Meet Emily and Andrew from Stray by the Bay!

••Apologize  for the slight reverbDid use software to remove butonly marginally successful.In this episode of the Dream Catcher Podcast, host Mark Larsen speaks with Emily and Andrew, the founders of Stray by the Bay, a cat cafe in Lincoln, Nebraska. They share their journey from being dog lovers to cat enthusiasts, the challenges of opening a cat cafe, and their commitment to animal rescue and community support. The conversation covers their fundraising efforts, the vision for their cafe, and the importance of social media in spreading awareness about their mission. Emily and Andrew also discuss their personal experiences with pets and the challenges of pet ownership, emphasizing the need for responsible pet adoption and care.BIOOur GoalAt Stray By The Bay, our cafe in Lincoln is driven by three core principles: cats, coffee, and community. We are dedicated to raising awareness of the alarming numbers of homeless, stray, and feral cats not only nationwide, but right here in the Lincoln area. Through partnerships with Capital Humane Society and Big Red Rescue, we aim to reduce their burden and provide a loving and engaging space for cats awaiting adoption. In addition to being a safe haven for feline friends, we also aim to educate the community on responsible cat ownership, fostering programs, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives. Our cozy cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons not only to enjoy the company of cats but also to savor a delicious and rotating menu of pastries and beverages made from coffee beans sourced by The Coffee Roaster- a local air roaster located here in Lincoln. We are committed to supporting the community of Lincoln by promoting local businesses, assisting with local rescue efforts, and connecting with our guests on a personal level. Hope to see y’all soon!About The OwnersLifelong animal lovers and coffee drinkers, Emily and Andrew are looking to create a unique experience for cat and coffee lovers alike. Emily was born and raised on the east coast, in NJ. Her passion for animals started early with bringing home stray critters to running lemonade stands benefiting her local shelter. Following her interests, she decided to pursue a degree in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she became the President of the Animal Impact Club and graduated with her bachelor’s. Right next door in PA, Andrew graduated with a business degree from Rowan University. Along with working in various positions in multiple culinary establishments, he is looking to combine those experiences with his business knowledge and love for animals to help create a fantastic environment for both cats and cat lovers. With the combined knowledge and skills, the only thing left is to release the ship from port and set sail on this journey.CONTACT!Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/p/Stray-By-The-Bay-Cat-Cafe-100090948743319/Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/straybythebay/?hl=en00:00Introduction to Stray by the Bay03:01Journey to Nebraska and the Cat Cafe Concept05:59The Vision for the Cat Cafe09:02Fundraising Efforts and Community Support11:52Social Media Presence and Future Plans15:02Personal Dreams and Career Paths19:33The Journey to a Cat Cafe20:45Fundraising and Community Support22:12Naming the Cafe: A Coastal Inspiration24:43Future Expansion Plans25:53Addressing the Stray Cat Crisis27:59The Reality of Pet Ownership30:20Rescue Stories: The Three-Legged Cat32:28Early Days of Straight by the Bay33:30Holiday Plans and Future Goals36:24Final Thoughts and C