Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Waters.
Hi Charlie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I wish this was a story, but it’s my life and I’m happy to share it with those who find value in it.
Let’s begin with where we are today, and that’s all because of friends, new and old, countless supporters from around the world, people out walking who aren’t friends yet that ask to pet Ryker and Sinatra, by staying diligent in creating for those who look forward to seeing these pups every day, in being authentic, staying true to the mission and vision of where I believe we can take this adventure and in remaining humble and filled with gratitude for every single person who follows and supports Ryker & Sinatra – The Dapperest Dachshunds on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
How it started…With a dream and a vision… we’ll have to go back to 2/14/2020, that’s right, Valentine’s Day, Ryker’s “gotcha day” he was so tiny when I picked him up and when we got home, that’s when I knew, he was born to model. You see I had already started an Instagram account for him before I even picked him up and I would share updates and new puppy pictures of him.
From April – August of 2020 the account grew to 6,500 followers, met so many other animal lovers from around the world and by March of 2021 we were offered our first major brand partnership with Upcountry Inc. a pet accessory company with the most amazing harness and lead designs that I had fallen in love with through this journey. It was the first company I really wanted to work with and it finally happened! They keep these pups looking dapper to this day and I’m so grateful for the partnership I have with the team at Upcountry Inc.
As July 2021 came the second major milestone came, 10k followers, or “frens” as I like to refer to them, I didn’t go into this looking to be an “influencer” or to amass thousands of followers per se, but what I stayed focused on was the followers we had, not in the ones we didn’t. Engaging with them every day and supporting their page just as they supported ours.
As 2021 was entering December, right around Ryker’s birthday, I had the opportunity to add another pup to the mix, something I thought about, but wasn’t actively seeking at the time. However, this new pup was Ryker’s blood nephew and I couldn’t pass up this chance to bring him home, especially with his piercing blue eyes, he would be called Sinatra and he has been a joyful addition to the dog dad squad.
As May of 2022 began, I decided I wasn’t happy in my current day job and wanted to align myself with the new passion and purpose I had discovered, so when you ask the universe for something big, you better be prepared for it when it comes! I was offered the opportunity to join one of the most prestigious pet food companies in the world, Stella & Chewy’s, a company focused on pets and helping pets and pet parents thrive through the love of raw, so I jumped at this opportunity.
I now manage the state of Texas focused on the growth of National Accounts, and one of the best parts of this role is when I travel, Ryker & Sinatra are right alongside me, as we continue on our own mission while building upon the mission of a great company in Stella & Chewy’s.
This new role has afforded me the opportunity in this life to spend as much time with my boys as I can, giving them the best diet possible and still create engaging content for all of their valued “frens.”
We were also hired by The Royal Sonesta hotel properties to promote their PAWS program “Pets Always Welcome at Sonesta” this was the first major contract I ever signed that actually paid for content creation all because of these pups.
I’ve learned that life can throw you some pretty heavy stuff to carry, but when you make it through it all without resentment for the hand you were dealt and remain a positive light to inspire others, all that heavy stuff was worth it and I wouldn’t change a single thing!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been actually, but that’s the nature of life. The pandemic happened, only a month after Ryker came home, I lost my job, the country was shut down and companies weren’t hiring and if not for this little guy, I would have most likely gone crazy! Nonetheless, I knew all of that was out of my control at this point, so I told Ryker “You’re the CEO now” and that’s when I really started to focus on building a brand centered around this pup.
Early on as we would walk the Katy Trail, people would stop and pet him and as the were walking away they’d stop and look back smiling saying “thank you, I really needed that today.” That’s the when I knew what our mission was, “To be the light in a world of darkness… When so many are in need of a simple smile Ryker will give them his.” So, he became the “CEO of Smilers” and it continues to be our mission.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Content creation, brand building, promotion of pet-friendly companies who welcome us in with open arms. Hotels, restaurants, and airlines are some of the things we’ve done content for, some of it paid and some just because I value their brand.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to a variety of speakers, but at the top of my list is Your World Within with Eddie Pinero. This is one that keeps me focused on perspective and through listening to his journey helps me realize anything is possible.
I study stoic philosophy from the likes of Marcus Aurelius’ meditations and Ryan Holliday does tremendously in helping to navigate Stoicism.
Pricing:
- 3 post/3 reels and 10 stories = $3,000
- 2 post/2 reels and 5 stories = $2,250
- 1 post/1 reel and 3 stories = $1,250
- 2 reels = $700
- 1 reel = $400
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_dapperest_dachshunds?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryker.vongewasser.9
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCJuUQaSBPleAtwjVWbnfY_g
