Meet Danielle Armstrong | President & Founder of Pawsh Paws Atlanta

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Armstrong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I was in my late 20s, I worked so much that I couldn’t enjoy the fruits of my labor. I came home just to go to sleep, wake up, and do it all over again. I ended up being burnt out and stressed before the age of 30. Now that I’m older and wiser I’m more aware of how important it is to your health to prioritize balance and minimize stress. As a result, my work-life balance has improved significantly. The way I prioritize having a healthy work-life balance is by intentionally scheduling downtime throughout the year and I don’t schedule any work on Sundays. I attend church, catch up on rest, and spend time with the people I love and enjoy. This keeps me from experiencing burnout and enables me to go harder throughout the week.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Pawsh Paws is a premier pet sitting and dog walking service. We show southern hosPETality to pampered pets throughout Metro-Atlanta. Our goal is to provide more than just pet care; we create meaningful connections and experiences with both pets and their owners

I am most proud of taking a leap of faith to start my own business. Launching a business is never easy, especially during a season of change like we’re experiencing now. Throughout my professional career, I have worked hard and excelled in my roles, yet I’ve still experienced displacement due to mass layoffs. Going through this once is bad enough but multiple times can take a toll on your spirit. There are days when I question whether my business will succeed, but in those moments, I look around at the many small businesses in the community that have stood the test of time. If they can make it, so can I.

I’m most excited about the future growth and success of my business Pawsh Paws, not just for myself, but for the impact it can have on others in the community. I want Pawsh Paws to be more than an Atlanta dog walking and pet sitting service—I want it to be a testimony of encouragement, perseverance, passion, and purpose. My goal is to build a business that people look at and say, “If she made it against the odds, well by golly so can I.” I hope to inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams, push through life’s challenges, and create something meaningful for themselves and their communities.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything before starting a new venture. Many times people get stuck in the planning stage, but success comes from doing and being willing to learn as you go and pivot quickly when needed. It’s okay to try something and if it doesn’t work, recognize it and try another way.

I want people to know that my brand Pawsh Paws stands for exceptional pet care, offering a higher quality of service than the average dog walker and pet sitter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Downtown & Midtown
Brunch: Atlanta Breakfast Club (chicken & waffles).
Explore the Georgia Aquarium, and SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheels for city views.
Lunch: Eat at Ponce City Market and stroll the BeltLine. To walk away some calories, people watch and catch up.
Afternoon: Relax and take a nap
Dinner: STK.
Nightcap: Rooftop drinks at SkyLounge.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures in Cumberland & Mableton
Breakfast: Stop by Revolution Doughnuts for a sweet start followed by coffee at Chattahoochie coffee in Akers mill on the River.
Morning: Kayak on the Chattahoochee River for some outdoor fun.
Lunch: Mezza Luna Pasta & Seafood.
Afternoon: nap time again
Dinner and Drinks: Speakeasy vibes at Elenors Place.

Day 3: Alpharetta & The Battery
Brunch: The Southern Porch.
Morning: Explore Avalon for some window shopping and an early movie.
Dinner: At the hotel in Alpharetta.
Evening: Head to The Battery for a Braves game.

Day 4: History, Culture & Live Music
Breakfast: Busy Bee Café
Morning: Visit The King Center and the High Museum
Lunch: pop into whoever smells the best from outside
Afternoon: Explore the Trap Music Museum.
Dinner: Grill some steaks at my place.
Night: Live jazz at St. James Live

Day 5: North Georgia Wineries
Breakfast: Buttermilk Kitchen.
Morning: Day trip to Dahlonega’s wineries.
Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch at a local favorite.
Afternoon: Relax and explore the serene beauty of north Georgia.
Dinner: Head back to Atlanta for a final meal at Bacchanalia.
Nightcap: End the trip with drinks, laughter and girl talk on my deck warmed by the chiminea.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed to have three wonderful mentors in my life, Vikki Kennedy-Johnson, Jackie Brodus, and Christopher Giovanetti. Each one of them saw something in me that they were able to coach and encourage out of me through their genuine and selfless love, support, encouragement, friendship and leadership. I would like to say each of them helped me to stretch and grow personally and professionally. I truly cherish each one of them.

Website: https://www.pawsatl.com

Instagram: pawshpawsatl

Facebook: pawshpawsatl

Youtube: pawshpawsatl

Image Credits
Angelo Byrd