We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mikki Nguyen. Check out our conversation below.
Mikki, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, I’d have to say being with my boyfriend. After going through abusive and toxic relationships—and a divorce—I was really jaded. But now, I’m with someone who actually checks in on me and makes sure I’m okay. He takes care of me in ways I didn’t think were possible anymore. I won’t get too deep into it, but if you’ve been hurt before… please don’t give up on love. Your person is out there, somewhere.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Mikki, the heart behind Mystic Mews Pet Care. I’m a professional pet sitter with over 3 years of hands-on experience, offering compassionate in-home care for cats, dogs, and other small pets across Los Angeles and surrounding areas. What makes Mystic Mews special is the deeply personalized attention I give to every animal I care for—whether it’s overnight snuggles, drop-in visits, or just making sure their routine stays stress-free while their humans are away. My approach is rooted in love, patience, and reliability—qualities that stem from a lifetime of caring for animals and my own journey of turning that passion into a profession. I’m fully insured, donate a portion of every booking to animal rescues through CUDDLY, and strive to be someone clients can fully trust with their furry family members.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my reach and continuing to provide peace of mind for pet parents who value consistency and heart in their sitter. Whether I’m caring for senior dogs, shy kitties, or energetic pups, every animal is treated like one of my own.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Honestly? A lot of things. Silence. Feeling like your needs aren’t being seen or heard. Miscommunication that builds up because no one wants to say the hard thing first. When trust gets chipped away slowly—or shattered all at once. Sometimes it’s not even one big moment, just little disconnects that pile up over time until the closeness doesn’t feel the same anymore.
And sometimes… people just stop trying. That hurts the most.
However, what restores bonds between people: Patience. Real, messy conversations where both people actually want to understand each other—not just win. Showing up even when it’s uncomfortable. Owning your part without making excuses. Making the effort feel mutual again.
It takes time. And sometimes things don’t go back to how they were—but if both sides care enough, something honest and even stronger can grow from the wreckage.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah—more than once. After going through abusive relationships and then a divorce, I honestly felt so drained. I questioned everything—my worth, my future, whether I’d ever feel safe or loved again. I had moments where just getting out of bed felt like a battle. It wasn’t dramatic, just quietly heavy. Like carrying something too big for too long.
There were days I wanted to disappear, not out of wanting to die—but just not wanting to feel anymore.
But I didn’t give up. Even when I felt like I had nothing left, I kept moving. And now? I’m with someone who makes me feel cared for in ways I forgot I deserved. I’m building something meaningful. I’m still healing, but I’m here.
So yeah—I almost gave up. But I’m glad I didn’t.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That it’s “just pet sitting.” That anyone can do it, no training, no emotional labor—just walk some dogs, scoop some litter, and chill. People forget we’re not just looking after animals—we’re stepping into people’s homes, their routines, their families. We’re managing medical care, behavior issues, separation anxiety, and trust—both from the pets and their humans.
Another big lie? That passion alone is enough. I love animals deeply, but love doesn’t pay for gas, insurance, late-night emergencies, or emotional burnout. The industry often romanticizes the job while downplaying the reality: the exhaustion, the scheduling chaos, the pressure of being 100% reliable 24/7, and the heartbreak when something goes wrong.
Also, there’s this idea that sitters should always say yes, no matter what. That setting boundaries somehow makes you “less caring.” When really, boundaries are how we protect the energy to keep showing up with care.
And lastly—people underestimate how specialized pet sitting is. It’s not a side hustle. It’s a career, and for some of us, it’s a calling.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That healing isn’t linear—and it’s not always loud or obvious. Sometimes, growth looks like finally sleeping through the night. Saying no without over-explaining. Holding space for someone else without losing yourself in the process. It’s those small moments where no one’s watching that tell you you’re not the same person anymore.
I’ve also learned that animals feel everything. The energy you bring into a room, the rhythm of your voice, the weight of your silence. In my work, I’ve seen anxious pets soften over time just from being consistently cared for—and I think that mirrors people too. We all just want to feel safe and chosen.
And maybe most of all—I understand that rest is productive. That you don’t have to constantly be doing to be worth something. That softness is a strength. And choosing peace doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you survived the noise and chose something better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysticmewspetcare.com/
- Instagram: mysticmewspetcare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=100076594997444
Image Credits
I take all my photos myself with my S24 Ultra or Canon Rebel T7.
