Meet Emily Brown | Dog Hiker & Outdoor Enthusiast.

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

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think there is inherently a certain amount of risk in life, especially when starting your own business. I made a solo move across the country when I was younger so I could live and spend time in a beautiful place. Even though I was taking a risk, and it was definitely hard at times to make ends meet, I never thought of it as anything but worthwhile. Honestly, to be living and building a life that I am proud of, and that I absolutely love, has always negated the risk. The same goes with Mountain Wags. I know as a business owner, especially during a pandemic, there is always the risk that things could go south, but I never think about the negative possibilities too much. I love waking up and doing what I do, which is simply spending time with dogs in the wilderness. The positives that my career brings me definitely outweigh the risk factors that come with being a small business owner.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I own and operate Mountain Wags LLC., a dog hiking and petsitting business based in Denver. In the beginning I did what many people do, I received my education, worked for other people in different industries, while making a paycheck. This was definitely not bringing the joy or contentment I was hoping for when it came to a career. I have always loved dogs, as well as spending my free time in nature, so I finally decided to combine the two and create a viable business. I spend my mornings taking groups of dogs hiking on different trails outside of Denver. I love that my job allows me to be part of their excitement, exercise and stimulation. We can learn so much from dogs about embracing the moment and enjoying our surroundings, and I’m lucky to be a part of that on a daily basis. There have been challenges, especially running a business during a pandemic, but at the end of the day I love and value, not only the dogs I take care of, but the business I have created.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver is such a great city to live in and visit. It has the perfect amount of outdoor activities, coffee shops and restaurants. I start most days at Queen City Collective Coffee Shop in Five Points. The baristas are fantastic, the coffee is delicious and when you are there you can grab a fresh made donut from Pandemic Donuts, who share the space. I am also a big fan of Movement Gym in RiNo. It is a great place to meet friends to boulder with or join for a yoga class. After climbing, its nice to grab a beer from Improper City, which is connected to the gym. They have a spacious outdoor seating area that is dog friendly, with many different local food trucks to grab a bite. Meeting friends for happy hour is always fun as well. La Bouche, in Uptown, is the perfect spot to sip on wine with friends, while feeling like you are in a small cafe in Paris. Close by La Bouche is Watercourse, one of my favorite restaurants. They have a great brunch, dinner and really good desserts that are all vegan fare. There really are so many great places in Denver to explore.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe that most of my credit for success goes to my clients. I am lucky enough that they have become my community, and in some cases, my family. They have always supported me, not only in business but in life. They are some of the most inspirational, interesting, and warm people that I have ever met. I feel very lucky to have such kind and lovely people in my life. Plus, they are dog people, which in my opinion are the best kind of people.

Website: www.mountainwags.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainwags

Image Credits
Greg Martinelli