Lauren Hays shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lauren , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I played a lot of sports back in the day, so anytime I get a chance to play something – truly no matter what it is – I find myself lost in it for hours! The only thing that has changed is making the time to do it now – but when I do, it truly brings me so much joy!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there!
We are @dogfriendlynash, your ultimate guide to all things dog-friendly in Nashville and surrounding areas! Whether you’re a local pup parent or just visiting Music City, we spotlight the best dog-friendly spots, events, and activities that welcome your furry friend with open paws!
From dog-friendly parks and patios to unique adventures and pet-friendly travel destinations, we’re here to make sure you and your dog always have the best experiences together!
But we don’t just focus on fun outings—we’re also passionate about supporting dog adoption, rescue efforts, and local animal shelters. We believe every dog deserves a loving home, and we’re dedicated to raising awareness by highlighting adoptable pups in the area that are ready for their next big adventure!
At @dogfriendlynash, we celebrate the special bond between people and their dogs, while helping build a community and a daily guide for all things dog!
We started @dogfriendlynash because rescuing our pup, Dottie, made us realize how hard it was to find dog-friendly places around town. When we first brought her home, we wanted to explore the city with her, but it felt like we were doing endless research just to find spots where she could join us. We figured there had to be an easier way for fellow dog lovers to know where they could take their pups without all the hassle. That’s why we created this account—to provide a one-stop guide, so others could have a seamless experience exploring Nashville with their furry friends as well! What started as a way to help ourselves has now become a passion project to help the entire dog-loving community!
Our next big project is launching a website to make finding dog-friendly spots and events even easier and more fun! The site will be a one-stop resource with a user-friendly guide to the best places, upcoming events, adoption opportunities, and travel tips for pups. We’re excited to offer a more convenient way for you and your dog to explore Nashville and beyond—stay tuned, we’ve got some exciting updates on the way!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Having my little sister in my life has been one of the biggest influences on who I am today. Seeing her look up to me has made me realize the responsibility I carry not just for myself but for her, too. It’s a constant reminder that my actions and choices ripple out beyond just me — they shape how she sees the world, how she sees herself, and how she’ll grow. That has pushed me to want to be the best version of myself, not only for my own sake but to set an example for her. Whether it’s pushing through challenges or making decisions I can be proud of, I know she’s watching. The thought of her following my lead has made me more mindful, more intentional, and more determined to grow into someone worthy of her admiration.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of comparison has definitely been something to hold me back in life. It has a way of quietly stealing joy and progress, making you feel like your efforts will never measure up to the way someone else does it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your style, or your content isn’t good enough simply because it doesn’t look like someone else’s. When I remember that just “doing it” in the first place is a huge accomplishment, that’s a huge reminder to just keep going and take pride in the way that YOU do it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
In today’s world, it’s easy to forget how much the little things matter, but small acts of kindness still carry incredible weight. A simple gesture—like giving someone a helping hand, holding the door open for a stranger, offering a genuine compliment, or sharing a smile with someone who might feel invisible—can completely change the tone of a moment or even a day. These small efforts don’t take much time or energy, yet they ripple outward in powerful ways, reminding people that they’re seen, valued, and cared for. Kindness doesn’t always have to be grand or dramatic; sometimes it’s the quiet, everyday actions that leave the biggest impact.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Honestly just relaxing on the couch with my husband and dog makes me feel so at peace!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @DOGFRIENDLYNASH
- Facebook: DOGFRIENDLYNASH
