photo by RLP Studios
{Short version}
I’m an energetic, enthusiastic lover of life who believes anything is possible. I am grateful to be doing work that I love – graphic design, creative strategy, entrepreneurial consulting, public speaking & writing – and strive to help others find their true passion in life.
{Long version}
I maximize every minute of each day to live loudly, love fiercely, and work to make a difference in the lives of others. A first generation Filipino-American and a Pacific Northwest native, I happily juggle the madness of running two businesses while also raising two young children. I offer more than 13 years experience in public relations, corporate communications, event planning & promotions, graphic & web design, business strategy, organizational management and writing and editing. As a speaker and trainer, I can bring high energy, inspiration and a dynamic presence to your small group or large conference.
An analytical creative, I pour my passion into Urban Bliss, a creative design + strategy studio based in Portland, Oregon. Through Urban Bliss, I partner with clients to strengthen their brands, recharge their businesses and build buzz.
As a mom business owner, I have become a vocal leader in supporting fellow mom entrepreneurs build better businesses while raising families. In 2006 I founded Mamapreneurs Inc DBA The Power Mob, a professional organization and collaborative community for mom entrepreneurs. I also am proud to be a Faculty Mom for the Pepperidge Farm Fisfhful Thinking program, helping introduce their brand to parents everywhere who are interested in positive parenting. Currently, I am also in the process of launching a new online lifestyle magazine for women, Urban Bliss Life.
A seeker of all things fun with an obsessive goal of making others smile, I spend as much time as possible with my husband, two young kids, and friends exploring the beautiful offerings of the Pacific Northwest. Inner peace for me means frequent trips to the gorgeous, peaceful Oregon Coast, endless afternoons spent cooking & baking with my kids, and relishing in the bounty from regular visits to nearby farms, vineyards and microbreweries.
I’d LOVE to connect with you:
Twitter @designmama for personal, food, parenting & general life tweets
@ThePowerMOB for mom entrepreneur tweets
@UrbanBlissMedia for Urban Bliss Design & Urban Bliss Life tweets
Facebook: Urban Bliss page and The Power MOB page
You can also reach me directly at info(at)marlynnschotland.com. E-mail is always the best way to get a hold of me.
PROFESSIONAL DETAILS
Owner, Urban Bliss
September 2005 – Present
Modern | Fresh | Fun Graphic Design + Public Relations Studio
Founder, Mamapreneurs Inc.
DBA The Power MOB
May 2006 – Present
Redefining Balance, Supporting Mom Business Owners
Faculty Mom, Pepperidge Farm Fishful Thinking
February 2009 – present
A Resource for Parenting Positive Kids
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:
OregonLive.com Family Friendly
Lola’s Table
Maternity to Madness
Bliss Off
The Power MOB
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, I utilized my 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. My creative strategy and innovative efforts 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
