion black innovators. How has your personal journey as a black man in business shaped your approach to stepping into this new leadership position with Offleash’d? TJ: I consider myself a student of history. I’m well aware of the sacrifices of those that came before me and the struggles they endured so that I could have the opportunities I have had to build businesses and lead others. There are countless instances where extreme courage was required as I may have been the first to break certain barriers in an industry or workplace. However, my success is built on the backs of those that come before me. This wealth of historical knowledge coupled with my own personal experience as a leader will be a critical asset in helping Offleash’d push the pet industry forward on issues of diversity and inclusivity in a rapidly changing demographic environment. O: What advice do you have for other BIPOC entrepreneurs? TJ: Persevere. Don’t ever let short-term challenges distract you from accomplishing the goals that you have set for yourself or your business. There will always be obstacles set before you. It’s how you respond in the face of adversity that will be the ultimate determinant of success. Be kind and show grace in the face of adversity, but never forget that