Home: Manchester and London. Age: Older than I look. Birthplace: Ireland. Profession: Creative industry, running the UK’s leading Animal talent agency. Organization: Urban Paws Agency. Title: CEO. Significant other: My dog Biscuit, a Dachshund (aka, sausage dog). Alma mater: Liverpool John Moores University.
What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Going self-employed and starting my own business with zero experience within the industry. Hobbies: Gym, Pilates, art, meditation, boxing, walking, hiking, travelling, cooking, reading. Recent travel or adventure: To Morocco, on a solo trip to get some rest and relaxation and to charge my batteries. This allows me to fine tune my inner zen. Last book read: Your Dog is Your Mirror, by Kevin Behan. Recently viewed and recommended: Toxic Town (Netflix).
Personality profile: Extrovert, creative, open honest and always happy to conversate. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: I always trust my gut. How do you define a perfect friendship? Strong mutual affection, trust and loyalty, a bond where individuals genuinely care about each other's well-being and support each other through thick and thin. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Transparent, honest and mutual respect. What is your greatest joy? My dog Biscuit. What is your greatest fear? Failing. What is your guilty pleasure? Reality TV. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Yes. What natural talent have you neglected? Irish dancing. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Singers and actors.
What three emojis best describe you? 🥰🙄✌🏼.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travelling and investing in wellness experiences. What is at the top of your bucket list? The Rovos Rail, a train journey across Africa mixed in with a safari. How do you relieve stress? Meditation and long walks with my dog. What is your go-to workout? Boxing and Pilates. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Dog-friendly destinations with great food and views.
What was your favorite college course? Media and Performance. What book have you repeatedly read? Atomic Habits, by James Clear. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Before Sunrise. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Vision boards, bold art and framed press features of Urban Paws. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Oprah Winfrey, for turning vulnerability into power and building a legacy from scratch. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be kind but take no nonsense. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Know your worth and don’t be afraid to walk away from anything that doesn’t see it. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Social media, which gives everyone a platform and the power to shape their own brand. What is your favorite app? Instagram, which built my business and community. What is your go-to source of news and information? BBC, industry trend reports, and female-led entrepreneur podcasts. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Fashion, travel and nature. What company or organization do you most admire? Patagonia. Purpose-driven and ethical. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The COVID-19 pandemic, which made me reevaluate my priorities.
What is your big idea? Bringing the worlds of luxury branding and animal talent together in a sustainable, ethical way. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Professionalising the animal talent space and championing animal welfare alongside brand impact. What message do you want to send out into the world? Trust yourself. Be bold. And bring your dog. What widely held belief do you reject? That social media is purely negative. When used with intention, it can empower, connect, and create real opportunities. What mega-trend most excites you? The rise of pet influencers and conscious consumerism. What mega-trend most concerns you? The overuse of AI and its impact on genuine connection.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? From Runway to Rescue: The Urban Paws Story. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Eva Mendes. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A fashion model. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Other than my dogs, my photo album and Biscuit’s first collar. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On the beach with Biscuit and my friends and family, eating amazing food and watching the sunset. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t dim your light for anyone. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early twenties. I would live with more self-belief and less self-doubt.
Personal mission: To champion animals in media and redefine how the creative world includes them. Personal motto: Stay grounded, dream big. Favorite quote: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it” (Maya Angelou). Desired epitaph: She lived with passion, kindness, and a sausage dog by her side.
