Meet Aisha Darius | Pet Care Business Owner

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

Hi Aisha, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Initially, I was solely focused on growing my business, dedicating all my free time to work or recovering from walking 13 miles a day and from spending, sometimes, months away from home pet sitting. This left little room for family and friends, and when I did have time, I often felt too drained to fully engage. It’s easy to become consumed with helping as many people as possible, but without clear boundaries, I found myself missing important family gatherings, special events with friends, and other significant moments. In the pet care industry, these lines can easily blur. Many of us are so busy that we’ve worked for years without meeting colleagues face-to-face, despite communicating regularly through text.

Everything changed during the pandemic when New Jersey, where I lived, shut down early due to its proximity to New York. Suddenly, I found myself alone with just a TV for company and also taking 6-mile walks to tire myself out enough to get some sleep. Slowing down forced me to see myself beyond work, prompting me to explore my interests, reconnect with friends, and prioritize time with family. It made me realize the importance of being a well-rounded person, not just a worker. I became more talkative, eager to learn about things unrelated to pet care, and genuinely embraced living life beyond the grind.
I’ve learned that it’s crucial to prioritize time for myself and my loved ones. Taking breaks doesn’t diminish the quality of care I provide; it actually enhances it by preventing burnout and allowing me to return refreshed and more focused. As someone who once thrived on immersing myself in work, I now recognize that burnout is a serious issue that can linger for years. The dogs will still be there when I return, and by maintaining a healthy balance, I can sustain a fulfilling career while cherishing meaningful personal moments. Finding this balance has been transformative, allowing me to feel more fulfilled and whole both personally and professionally.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Starting my own business stemmed from a period of transition in my life. After leaving a job in restaurant management and trying (and failing) in real estate, I found myself with a lot of free time. I offered to walk a friend’s dog while she was busy and discovered how much I loved being outdoors and spending time with animals. Seeing the joy it brought me, my family and friends encouraged me to pursue dog walking as a business. This business eventually evolved into offering pet sitting, drop-ins, and boarding. Embracing this new path was challenging because it felt so unconventional. How could someone make a living as a pet sitter or dog walker? But it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Starting my own pet care business has brought me immense happiness and fulfillment.
I believe in taking calculated risks in life, thoroughly preparing in terms of finances, skills, and planning. Before starting my own business, I worked with a local dog walking company, learning about the industry and forming a valuable friendship with the owner. Starting my pet care company was a significant risk requiring much preparation. Despite initial challenges (self-doubt, setbacks, and financial struggles), my passion for animals and belief in my vision kept me going. An unexpected risk for me was relocating from New Jersey, where my business thrived, to start over in Colorado for personal reasons. This decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve made. The move allowed me to expand my business into a new market and connect with a broader community of pet owners.
While risks don’t always lead to positive outcomes, I’m grateful that mine did and the lessons learned were invaluable. Each challenge became an opportunity for growth. My success is deeply rooted in the pet parents who recognize the quality and dedication I bring to my work. Without their trust and referrals, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am incredibly grateful that they consistently choose my services and trust me with their beloved pets. I express my appreciation by lovingly caring for their animals, which helps to build strong relationships and further solidify that trust. Effective marketing has also played a key role in expanding my reach and growing my business. Additionally, staying organized, maintaining clear communication, and providing prompt responses to client inquiries have been essential in ensuring smooth operations and high client satisfaction.
My journey to where I am today in the pet care industry was far from easy. It involved taking risks, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating financial struggles. However, the support from my family and friends, the trust of my clients, and my passion for animal care have driven me to succeed. I want the world to know that my company, PoshPups CO, is built on love, dedication, and the belief that exceptional pet care can bring great joy and fulfillment to both pets and their owners.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they had the best time ever by showing them all the exciting and unique spots around town! We’d start with a cozy night in ordering takeout from Uncle Henry’s in Westminster then later that night we’d sing our hearts out at Rumors Karaoke Cafe. We’d visit Izzio in the Central Market for the best pastries in Denver and spend some additional checking out all the other stores and restaurants the market has to offer. We’d head to Sushi Hai for some sushi and laughs at their comedy show that they host downstairs on Thursdays. We’d keep the creativity flowing by spending a time at Upstairs Circus, crafting alongside friends, and then catching live music at Herbs Hideout at night.
We’d spend a thrilling day tubing on Clear Creek in Golden, then relax with drinks and live music at The Arvada Tavern’s cool upstairs tiki bar. Boulder would be our great adventure, hiking the easy Flat Iron Vista trail or moderate Doudy Draw trail. Both trails share the same peak so either way we’d catch a beautiful view. Dinner would be at Watercourse Foods, where we’d savor their top-notch gnocchi with sweet potato puree. For a touch of elegance, we’d attend a Candlelight Concert, enjoying a string quartet or pianist playing stripped-down versions of popular music. These performances are hosted in various venues around the city. Our week wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Domo Japanese Country Food, where we’d enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and great food. I’m sure there are other great spots that I’ve missed but Denver is a great place to explore so there are more places to learn about!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shine a special light on my first friends in life, my brother and sister, Kortney and Pamela Darius. Most of my family don’t really understand what I do, but these two were loving enough to go through the building process with me. They learned alongside me, always being a listening ear when I shared the new things I learned about pet care, and continuously pushing me to move forward to bigger and better steps. There were moments when I didn’t know if I could keep going, times when I felt like this career path wasn’t a good fit for me. They were on the sidelines aggressively reminding me of my 5-star reviews and how grateful each of my clients was to have found me. They love me and show me every day why I should love myself, why I should keep going, and why I am good at what I do. I am immensely grateful for my siblings and dedicate this to them.

Website: https://www.PoshPupsCO.com

Instagram: @PoshPups_CO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoshPupsCO/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/poshpups-colorado-arvada

Other: Thumbtack: https://www.thumbtack.com/co/arvada/dog-walking/poshpups-colorado/service/332800288060522502?utm_medium=web&utm_source=txt&surface=sp

Image Credits
Pamela Darius