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

Hi Gillian, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Once you conquer the dragon, everything else is achievable. My first decision was in my early 20’s when I decided to emigrate from the U.K. to America, with no concrete plans. Someone I had met had offered me a place to stay and a job in New York city. It sounded exciting, the city that never sleeps was calling me. I packed up my life, quit my job, rented my home, and boarded the plane with no idea what lay ahead. The place to stay was a couch and there was no job. I could have chosen to go home with my tail between my legs, or I could have chosen to stay. I stayed. I brushed up my resume, applied for a lot of jobs, and was hired by the United Nations. Since then I have reinvented myself from scratch several times, and have relocated to Los Angeles, and now Colorado. That first leap of faith was courageous, and despite my naivety back then, I thrived in the Big Apple. Knowing that, it has made other life altering decisions easier to make.

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?
My background is Marketing and Operations and I have worked in various industries including utilities and tourism in the U.K. and Fortune 500 financial companies here in the U.S. This experience has helped me set up my own business Four Paws Holistic Therapy. My passion and calling has been to work with animals.I have been an intuitive energy healer and animal communicator for the past 10 years, a published author in an International best seller Jumpstart Your, Vol III for animal communications, and a canine massage therapist for the past 5 years, and am an instructor at the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. I believe in collaborative alternative holistic care for pets to help them have a longer quality of life. I use my knowledge and skills to help improve a pet’s health and happiness by providing long term tailored big-picture solutions to activate their natural ability to balance and heal their physical, emotional and mental well-being, which can strengthen and deepen their connections to their human companions. My greatest pleasure is when a pet quickly recovers from an injury and I see the immediate relief and happiness in the parent’s face, not to mention the numerous thank you ‘kisses’ the pet gives me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a week’s stay, there’s much to explore in Denver itself, however I would most likely take friends into the mountains, after all it is where the continent divides! Rocky Mountain high in the warmer months is beautiful with the wildlife, flora and breathtaking views. A drive along the National Park’s Trail Ridge Road for the first claim to fame (highest paved road), depending on the friend’s activity level a 14er would be great, even if it’s driving up Mt Evans or Pikes Peak for that second claim to fame. Definitely a visit to Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, Vail and Breckinridge. Mesa Verde for a step back in time, and to Hooper for a futuristic look!

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 have been fortunate enough throughout each phase of my life to have at least one person that has made a positive impact, from junior school teacher Mrs Rouse, through Michael DeStefano the best boss (and company Ernst & Young in New York) I have worked for, to my dearest friend Ann Bendet who has been there for me with each life transition. The group that has helped me in my most recent endeavor though are the women from Polka Dot Powerhouse. These are global women from all walks of life who have collaborated, supported and encouraged me by sharing their knowledge and experiences. The connections I have made with members of the local Colorado chapters have become my new family.

Website: https://fourpawsholistictherapy.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillianedwards/

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

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