Meet Simone Coleman, a pet lover and mental health advocate growing her company, Petrospect Pet Sitting in Nashville. This TN native, has turned her love for dogs and own personal mental health struggles into a growing sought-after service that helps people in their homes. As she shares, “my client’s dogs help me live one day longer, every single day.”
Full name:
Simone Coleman
Company/Business:
Petrospect Pet Sitting
Hometown:
Culleoka, Tennessee
Title:
Pet Sitter and/or Mental Health Advocate (both are accurately amazing in describing me)
How many years have you been in Nashville?
I’ve lived in Nashville for five years. Although I was raised in Middle TN, I moved away after I graduated college in 2011 to work for the NBA. I am a former employee of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami HEAT. I was an account executive in both teams front office for their season ticket, and group ticket departments. I was the number one season ticket sales person for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013. I moved back to live in Nashville in 2016 and I started Petrospect Pet Sitting in 2019.
Tell us what you are creating in Nashville?
Currently my creative juices are flowing for establishing a more luxury pet sitting brand in Nashville. This means, I will be creating more content online for tips and tricks to educate people more on why professional, in-home, private pet care should be a choice for their dog when away from home. This will help clients ability to understand the need for a company that is bonded and insured, and understands the psychology of a dog in order to give them a more comfortable care situation while they’re not with their owner.
Outside of my business, something personal that I like to do is advocate for mental health in all communities. I volunteer with organizations like Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN), and I’ve participated in fundraisers for suicide prevention awareness with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). I also plan to eventually host some dog events that will help fundraise for mental health and suicide prevention awareness because when people have pets in their life it’s statistically known to bring out more joy, and create less loneliness. I’m a living example of how my client’s dogs help me live one day longer, every single day.
Also – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. If you ever need it, don’t feel ashamed to reach out to the mental health crisis line for TN at (855) 274-7471. There will be someone there to help you.
What inspires you?
Myself. I am a three-time suicide attempt survivor, a graduate of the former Martin Methodist College where I was the Student Body President in 2010, a former NBA employee, and now, I pet business owner… To wake up every day and provide people’s pets with love and care instead of having suicidal ideation, it’s a dream come true. That, to me, is very inspiring!
Coffee, brunch, or happy hour?
Brunch! – I love breakfast food, but I also love lunch food, so why not mix them together for the best of both worlds?! Brunch.
Current book you are reading?
Psycho Cybernetics
What is your favorite Nashville spot you are digging right now during Covid?
“Fair Park – Dog Park!” This dog park is at the fairgrounds in Nashville, located on Bransford Avenue. It’s grounds are made of synthetic turf so that your dog can go during the sunny days, and after the rain and they won’t get dirty from mud or wet grass. This place lets me get away with my clients and watch them play with other dog pals from around the city. They also have a walking path for the humans and I’ll get in some exercise inside the park while we are there. They park is equipped with water fountains for the dogs, and even a separation for big dogs in one area, and small dogs in another. The people that gather their with their pets are also very nice and loving to all their neighbors and their dogs. If you ever go here, and see a tall woman walking around with a shirt on that says “I’m A Petsitter,” that’s me! Come and join me any time! I look forward to continuing to be one of the top pet sitters in the Nashville area for all of our pet owning neighbors.
Photo credit: Harazim Photography
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