#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings From Katherine Cebrowski

NAME: Katherine Cebrowski

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @furchildpets

JOB TITLE: Co-founder & Creative Director

Katherine is the Co-founder and Creative Director of Furchild, UAE’s first fresh, raw pet food, meal plan, and delivery service. Katherine started this journey in 2016, along with her partner, with one clear mission: to create the best nutrition for our dogs, as nothing on the market was meeting our requirements, and they faced numerous health challenges. What began as a passion project has since grown into a multi-award-winning brand trusted by thousands of pet parents across the region. 

Katherine's role bridges big-picture thinking and time-sensitive execution, everything from brand strategy, UX, communications, to product development, creative direction, and the list goes on! Describing herself as endlessly curious, fiercely passionate, and constantly inspired by the people (and their pets) who make up her community. Furchild is more than a business, it’s a movement to raise the standards of pet health in the UAE and beyond. And yes, Katherine's also a very proud dog mum – naturally.

Today Katherine shares with us her biggest life learnings to-date:

#LIFELESSON - 1 - Take care of yourself. So you can take care of the business and those in it

In the early years of building Furchild, I believed that if I wasn’t running at full speed, something would fall apart. The pressure to do everything, know everything, and be available at all hours was unsustainable and, honestly, unnecessary. I learned over the years that if you don’t protect your energy, your creativity and clarity suffer.

These days, I take self-care seriously. Whether it’s my morning yoga sessions, mindful moments with my dogs, or just saying “no” when I need space, I know that showing up as my best self isn’t selfish, it’s responsible leadership. 

#LIFELESSON - 2 - Failures and challenges are opportunities for growth

Furchild didn’t become a category leader in the GCC overnight and certainly not without its share of hurdles. From supply chain mishaps during COVID to IT challenges and beyond, I’ve learned to look at every hard moment as part of the process. There’s no blueprint when you’re building something truly new. You make bold decisions that sometimes don't work, but what you do next matters.

I’ve learned to lean into feedback, ask the tough questions upfront, and try my best to turn obstacles into breakthroughs. True growth can't be obtained in your comfort zone. 

#LIFELESSON - 3 - Stay curious

Curiosity is my compass. I love learning, connecting with customers…I consider myself a full-time student. It keeps me inspired, innovative, and connected. Whether I’m listening to a new pet success story, diving into a new health study, or brainstorming a campaign with our team, I approach every situation with a desire to understand more deeply.

I genuinely love learning, and I think that’s been one of the most important drivers of my role in Furchild’s success. I never want to assume I’ve “arrived.” I’d rather stay open, hungry, and humble.