Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Rupp.
Hi Dena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been someone who enjoys creating things – whether it’s through design, building a business, or bringing people together. I graduated with a degree in graphic design, but I quickly realized I wanted to create experiences and spaces that meant something to people.
I started with an idea, a lot of determination, and honestly, not much else. There wasn’t a big investment, family money, or a roadmap. Every step has been built through hard work, a willingness to take risks, and the support of people who believed in my vision before it was fully realized.
In 2022, I opened Purrista Cat Cafe, combining my love of community, great coffee, and animal rescue into a space that’s helped hundreds of cats find homes while giving people a place to slow down and connect. A few years later, I co-opened Flagship City Press, a stationery and gift shop that celebrates creativity, local makers, and small businesses.
The common thread through everything I do is community. I love collaborating, creating opportunities for others, and finding ways to make downtown Erie a place people want to spend time in. I’m proud of what I’ve built, and excited about what’s still to come.
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?
Not even close. Running a small business is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the hardest.
I’ve learned that being an entrepreneur means getting comfortable with uncertainty. Some days you’re celebrating a big milestone, and other days you’re wondering how you got here and why you even did this. I’ve worn just about every hat imaginable – designer, marketer, accountant, customer service, HR, event planner, maintenance person, cat wrangler… the list goes on.
The biggest lesson has been realizing asking for help when you need it – that’s vital. Also, just keep moving forward and as someone wise taught me once … celebrate all the wins.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Purrista Cat Cafe was created to be more than a coffee shop. It’s a place where people can slow down, connect with adoptable cats, and leave feeling a little happier than when they walked in.
In partnership with Because You Care Animal Rescue, every cat in our lounge is available for adoption, and watching those cats find their forever homes never gets old. At the same time, we’ve worked hard to create a welcoming space for everyone – whether you’re stopping in for your favorite drink, looking for a quiet place to work, meeting up with friends, attending one of our events, or simply needing a safe space to reset after a long day.
One thing that sets us apart is that we’re always evolving. From painting classes and yoga to local collaborations, fundraisers, pop-up events, and community partnerships, we love creating experiences that bring people together while supporting other small businesses and organizations along the way.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that people don’t just recognize Purrista for the cats or the coffee – they recognize it for the feeling. If someone leaves smiling, adopts a cat, discovers another local business, or simply feels like they found a place where they belong, then we’ve done exactly what we set out to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think we underestimate the impact small businesses can have on a community. They’re more than places to shop – they’re where people meet, ideas are shared, friendships begin, and memories are made.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that none of us succeed alone. Every customer who chooses to shop local, every volunteer who gives their time, every artist who shares their work, and every business willing to collaborate instead of compete helps make our community stronger.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s believed in my ideas over the years. My hope is that the next generation of entrepreneurs feels encouraged to take a chance on theirs, too.
Pricing:
- $10.00 for a Half Hour in the Cat Lounge
- $15.00 for an Hour in the Cat Lounge
- $1-15 General Price Range
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purristacatcafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purristacatcafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purristacatcafe/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purrista-cat-cafe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@purristacatcafe
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@purristacatcafe
