We recently had the chance to connect with Breck Pribyl and have shared our conversation below.
Breck, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Yoga and meditation has been my blissful endeavor recently. I have been waking up early every morning focusing on centering myself. I have come to love the quiet space and turning inward with this practice. It is nice to reconnect with feeling peace and to loose track of time, and to get away from the daily to-do’s stress.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Breck and I am the founder of ACUTIENAMEDSTEWIE INC. The nonprofit’s mission is to fundraise and promote visibility for dog community organizations, rescues, and businesses who strive to make the world a better place for rescue animals and their rehabilitation, and all of my events are centered around having FUN! I host events throughout the Tampa Bay area that focus on celebratory activities for local pups and their families. In addition to this, I include local rescues/shelters to bring their adoptables out for a fun day and to hopefully get adopted. I like to consider all of my themed events “pawties” and host events at places like the Dog Bar St. Pete., Clay Center of St. Pete., and breweries.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
When I was kid the world was my playground and I was all about tapping into my creative side. From self designed gymnastics routines on the coffee table to making crafts with my grandma, I was using my skills to create something. The little kid inside of me has been able to resurface through the vision of my nonprofit. It think it is fun to brainstorm event themes, organize the event from a creative and unique perspective, and design the graphics for promotional needs.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I have always had the need for approval, as a kid and young adult. My fear of not receiving the “good job” at times has affected me. As an adult, I have very importantly learned that other people’s opinion of me is none of my business and I now live by that. This has given me freedom, creatively and professionally, to be the best version of myself. I am not afraid any more to do what makes my heart happy, and it astounding how many wonderful things have come from that mindset.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I highly admire those individuals who do the work of animal rescues/shelters. They are solely doing God’s work for the passion of helping, and not for clout. It takes a special kind of love-embodied person do “rescue-life” work day in and day out. It comes with sadness and heartbreak as much as does satisfaction and reward. One the hardest things in that business is realizing the real issues lie in humanity, not with the animals who suffer. I applaud all of those behind the scenes rescuers and the selfless work that they do. This is a big part of the reason I started the nonprofit. I get to organize events for them and they just have to show up, have a good time, and reap the benefits. It makes me happy to be able to help them, see the smiles they give me, and feel the hugs they give me as a thank you. That is what it is all about!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am a Physical Therapy by day and a rescue animal philanthropist by night. I think I am doing exactly what I meant to do and my soul feels fulfilled. I believe I have finally found the balance of what can provide for me and what taps into my creativeness and passion. Many people have questioned if I had the time to do both when I first started the nonprofit, but I have been able to prove them wrong.
The best way for you to help support my cause would be to directly donate funds to help me continue to organize events. All proceeds of all events are donated to the participating rescues. Donations can be made via PayPal or Venmo by searching ACUTIENAMEDSTEWIE INC.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acutienamedstewieinc.nonprofit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acutienamedstewie
Image Credits
The Dog Photographer of Tampa Bay
