Startups in Stilettos How Marina Khidekel Made Her Business a Household Name Through Networking
“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.
What we talk about:
- The research that went into creating Hugimals (04:11)
- Licensing a product (07:59)
- Creating brand name recognition and why it’s so important (12:16)
- All founders have the superpower to do their own press (14:51)
- The science behind deep touch pressure that makes weighted products so effective (18:58)
Connect with Marina:
Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.