Today we’d like to introduce you to Terah Gisolo.
Terah is West Texas raised, rooted in Los Angeles and never without (wo)man’s best friend! After spending her entire life surrounded by dogs, she was introduced to the world of rescue by her sister, who has adopted more dogs that can be counted. All were in their last hours in the shelter or left for dead. Inspired by dogs in need, Terah dedicated years volunteering for numerous rescue groups coast-to-coast and has fostered countless dogs. Her obsession and passion for dogs has only picked up momentum over the years. Thus, real good was born. Real good is all about the dogs.
Their intention is to educate and provide awareness to end the abuse of dogs; to ensure all dogs live in a loving home rather than in a shelter or on the streets. They hope to empower individuals to feel confident about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group just as they would when buying from a breeder. They aim to eliminate the unfavorable stigmas surrounding specific “bully” breeds. The method to their madness: when you shop from a real good, your dollars make a difference. They will donate 11% of the profits of each purchase to the animal companions of their homeless brothers and sisters.
After all, your financial support is a vast part in giving the animal companions of our homeless brothers and sisters, the care and support that they need. They mean it when they say they love dogs for real and they want to use their love of dogs for something, well, really good. In case you’re still wondering, any friend of a dog is a friend of theirs! They thank you for your support and helping them save lives!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been complicated per say, but being a one-woman show, it has been a much longer journey than I ever anticipated. My focus and direction has pivoted a few times, life has also forced me to put Real Good on hold, outside of this I work full time in order to afford me this opportunity; all have tested my patience at one time or another.
I often have a vision and want to move full steam ahead in all that I do. With that said I’ve come to accept that timing is everything, to be patient, have fun and allow the process to unfold how it’s supposed to. That’s probably the biggest struggle of them all.
Please tell us about Real Good.
Real Good is a Social Good company, which means every time someone purchases from Real Good, I donate 11% to the animal companions of our homeless community. I do this by walking around my neighborhood or driving through parts of LA, engaging with some of the 58,000 men, woman and children living on our streets. I often provide food and water not only to the animals but to their human as well.
I’m most proud of this. It’s important for me to bring awareness to the human and animal welfare issues happening not only in Los Angeles but in our Country. This also sets Real Good apart from other companies regardless if their product focus is humans, animals or both. When I first launched the Real Good shop, my focus was on products only for dogs. I’ve since started working with local LA artists to provide products for humans as well.
Currently, on the site, I have t-shirts and pillows that are hand stitched by an incredibly talented artist! I’ll also be launching a line of Real Good ceramic bowls (for animals or table top) as well as the Real Good skin care line (vegan, cruelty-free and handmade in LA).
Eventually, all the offerings will be of the Real Good brand. By doing so, I’ll really be able to make an impact on the animals and humans in need.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, I don’t think I would change anything. Despite my patience being tested numerous times, I really have come to understand and accept that this is the exact ride I’m supposed to be on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.realgood.dog
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @realgood.dog / @terahgisolo
Image Credit:
Rita Earl Blackwell
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