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 talked 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:

• Instagram
• Hugimals World
• Hugimals on Instagram

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