photo by Amy McMullen

Marlynn Jayme Schotland believes strongly that work/life balance is possible, and strives every day for happiness and harmony in each sector. A first generation Filipino-American and a Pacific Northwest native, she happily juggles the madness of running two businesses while also raising two young children. Marlynn offers more than 13 years experience in public relations, corporate communications, event planning & promotions, graphic & web design, business strategy, organizational management and writing and editing.

Marlynn is an intuitive designer and innovative creative strategist whose combined graphics skills and communications savvy delivers clients the best of both worlds in one cohesive package. Through her company Urban Bliss, she partners with clients to strengthen their brands, recharge their businesses and build buzz. She also manages a busy online boutique of her designs.

As the owner of Mamapreneurs Inc. DBA The Power MOB, she is the creator of a collaborative community of mom business owners who work hard to make a difference through their companies while raising their kids. As a brand rep for the Pepperidge Farm Fishful Thinking program, she helps promote the innovative resource for parenting positive kids with fellow moms and dads.

A high energy, inspirational and dynamic public speaker, consultant and educator, Marlynn is available for speaking engagements for small groups and large conferences. She also hosts social media for small business workshops and teaches a Building Buzz PR Course for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is an avid blogger and co-hosts the Makings of a Mamapreneur on BlogTalkRadio.

Marlynn is also a professional writer adept at engaging audiences in various platforms -from social media to marketing copy – and is available for freelance writing opportunities. She is also a valuable interview source for your articles on topics involving work/life balance issues, mom business owners, small business development, intuitive design + communications strategy, and social networking for women in business.

A seeker of all things fun with an obsessive goal of making others smile, Marlynn spends most of her spare time with her family and friends exploring the beautiful offerings of the Pacific Northwest. She makes frequent trips to the gorgeous, peaceful Oregon Coast, and enjoys relishing in the bounty from regular visits to nearby farms, vineyards and microbreweries. She aims to support and partner with local businesses as much as possible, and enjoys exploring the richness of the local community with her 5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter.

You can reach Marlynn at info(at)marlynnschotland.com.

PROFESSIONAL DETAILS
Owner, Urban Bliss
September 2005 – Present
Modern | Fresh | Fun Graphic Design + Public Relations Studio
Marlynn works with businesses to craft creative strategy incorporating social media, media relations, community outreach and event promotions to build solid brand awareness and reach target markets. She also creates logos, business cards, indoor and outdoor promotional marketing materials, and press kits for companies around the globe, as well as stationery and design gifts that are sold through the company’s online boutique, www.urbanblissdesign.com.

Founder, Mamapreneurs Inc.
DBA The Power MOB
May 2006 – Present
Redefining Balance, Supporting Mom Business Owners
Marlynn manages all program planning for workshops, meetings, and special events for mom business owners. She also manages the blog, newsletters, and all advertising and promotions for the company.

Faculty Mom, Pepperidge Farm Fishful Thinking
February 2009 – present
A Resource for Parenting Positive Kids
Marlynn is one of 10 Faculty Moms in the country to lead the promotion of this comprehensive positive parenting program, and is responsible for online and offline outreach to parents.

Founder/Editor, Mama Lit
April 2008 – September 2009
Books Written By Moms, Reviewed By Moms
Online book review site + online book club

Blogger:
Coming Soon: The MOB Mama Blog for Working Mother Media
OregonLive.com Family Friendly
Lola’s Table
Maternity to Madness
Bliss Off
Mamapreneurs Inc.

The Art Institute of Portland/Education Management Corp.
Director of Public Relations, 2001 – 2005
High School & Community Relations Rep, 1999 – 2001
Building the PR department from the ground up, Marlynn utilized her savvy communication skills to garner notable publicity for the College, its students and staff during her tenure, handle print & online college publications, manage & promote events including acting as the Gallery manager, and manage internal & crisis communications. Her creative strategy and innovative ideas led to the creation of events such as the inaugural Meet the Pros with animation guru Will Vinton and film icon Gus Van Sant, assisted in the success of national competition partnerships with HP, Adobe and Americans for the Arts, and landed her key positions on the national EDMC PR team for SIGGRAPH conference.

Weekend Anchor/Weekday Reporter, KOBI-TV
1997-1999

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Co-Presenter, SXSW Interactive Festival 2009, Core Presentation: Your Personal Blog is Dead
Guest Speaker, CNRG Social Media spring 2008 event
Emcee, CRAVE Portland holiday party, December 2008
Guest Speaker, Womens Business Center, October 2008
Guest Speaker, Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, August 2008
Panelist, Makings of a Mamapreneur 2008 Conference
Moderator, SHOP08 Conference
Panelist, Ladies Who Launch, Portland 2007 conference

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
Small Business of the Month, August 2008, Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs
Portland Business Journal Orchid Award 2008 nominee
Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40 2007 nominee
Chairperson, PR Leadership Council, Education Management Corporation
ACE award winner, Best Press Kit, 2004
ACE award winner, Best Community Relations Program 2004
ACE award winner, Best Press Release 2004

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Member, Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME)
Board of Directors, Pearl District Business Association (PDBA)
Board of Directors, Oregon Columbia chapter-International Association of Business Communicators
Board of Directors, Founding Member, SIGGRAPH Cascade Chapter
Member, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2-year Team Captain, Race for the Cure
Former S.M.A.R.T Volunteer (Start Making a Reader Today)
Volunteer, Girls Inc. Summer Camp 2007
Organize small business donation efforts for Girls, Inc., Go Red, S.M.A.R.T, and more

See Articles page for freelance writing details & samples

See Press page for samples of television, radio, print and online coverage