Northern Ireland - Rebecca McBride decided to study biology after leaving school. Shortly before completing her doctorate, the Northern Irishwoman dropped everything and started her own business instead. A decision that paid off.

"I don't have a single Saturday off until, I think, September," the 26-year-old told People magazine in an interview.

About two years ago, when it all started, the world looked different. Rebecca, then in her sixth year at university, had her sights firmly set on her doctorate, but was also dissatisfied and stressed. After careful consideration, she made a groundbreaking decision: get out of the rut!

The Northern Irish woman put her studies on hold, founded her own company instead and became a dog sitter. Her future clients: Couples on their way to the altar.

"I was waitressing at a wedding and the guests brought their dog with them. I was supposed to serve drinks and stuff, but I felt drawn to the dog," Rebecca told us. Her business idea was born.

It was a rocky road before her idea paid off. The 26-year-old went door-to-door and had to build up a reputation. Rebecca attended wedding fairs, placed advertisements, promoted herself and her little dream on TikTok and Instagram .

Two weeks after setting up, the first booking fluttered into the Northern Irish woman's inbox.

(Also) thanks to Rebecca, the couple's wedding was a complete success. While her master and mistress got married, she took care of their four-legged friends. "They were simply thrilled that their dog could be part of their day," says the 26-year-old.

Today, she has an average of three jobs a week, even receiving requests from abroad, such as Spain and Italy. This is reason enough for Rebecca to want to expand her business and take on more employees.

The dog sitter has no regrets about dropping out of university: "Be brave and listen to your gut feeling. There's no point in staying in something that makes you unhappy," said the Northern Irish woman.