Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastien Loubert.
Hi Sebastien, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
At 19 years old, I left my home in Champagne, France, to study English in the United Kingdom for over a year. Then, I decided to move to the United States to study.
Looking back, it all makes sense because ever since I was a child, I have always had an affinity for the States. I had infused my impressionable mind with romantic notions about the States through TV shows, movies, and songs, and I was determined to make them come true and live my best American life.
After forging a successful career in the corporate world in various industries as a designer and losing my parents at a young age, I realized that I knew too much about life to continue with the trapping of the corporate world. And so, I reinvented myself.
One day, while working on designing some movie posters for Netflix, I was listening to a George Lucas interview where he explained how his dog inspired him to create the Star Wars character Chewbacca. A simple yet insightful realization came to mind as I looked at my dogs sleeping on their little beds. It was time to follow my bliss.
My love for dogs and nature has always run deep. And so, with the support of my spouse, I have merged my knowledge of visual storytelling with my passion for dogs and travel on social media.
It is validating to see that our page has resonated with so many people all over the world in a relatively short amount of time. We are now the number one Whippet Instagram account @whippetsUnleashed! My passion has catapulted me and my three Whippets, Bolt (AKC Grand Champion), Jet (his son), and Dash, into exciting adventures. Doors have opened where there were none before… It is SO satisfying to have embarked on a journey where the story is richer.
One reason I like being a Whippets Unleashed creator is because it fosters relationships with a multigenerational pet community at large. Many of Whippets Uneashed’s followers have become friends. From the young artistic girl who asked her mom permission to draw Bolt and Dash so that she could send us the drawing. To the older lady whose animals were affected by the smoke from Australia’s bushfire. To the woman in Tel Aviv who interrupted her communication with us because she had to hurry to a bomb shelter with her little dog. Of course, I can’t forget the super fans who look forward to their daily posts so that these followers can write heart-felt comments in appreciation of making them smile. With that kind of notoriety comes responsibility. A lot of younger followers are not familiar with the Whippet breed. They are very curious about it and have many questions. Bolt, Jet and Dash have become ambassadors of the breed. As a result, I have the privilege to educate a whole new generation. Some fans hope to get a Whippet of their own. Others are hoping to meet Bolt, Jet, and Dash one day. When fans get to meet them, they often say, “Oh, my God, I am obsessed!” Posing for a picture with them.
Companies are paying attention to Whippets Unleashed’s growth. It receives weekly e-mails from brands wanted to use Bolt, Jet, and Dash for marketing purposes. I am very selective about the brands they partner with. PetSmart hired Bolt and Dash for their “You Are Loved” campaign! Farmer’s Dog has Bolt, Jet, and Dash on top of their list to promote new food products. Also, The Pet Summit invited Sebastien to sit on the pet influencer panel at the New York conference. Promoting pet-friendly establishments is important to me. I have partnered with pet-friendly luxury hotels such as the Conrad Los Angles, Santa Monica Proper Hotel and Kimpton Hotels, among many others. Bolt, Jet, and Dash are going places, and the Virgin Hotels brand has noticed. They invited Whippets Unleashed to promote their new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas location three times. Last but not least, Apple hired Bolt for their latest iPhone photoshoot.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At the very beginning, it was challenging to get enough followers to be taken seriously. I had no shame! I asked friends, acquaintances, and strangers to follow our IG account. The reason I felt comfortable enough to do this was because of my quality dog content.
The other challenge was to train the dogs for stage work. For that, I enlisted the help of a Hollywood studio to get a few pointers.
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?
As a creative director, I really enjoy creating quality content that tells a fun and entertaining story. Whether it is through photos or reels. Our followers have come to expect visuals with our dogs that capture the imagination.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My prime purpose in sharing Bolt, Jet, and Dash’s adventures with the world is to unleash a sense of joy and well-being in others – connect dog lovers all over the world – and remind them, through dogs’ eyes, that there’s so much beauty in the world.
I hope that, even if it is just for a moment, Bolt, Jet, and Dash can take people’s mind off things and serve as a reminder that we’re all better off for loving a dog @WhippetsUnleashed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @WhippetsUnleashed
- Facebook: Whippets Unleashed
- Youtube: Whippets Unleashed
Image Credits
@whippetsUnleashed
