Is Work/Life Balance a Myth? w/Evan Dash and Marina Khidekel

In today’s hustle culture, finding fulfillment while juggling work and life can seem impossible. But what if the answer isn't about balance, but about designing a life where work and fulfillment go hand in hand?  In this episode of Dark Mode, we dive deep with two entrepreneurs who’ve done just that—Evan Dash, CEO of StoreBound, and Marina Khidekel, founder of Hugimals, a company creating weighted plushies to reduce anxiety. Evan dishes out the truth about grinding in corporate America and realizing that “success” was more about spending time with family than hustling for a corner office. Meanwhile, Marina reveals how turning her personal anxiety into a business idea led to Hugimals becoming a comforting brand for both adults and kids.  We’ll cover how these entrepreneurs crafted a fulfilling work-life blend, the reality of building businesses from the ground up, and why chasing balance might not be the solution. Press play now and tune into the journey of finding fulfillment with Evan Dash and Marina Khidekel—you don’t want to miss it!  ———————————————————————————————— John Coyle is an expert in simplifying the complex world of eCommerce for business owners and operators. With extensive experience in navigating the challenges of thin margins, lengthy PnLs, and managing large teams, John has developed reliable systems that drive more customers to eCommerce stores and boost revenue from existing customers and subscribers. His focus on streamlining revenue generation allows store owners to concentrate on what truly matters—their products and teams. Through his strategic approach, John empowers eCommerce businesses to thrive in a highly competitive market. Website: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle  Twitter: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle  ———————————————————————————————— Evan Dash is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader with a rich history in the retail and housewares industry. He is the founder and CEO of StoreBound, a company that has developed innovative housewares under brands like Dash, Sobro, Maytag, and Zakarian. StoreBound’s products are distributed through top-tier retailers like Crate & Barrel, Target, and QVC, reaching over 20,000 stores across four continents and boasting over 1 million Instagram followers. Before founding StoreBound, Evan held leadership roles at Macy’s, Linens N Things, and Prepara, where he launched a kitchenware business that made Oprah's list of all-time favorite things.  Website: https://bydash.com/    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evandash/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapdashnyc/  https://www.instagram.com/bydash/  Twitter: https://x.com/evandash  https://x.com/cookwithdash  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bydash   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unprocessyourfood ———————————————————————————————— Marina Khidekel is the founder of Hugimals World, a line of weighted plush self-care items designed to reduce stress and promote calm for both kids and adults. Since launching in 2022, Hugimals has been recognized by TIME, People, and Good Housekeeping, with products featured in major outlets like WSJ, Forbes, and Oprah. Marina’s journey as a solo founder has earned her spots on Morning Brew's Solo List of founders to watch and as a finalist in the Women in Toys Wonder Women Awards. She also consults on storytelling and PR strategies, helping others amplify their impact. Website: https://www.hugimalsworld.com /  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-khidekel/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkhid/  https://www.instagram.com/hugimals/   Twitter: https://x.com/MarinaKhidekel   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HugimalsWorld  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hugimals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices