From the beginning, we’ve surrounded ourselves with advisors who have gone through start-ups and small business experience before. Without their advice and guidance, we would have been lost.
Casey Isaacson is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App, which she started both because it was a good idea, but also because she was tired of dating guys who don’t love her dog as much as she does.
When she’s not helping dog parents find true love, she’s a New York-based Art Director, with 6 years’ experience after receiving her BFA from Pratt Institute in 2012.
Where did the idea for Dig -The Dog Person’s Dating App come from?
After a relationship ended when a guy refused to let the (self-awarded) World’s Cutest Dog (Layla) in his apartment, I wanted to find someone who would love my dog as much as I do. We created Dig because being a dog lover isn’t just another box to check off on a long list of your attributes. It’s a way of life for a growing number of single people, and it’s crucial to know that up front when dating.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
As a start-up, our daily routines change constantly. We are, first and foremost, dedicated to the user experience on Dig. So, our day usually begins with a full update from our development team. The rest of the day is a fun mashup of event planning, reaching out to our small business and animal rescue partners, coordinating press plans with our PR team, fundraising, and coming up with dog puns. We’re able to stay productive and efficient thanks to regularly scheduled dog walks, therefore – lots of exercise!
How do you bring ideas to life?
We bring ideas to life because of our amazing team. I have crazy creative ideas, I pass them on to my sister and my dad, and then the three of us make them come to life. My sister, Leigh, is a powerhouse as our CEO, implementing our ideas, planning our events, and helping us grow. Our Dad, Keith, is our fundraising genius and biggest cheerleader. He’s very good at inspiring people to help with his daughters’ dating app. As brand manager and creative visionary, I share Dig with the world through innovative social media campaigns, partnership co-promotions, and otherwise making things pretty. The dog community is also an incredible asset to us. Everyone wants to help each other out in the pet business world. We all have the same goal of evolving the pet community and giving back to rescue shelters along the way.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There is a tech pet revolution happening, and we are really excited to be a part of it. From GPS collars to smart dog houses to wi-fi cameras that are also treat dispensers, everyone is dedicated to making new products that will you and your pet live a healthier, longer and happier life.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Getting to work alongside my sister and my dog makes work more fun than I ever imagined. As an entrepreneur, I’m working all hours of the day. However, having my family by my side keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Listen to your gut. As my great-uncle used to say, “I love your guts.”
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I reccommend walking the dog when you’re feeling stressed!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
From the beginning, we’ve surrounded ourselves with advisors who have gone through start-ups and small business experience before. Without their advice and guidance, we would have been lost.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Although advice is great, taking too much free advice can be costly. It’s important to invest in crucial aspects of your business rather than take the cheap route. Now, we always make sure our budget lines up with our top priorities.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I would love to see pet stores in airports! I’m always looking for a way to entertain my dog before the flight. Someone who can monetize this opportunity will be a life savior to many travelers!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
We wanted to fix the question on everyone’s mind “are dog mom’s allowed to celebrate Mother’s Day?” So we spent $100 to market a petition to nationaldaycalendar.com to make National Dog Mom’s Day an official holiday, and we won! Every second Saturday of May will now be National Dog Mom’s Day.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I spend every day using the Adobe Creative Suite, I wouldn’t have a job without it! I designed the app, put together dog puns with adoptable pups, and created all of our ads using it.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” is hilarious, has important lessons about not giving up, and is a great pick me up!
What is your favorite quote?
“Bitches get stuff done”- Tina Fey
Key learnings:
– Surround yourself with people (and dogs) you love. It will make the great times even better and the hard times more manageable.
– Get lots of advice, but only take the advice that feels right in your gut.
– Don’t be afraid of humor! Business is serious, but every job doesn’t have to be.
Connect:
digdates.com
Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App on Instagram:@digdates
Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App on Twitter:@digdates
Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App on Facebook:@digdates
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.