Jennifer Marchetti started her business, Goosie Cards, in June 2006 after she stumbled upon a segment of the education market that was previously untapped -- custom flash cards. Here is her story.

Tell us more about your business and when you started it.

Goosie Cards® was inspired by my son Zach, then 6-months-old, after we spent some time looking at generic flash cards and family photos during his lunch time. I liked to keep his hands busy during feedings so I would give him flash cards and photos to hold. I started thinking about the photos on the flash cards and realized that they really didn't hold a meaning in his life. And that's when the idea hit me: What if I could teach my son about people and things that were familiar to him with personalized flash cards? I put him down for a nap and started to research the concept that afternoon and realized that there was not another company or service creating custom flash cards. I named the company Goosie, which is my son's nickname, and began my journey.

I tested out my concept with my playgroup that consisted of four other moms and toddlers. I created a bunch of cards with photos of all the children in our group. My idea was a hit! All the children loved the cards and the moms thought they were a great way to be proactive in their child's early learning by creating their own personalized learning tools. I turned my passion into a business and Goosie Cards was launched a year later in June 2006.

Since launching Goosie Cards, I have had an overwhelming response from teachers and professionals regarding how my cards are wonderful teaching tools for children, especially those that have special needs and autism. Many of these children learn to communicate through the use of a picture system. Goosie Cards offers a new teaching approach by using personal, real life photos. This feature empowers these parents and provides them with the flexibility to teach their child about their world around them, exactly as it is. This direct connection to real visual objects enables these children to easily associate words with the corresponding object. This is a powerful vehicle for teaching children with special communication needs, especially children with autism. To support this cause and demand, I continue to work with this community to better develop the Goosie Gallery. The gallery holds additional photographs that customers can use to customize their cards. My hope is Goosie can provide parents with an improved picture system to communicate with their children. The Goosie® brand is built on my philosophy and values as a parent and proudly made in the USA.

Parents play an important role in their children's development. I believe in parents and their ability to inspire learning in their children. My mission is to create lasting bonds between parents and their children through innovation and the magic of discovery...together. I feel proud to be a "mompreneur" who has launched a successful business that is both fun and educational. I continue to build my brand and remain focused on providing fun, quality products to develop young minds, creatively.

How do you define Hybrid?

Hybrid moms are undefined, which gives them the freedom and power to reach their highest potential.

Tell us how your "What Next" moment occurred and what did it mean to you.

It was never a moment, it was just the "knowing" that I would evolve into the next chapter of life. Having my first son helped me move away from the typical thought pattern and into a creative place that he could only provide. He brought me clarity.

The closest time frame that your 'What Next' moment occurred was...

After my first child

If you have not acted upon your 'What Next' thoughts, what has been stopping you?

I never had a doubt that this is what I was supposed  to do. It was a gift that I was given at the right time of my life.

What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is to be a full-time mom and full-time business owner. I want the best of both worlds and every day is a balancing act.

What are your aspirations?

My aspirations are to be able to give back to the autistic community in whatever capacity I am meant to give.

What are your interests?

I am interested in everything that touches my life. Right now I am very focused on the autistic crisis and understanding what is being done to help understand what the cause is, understanding the medical community and what their stake is and how the government is handling the situation.

It's all very interesting and it involves every person worldwide. I think it's time for the public to start getting involved and asking for a new alternative to the regular vaccine "potion" and schedule. The fear that parents feel as they vaccinate their child is unacceptable, and I am one of those parents.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by being part of the bigger picture. I have evolved as a person because I became a mom and I would never be the person I am today without my children. I feel connected to an energy that inspires me and keeps me going every day. I know there are bigger things in life for me and I am just serving the need.