Three Things I Wish I Had Known in My 20’s: Candace Dannenbaum

This is an interesting topic and one my friends and I (all in our early 30’s) talk about often because if we had known what we know now, would we be the same people we are today? In other words, would we have made the same mistakes and missed out on the chance to learn and grow from those mistakes? My twenties were a period of intense growth, extreme highs and lows and to be honest, I wouldn’t have changed much about my 20’s, but there are a few things I probably would have wanted a heads up about.

1. Listen to your gut…it’s a powerful thing and rarely wrong. This is a general one that could pertain to anything including career & relationships. Just listening to my gut would have saved me a lot of time wasting away in jobs that were not right for me and heartaches in relationships that were just not meant to be. Everyone (friends, family, mentors, society, etc) will have an opinion, but no one knows you better than YOU so listen to yourself. If something feels wrong to you, it’s probably wrong for you.

2. Embrace experimenting and failing because that’s what your 20’s should be about. It’s the only time in your life where you have no strings attached and your mistakes really only impact you. Don’t miss out on this time!

3. You are getting older each year, but you are not old. I used to think I was “so old” when I turned 23 and then 24 and then…you get the point. You’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself and definitely don’t ever feel like you need to be on someone else’s timeline. Your life is unique to you and you’ll get to wherever you need to go on your own time.

Candace Dannenbaum is the founder of Barker Kitsen, a new e-commerce website that helps dog owners find the very best socially responsible pet products in the U.S. and Canada. The site also serves as a resource to discover the best pet-friendly ways to experience their city with their dog.

Candace began aggressively researching quality pet products in 2010 in an attempt to save her dog, Toby’s life after a major health scare. She became disappointed with the product brands at big chain pet stores and felt that animal owners deserved better access to locally sourced, under-the-radar brands. She eventually found these emerging, organic products at multiple boutique stores and nursed him back to health!