“Everybody has an unfair advantage. Use it. It could be an expertise that you have, that could be contacts you have in an industry that's adjacent to the industry of your startup or can help your startup—use that.
When Marina Khidekel started her search for a solution to her nighttime anxiety, she turned to weighted blankets to aid her bedtime routine. After trying multiple options on the market, she failed to find one that fit her needs. That’s when she took matters into her own hands, creating a line of weighted products to help people just like her. Today, Marina is the founder and CEO of Hugimals World, an award-winning line of weighted stuffed animals that have redefined comfort and self-care for adults and kids alike.
Marina’s journey from health and wellness journalist to entrepreneur began with her search for a non-restrictive solution to nighttime anxiety. With her experience as Deputy Editor at Women's Health and Chief Content Officer at Thrive Global, Marina has infused her expertise into every aspect of Hugimals World, ensuring that her products not only provide comfort but also integrate seamlessly into living spaces, reflecting her commitment to promoting well-being through innovative design.
Tune in and hear our conversation with Marina about the original inspiration behind Hugimals, her experience with her newfound entrepreneurship, and Hugimals’ recent partnership with Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation.
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Guests
Marina Khidekel
CEO of Hugimals World
Hosts
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Richelle Pena
Richelle is a pharmacist with extensive management and corporate experience at Target Corporation, specializing in recruitment, acquisitions, leadership, and operations. She is the Co-Founder and Former Director of Corporate Development at American Pediatric Dental Group, which she exited for eight figures, and Co-Founder of HealthBiz Mastery, an online health business course for healthcare providers, and the HealthBiz Connect community. A recognized business expert and NBC contributor, she’s been featured on GMA, CNN, Pix 11, Good Day Washington, to name a few. Richelle is also the co-author of The Power Couple.
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