Meet Julie Kessler of Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Kessler

Hi Julie, 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?
Oakley’s Oath was founded after the devastating loss of the Kessler family’s beloved Shih Tzu, Oakley. This tragic accident occurred due to a miscommunication with a roofing contractor, who placed a clear plastic tarp over the Kessler family’s pool without their knowledge.

Unaware of the tarp, Julie Kessler let the dogs outside as usual. Moments later, she heard frantic barking and rushed outside to discover that Oakley, who had never shown interest in the pool before, had ventured onto the unfamiliar surface and fallen beneath the cover. Despite Julie’s immediate efforts to save him, she was unable to rescue Oakley in time.

Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Julie founded Oakley’s Oath that very day. She realized that this type of tragedy could just as easily have happened to a child or any loved one. With a mission to prevent similar accidents, Oakley’s Oath is now working to develop a comprehensive safety education certification program aimed at becoming the new industry standard nationwide.

To further spread awareness and inspire action, Julie recently published her book, My Oath to a Worthy Life: Turning Tragedy Into Purpose. The book shares Oakley’s story and chronicles Julie’s journey in transforming heartbreak into a life-saving movement. All proceeds from book sales directly fund Oakley’s Oath, supporting its mission to protect families, pets, and home service workers through education, awareness, and accountability. My Oath to a Worthy Life is available for purchase on Amazon, and every sale helps expand the reach and impact of Oakley’s Oath.

Julie’s hope is that by sharing Oakley’s story, more lives will be saved, and home safety awareness will become a priority for everyone. Together, we can create safer environments and honor Oakley’s legacy in a meaningful way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Losing Oakley was one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever had to endure. Oakley wasn’t just a dog—he was a beloved member of our family, whose presence brought joy, comfort, and unconditional love. His sudden and tragic passing left a void that could never be filled.

In the wake of Oakley’s loss, I immediately founded Oakley’s Oath with the mission to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families. While the cause is close to my heart, starting the organization has come with its own set of challenges. Raising awareness about home safety and getting people to understand the critical importance of this mission hasn’t been easy. Convincing others to see the life-saving potential of Oakley’s Oath—and inspiring them to donate to the cause—has been a constant uphill battle.

Despite these struggles, I remain determined to honor Oakley’s legacy. Every life saved, every family made safer, and every home improvement professional trained is a step closer to the mission’s ultimate goal: creating a world where families and pets are better protected.

I know the journey won’t be easy, but I’m unwavering in the belief that Oakley’s story can help save lives and foster a culture of safety in homes across the country. Every donation, book purchase, and share of Oakley’s story brings Oakley’s Oath one step closer to achieving that dream.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a proud University of Arizona alumna, wife to an optometrist (which inspired the name “Oakley” for our beloved dog), and mother to two beautiful daughters. Professionally, I am the Vendor Migration Specialist for Lumina Vision Partners, but my true passion lies with Oakley’s Oath. I am a very determined individual and I will not rest until I accomplish what I have set out to do.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love living in Scottsdale for its beautiful desert landscapes and vibrant community. However, like any place, Scottsdale isn’t without its challenges. I have encountered moments of unkindness and feel that empathy and compassion can sometimes be overlooked. Despite this, I remain committed to fostering a more understanding and caring community—one of the driving forces behind my passion for Oakley’s Oath.

Pricing:

• 12.99 My Oath to a Worthy Life – Book

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oakleysoath.com
• Instagram: OakleysOath
• Facebook: OakleysOath