We recently connected with Willie Blue and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Willie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

Had it not been for my parents, I definitely would not be in the position I am in. Growing up, like many people, we did not have a lot. So we had a lot of rough times growing up, but my parents never let that stop us from reaching our goals. They instilled perseverance and determination in us, which helped us push through the hard times. Those same lessons helped me push through the hard times I faced starting my business. My parents taught me there is absolutely nothing on this earth I can’t accomplish if I keep god first and never give up. Starting my business was not easy, and there were and still are days when I felt like throwing in the towel. But I hear the words from my [parents, and I keep pushing. Lastly, my parents taught me kindness and love, which I can show my clients and their owners. This has helped me immensely in my profession because it takes compassion and love to do my job.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m willie. I was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, to Willie Sr. and Evelyn. My parents have always been huge influences in my whole life. From raising us in the church and learning to respect everyone to the sports and other activities we participated in. Their influence truly shaped my life and made me who I am today. I have two younger brothers (Jamar and Ryan) and a younger sister (Dr. Alexis Blue-Wilson). We were a very tight nit family with lots of goals and ambitions. When it came time for college, I chose to star at the illustrious Fayetteville State University. I was on track to becoming a music teacher and excelling at my goal. But something was missing, and I didn’t see myself being happy making that career in the future. So I decided to transfer to Appalachian state university to study the music industry. That was the farthest I had ever been from home, so I really grew up during this time. After some time at ASU, I still wasn’t happy with what I was doing, and it didn’t give me the fulfillment I was looking for.

So I left App State and went back home to “find myself” what I found was a career that I fell in love with, and I knew this was what I wanted to do. At the time, I was at home searching for my next move. I began working with my new dog I rescued, named Migo. I became obsessed with his health, training, and other aspects of his life. That’s when I knew working with animals was where my passion lies. At that point, I applied to over 75 vet clinics and finally got a job at a small clinic in Fuquay Varina. It was there that everything fell in place. At Fuquay vet, I learned so much about animals and their care. I worked my way from kennel hand to vet assistant and then the inventory manager. After seven years at Fuquay vet, I was looking for another challenge and took a job offer from NC state university to work in their large animal hospital. There, I found out about canine fitness and rehab, and it was history after that. I spent the next four years learning everything I could about canine fitness and got certified by the university of Tennefell in love with the career.

After working in a local rehab center for a while, I noticed clients had trouble getting to the clinic weekly. It was inconvenient for owners with kids and owners that stayed far distances. That’s when The Dabba Company was born, Mobile canine fitness that comes to you. I took a 26ft box truck and converted it into a mobile gym with turf, treadmills, a massage table, and huge windows on one side so clients can see their pet work. We put together custom fitness programs for each individual client and help them reach their fitness goals. We work with geriatric, Pre/post-surgical, overweight, and general fitness dogs. I honestly have a remarkable job and love every day of it. Getting a dog back walking or in better shape to be with their family is truly a rewarding job.

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What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Reputation is everything in the animal world, especially when it comes to trusting a complete stranger with your fur family’s health. I feel my honesty, kindness, dedication to my craft, and hard work help me build my reputation. Most of my clients come from word of mouth, which only happened because o took the time and put my all into my clients. I respect and treat everyone with the kindness I expect to receive, which shows in my work. My goal is never to leave a client dissatisfied, even if it means referring them to another place if I can’t handle the job. Now I have an excellent reputation among veterinarians and pet owners.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most challenging things I had to unlearn was my fear of taking a leap of faith. This journey has been filled with cliffs I had to jump off to get to my next level. Taking risks is never easy, especially when your lively hood depends on your every decision. For example, I had to leave a comfortable 9-5 job with full benefits to start my own business. I didn’t know if this crazy idea would work, if I could get clients, or how I would fund everything. But it worked out and turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Now, whenever I come upon a cliff, I just jump and believe that this is my path and that everything will work out.

Contact Info:

• Website: Thedabbalife.com
• Instagram: Thedabbalife
• Facebook: TheDABBA company llc
• Other: Tik tok – Thedabbalife

Image Credits
Kristina Wilkins