Today we’re excited to be connecting with Twila McGee again. We’re excited to feature one of their products in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Twila, we loved learning your story, but I think our audience is going to appreciate learning about the product side of your story as well. So, maybe you can help bring everyone up to speed?
I appreciate the invitation to return.

Where the charm of New Orleans-inspired art meets practicality, I was motivated to create these pet bowls from my passion for help furkids thrive, my artistic interior design expertise, and a love for vibrant colors. My feeding bowls for cats and dogs are a Twila original, designed to provide pawrents with easy clean-up after mealtime, thanks to their dishwasher-safe feature. Crafted from high-quality ceramic stoneware, these bowls help eliminate harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella that hand washing often misses. Always remember to use pet-friendly dish soap and detergent. Additionally, the bowls are designed to be non-tipping, perfect for energetic furkids. Finally, they bring a touch of New Orleans-inspired art and a splash of color to your pet’s feeding area.

Do you remember the moment you realized the world needed this product?
Due to the lack of formal education regarding proper pet care, many of us often assume that the products available in pet stores or online are suitable for our furry friends. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A significant number of health issues in our cats and dogs, along with costly vet bills, can actually be prevented. With my experience as a devoted fur mom, professional pet care background, and extensive research, I have developed a self-paced online course aimed at educating both new and seasoned pet parents on how to enhance their pets’ health and longevity. One of the topics covered in my course is the importance of dishwasher-safe dishes. Many pet parents are unaware that not all pet bowls are safe for the dishwasher, and without proper cleaning, they can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to illness and ultimately shorten their pets’ lives. Through my advocacy work for pets, I aim to consolidate essential resources in one place, making it easier for busy pet parents to help their fur babies thrive. This is why NOLA’s Finest Pet Care is proud to be Louisiana’s first pet health and wellness hub. You can find my self-paced online course, products, and more at www.nolasfinestpets.com.

If you had to boil your product or brand down to one core message – what would that message be?
NOLAs Finest Pet Care llc is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of pet health and wellness services to help your furkids thrive. Twila’s mission is to offer pet parents the necessary resources to ensure their pets live a long, happy, & healthy life.

Do you have any advice for folks who are just starting out?
When advising new pet parents, I always recommend assessing their lifestyle, factoring pet expenses into their budget, and of course, dishwasher safe bowls. I explore these topics in greater detail in my online course, but they are crucial for finding the right match for you and furkid. Consider your hobbies, the size of your home, whether you have a yard, and what you can physically and financially manage. Remember, breed does not dictate personality; just like us, pets have their own unique traits. On the budgeting front, if you want to keep costs down, think about adopting a short-haired cat or dog, as this choice alone can save you $30 to $90 or more each month