Hybrid Mom
Summer 2009
Michelle Rubin
Founder of Willow Creek Studio, where memory blankets are created
from cherished items such as baby clothing.  Started in 2004 with no
start-up capital and now has annual sales of $40,000.

SHE KNEW SHE WAS READY WHEN:
"My very first customer called to tell me that her husband got teary-eyed
when he opened up their daughter's memory blanket."  Michelle
stumbled upon the idea of a memory blanket when packing up her son's
outgrown baby clothing.  She recalls sitting on his bedroom floor
reminiscing over each piece of clothing with tears rolling down her
checks.  "Each one held a special memory , and I didn't want to pack
those memories away," says Michelle.  That is when she had the first
glimmer of an idea.  She took her son's clothes, cut them in squares and
voila!

HOW SHE DID IT:
Downloaded as e-book for $29.99 called How to Get Free PR.  It
suggested sending email press releases to magazines.  Having no
experience in writing one, she downloaded a sample press release and
filled in the blanks.  She sent the press release to three magazines.  
Two weeks later she received a call from the editor of Child magazine,
who wanted to feature her memory blanket in and upcoming issue.  
Orders started pouring in from all over the country.

WHAT MICHELLE DID:
1. Researched other women entrepreneurs and found a mentor.
2. Researched the competition.
3. Created a Web site that was fun and inviting.
4. Started a buzz! She told everyone form the lady in the grocery store
line to her hairdresser about her new business.
5. Had a nice long talk with her husband to make sure he was on board!

PARTING WORDS:
"Don't let the fear of striking out prevent you from playing the game."