Meet Diane Falink of North Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Falink.

Hi Diane, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with Paws R Uz began from something very simple — my love for animals and the joy I felt being around them. For as long as I can remember, caring for pets has been a natural part of who I am. Friends and neighbors would ask me to check in on their cats or walk their dogs, and before I knew it, word started to spread. What began as helping out the people I cared about turned into something that felt like my true calling.

Over time, I realized how much trust it takes for someone to hand you their house keys and ask you to look after a beloved pet. That trust means everything to me. I take it personally — every visit, every detail, every pet I meet. My goal has always been to make sure each animal feels safe, loved, and comfortable while their owners are away.

As Paws R Uz grew, I wanted to add something extra — small, meaningful products that reflect that same care and love. That’s how my line of handmade collars, bowties, embroidered bandanas, and accessories came to life. Each one is made with attention to detail and, for those that request it, I personalize my items for their dog or cat. I now have my pet items on my website www.PawsRuz.com and also in two Westside Market stores in Atlanta.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any small business, there have been challenges along the way. In the beginning, one of the hardest parts was simply getting the word out — building trust takes time, and I had to prove myself over and over again before people felt comfortable leaving their pets in my care.

On the product side, there was a lot of trial and error. Finding the right materials, learning the best techniques, and creating items that were both durable and beautiful took patience and persistence. There were times when I questioned whether it was worth it, but each setback taught me something valuable and pushed me to keep going.

Balancing the hands-on care of pet sitting with the creativity and business side of selling products has also been a learning curve. But every challenge has helped me grow, and I truly believe those struggles have shaped Paws R Uz into what it is today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Paws R Uz, my work is centered around two things I love most: caring for pets and creating products that celebrate them. On the service side, I specialize in personalized pet sitting that gives owners peace of mind while making sure their pets feel safe, loved, and comfortable in their own home. Clients know me for being dependable, attentive, and treating every animal as if they were my own.

On the product side, I design and handcraft collars, bowties, bandanas, and accessories that blend style with practicality. Each piece is made with care, using quality materials that stand up to everyday wear while still letting pets show off their personality.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built — both with the families who rely on me to care for their pets and with the customers who enjoy the unique products I create. I think what sets me apart is that my work is truly heart-driven. This isn’t just a business for me; it’s a passion. I don’t see pets as “just pets” — they’re family, and everything I do, whether it’s caring for them directly or designing something special for them, reflects that belief.

How do you define success?
Success is when a pet owner tells me they felt completely at ease while they were away because they knew their pets were in good hands. It’s when someone buys one of my collars or bowties and shares a photo of their pet wearing it proudly.

I define success as building genuine trust, bringing joy to pets and their families, and creating something that makes a difference in their daily lives. Of course, growing the business is important, but what matters most is knowing that what I do adds real value and happiness for others. That’s the kind of success that keeps me motivated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PawsRuz.com
• Instagram: Paws_Ruz
• Facebook: Paws R Uz

Image Credits
Diane Falink
Paws R Uz