After graduating from college in 2006, I spent a year volunteering and traveling before starting my career in investor relations and marketing for hedge funds. While I gained valuable experience, I wasn’t fulfilled in finance. Then in 2010, I adopted my dog, Phoebe—and struggled to find a dog walking service that met my needs. I saw an opportunity to create something better.

In 2011, with less than $1,000 and a very basic business plan, I took a leap of faith and launched Dog Walk NYC. Everyone thought I was making a huge mistake, which only fueled my determination to succeed. Within a year, I had hired two employees and tripled my business. Over the next nine years, I expanded to a second location, which I sold for a profit in 2019. By the time I made the difficult decision to officially close our doors in March 2020, I had grown the team to seven employees, and in our final year, revenue had increased by nearly 30%.

Since 2017, I’ve worked as a marketing and business consultant, helping companies refine their branding, social media, business planning, and management strategies. In addition to consulting, I also teach a Business 101 course at Rikers Island, where we guide students (inmates) through the fundamentals of launching their own businesses—covering everything from business planning and funding to marketing and legal structures.

Outside of work, I’m an avid reader (memoirs and fiction are my favorites), a passionate home cook, and an enthusiastic traveler and photographer—though my photos are usually better in my head than in reality! Most importantly, I love spending time with my husband, children, and my huge family. As the youngest of 13 siblings, I wouldn’t be me without them!

—Katie | Owner & Entrepreneur