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CRAVE Chat: Mission Possible

Michelle Staley is the inventor of Busy Breathers, an oxygen-tank-friendly backpack. In 2005, pregnancy complications required her to have an emergency C-section three months ahead of her due date. When her first and only son, Ty, was finally able to home from the hospital, he weighed just over 1.5 pounds and was required to be on oxygen around the clock. For any new mom it’s hard enough to deal with the challenges of having a baby in tow with a diaper bag and purse, but Michelle also had to add an oxygen tank to the mix. She knew there had to be a better system to carry all of those items. When she couldn’t find one, she decided to create her own and the Busy Breathers bag was born.

Her unique concept took some time to bring to the market, but it continues to increase in popularity every day. With the help of a Huggies® MomInspired™ grant, she’s shared her bags with other moms and the elderly and sells them to oxygen and direct medical equipment companies. And, recently, Walgreens began carrying them in select stores and online. Perhaps the most poignant retailer, though, is the gift shop at the hospital where Ty was born: Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Denver.

Her business endeavors have laid a platform that has allowed her to share her experience with other entrepreneurs and small business owners, not only at a local level but nationally. She has presented and spoke about her journey as a designer and entrepreneur at several different conferences throughout the past couple of years. Most recently, Michelle spoke at the Moms In Business Unite Conference in Denver in September, as well as the 4th Annual Colorado Marketplace in Pagosa Springs.

busybreathersllc.com
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Keri Doolittle is a local and destination wedding photographer, based in Denver. Her style is a mix of candid, fun, emotional and traditional photography. She strives to capture everything that goes into planning one of the most important day in a couple lives while maintaining a relax atmosphere. She has been in business for nearly 5 years and lives with her supportive husband, Mark and their handsome sons, Ryland (5) and Easton (3). In her spare time, she loves watching and playing sports and is devoted to charity work and volunteering with the local ALS Association.

keridoolittlephotography.com
Twitter: @keridoolittle
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Kathy DeMatteo is a professional business entrepreneur equipped with board level experience, small business experience and not for profit involvement. A self-starter who has the vision and tenacity to change, build or begin a business venture. Kathy lives with the intention; seeking to help improve the lives of others by improving the level of service they receive by working with her.

Six years of business ownership has focused the mission of Kathy’s businesses and volunteer efforts. Recently, Kathy successfully sold her first business allowing full time focus on expanding PostNet in downtown Denver. The Business Solution Center acts as the business behind your business offering expertise in marketing, business services, printing and fulfillment. PostNet is preparing to launch a new set of business services in the spring and a second center to meet the needs of the Denver business community.

Kathy is the mother of three boys, an active community volunteer, and a board member at Twin Peaks Charter School. Mission possible with time and dedication to self!

postnet.com/co149
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