Meet Robin Meder, this week’s Woman of Wisdom. This is her story
Hello and welcome to Cozy Land! My name is Robin Meder, and I am the proud owner of Robin’s Cozy Blankets & Cozy Tails and Treasures. With a passion for all things soft, cozy, and kind, I have dedicated 40 years to the art of crafting.
My hand-knit Cozy Blankets have brought comfort and joy to people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Whether you have extremely dry skin, love vibrant or natural decor, want to stay warm, or need a cuddle buddy for trips, my Cozy Blankets are here to help you. They are perfect for picnics, pampering pets, and so much more.
As the creator of Robin’s Cozy Blankets, I absolutely love using my imagination to craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Each blanket is made with so much love and care, all by hand – no hooks or needles needed!
Cozy Tails and Treasures is an extension of my passion for creating cozy and comforting items, not just for people but also for pets. At Cozy Tails and Treasures, I carefully select a variety of items to make sure pets feel just as pampered and loved as their human friends. Visit often because there’s always something new and exciting to discover there for both pets and humans.
My mission is to bring coziness to every home and every pet, one by one. How can I add a touch of coziness to your life? What cozy solution can I provide for you? Please, reach out at any time. I’m here to help you!
What/who inspires you?
I’m inspired by nature, the beauty of songbirds, the unconditional love of animals, and the cherished bonds of friendship. Each day, these elements remind me of the joy that comes from giving generously and impacting the world with grace, love, and kindness. Whether it’s witnessing the breathtaking colors of a sunrise, nurturing a pet, or connecting with uplifting souls, my life is shaped by these powerful positive forces. Seeing people filled with happiness and smiling when I accomplish a challenging task further fuels my inspiration and drives me to continue striving for excellence.
What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened on your journey to wisdom?
The most surprising realization on my journey to wisdom has been the transformative power of gratitude and embracing life’s natural flow. When I released my limitations and trusted that everything was unfolding for my highest good, an abundance of opportunities began to manifest in ways I never could have imagined. This journey has been a continuous process of self-discovery and growth, revealing the profound beauty and potential that resides within my heart.
What’s your typical day like now? How is it different from daily routines in the past?
My days are full of creativity, connection, and purpose! I start with mindful moments, working on growing my businesses, and carving out time for joy, with time to spend with my dogs and nature. Compared to my past routines, I now focus on building and creating the life I want and love, a life that’s full of meaningful opportunities instead of just checking off tasks.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
What I enjoy most about what I do is the joy of knowing that my Cozy Blankets and Cozy Tails and Treasures businesses bring comfort, joy, and warmth into people’s lives. It’s not just about the products; it’s about the connections and relationships built with my customers. Hearing their stories and knowing that I am making a difference in the world with softness, comfort, kindness, and love fills me with immense joy and fulfillment.
What advice would you give women over 40?
This is your time to shine! Life doesn’t slow down after 40—it becomes richer, more vibrant, and full of opportunities. Keep dreaming, keep building, and most importantly, give from your overflow rather than depletion. Focus on what lights you up and surround yourself with people and an atmosphere that uplifts and inspires you!
What, if anything, would you have done differently in your life?
Every step has been a crucial part of my journey, and I wouldn’t change much. However, if I could do something different, I would have trusted my intuition earlier and embraced the idea that meaningful achievements are built step by step. Life is about growth, learning, and celebrating the journey. I am proud of the knowledge and ability that have brought me this far. I would have paid less attention to critics and listened to my intuition more often.
What things are most important to you now? Why?
Living a life and leaving a legacy, knowing that I have much to be proud of, filled with gratitude, love, and kindness, it is my priority. Creating businesses that reflect my values and sharing wisdom with others is deeply important. Family, nature, animals, and community are at the heart of everything I do. Leaving that legacy will benefit my daughter, grandchildren, and the world. Yes, we need to know what is going on in the world, but if one by one we start acting with a grateful heart full of positive things, we can start to make the world a better place. It starts with each of us and can have a huge ripple effect if we continue passing it along! I want people to know that living life positively makes one feel better, gives purpose, and fulfills the whole body and mind.
How have your dreams and goals changed throughout your life?
My dreams have expanded and evolved in remarkable ways! What began as a simple passion for soft comfort has blossomed into a thriving business built on love, kindness, and giving. As I continue to embrace new opportunities, my goal is to grow my ventures into a Cozy, memorable name. I am excited to be adding video classes on hand-knitting and eventually, a blog about homestead gardening for vegetables and flowers. With a degree from UConn’s School of Radcliff Hicks in landscape management and 12 years of experience owning an Interior Landscape business in CT & MA, I am well-equipped to share my knowledge. My dream is to continue building my cozy businesses to help people in as many ways as possible. My passion for connection and teaching drives me to explore new ventures, including launching a website for babies and children’s educational toys and games. Another goal is that through my videos and blogging, I aim to inspire and educate, creating a positive impact on the lives of others.
Tell us about any community projects you are involved in and why you support them.
I’m involved in a huge club called Pets 247 – I am all about loving pets, and that they are treated with the utmost care and respect they deserve. When I found this group and heard what they represent and the research they are doing, I jumped in to help! Their mission? It is to provide a better life for pets and their parents! They are revolutionizing the way pets and their parents are being treated. Check it out here – https://cozytailsandtreasures.petclub247.com/index.html#about
In October 2024, I paid to be one of the many vendors to support the Special Olympics Basketball Teams’ State playoffs. It was held at the Auburn, MA High School. It was absolutely wonderful to see all the smiling faces as the boys and girls came through the front doors, cheering each other on with excitement. It then warmed my heart as, after each town played in their competition, they would come to the area where all the vendors were set up and enjoy pizza and ice cream together, talking about the great plays and moves one another made in the games. They enjoyed their lunch and walked around visiting the vendor booths. When they got to my Cozy Blanket booth, their eyes lit up when they touched the softness of the blankets, saying, “WOW, these are so soft!” It warmed my heart as my Cozy Blankets were a big hit that day, and knowing my blankets were going home to be a comforting new buddy to a Special Olympic basketball player was priceless!
I’m actively involved in *SKOOL*, a platform that fosters growth and learning for people who want to learn and grow in just about any subject, business owners, and learners, stepping into their full potential. I support it because I believe in empowering those who want to and are working to create lives they love!
If you had the power to solve one and only one problem in the world, what would it be and why?
If I could solve only one problem in the world, it would be loneliness and heartache. These emotions can be incredibly isolating and debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. By addressing these issues, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, loved, and supported.
Solving loneliness and heartache would lead to stronger communities, healthier relationships, and a more empathetic society. People would thrive, knowing they are not alone in their struggles and that they have a network of support to help them through difficult times. It would also have a profound impact on mental health, reducing the prevalence of mental health problems and improving overall well-being.
In essence, addressing loneliness and heartache is about creating a world where love, kindness, and empathy are at the forefront. When people feel good, they are more likely to do better for themselves and others. They won’t be afraid to try new things, take risks, and pursue their dreams. This positive mindset can lead to personal growth, increased productivity, and a willingness to contribute to the community. By fostering connections and providing emotional support, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and joyful life.
It would ensure that every person experiences kindness, love, and a sense of belonging. When people feel valued and supported, they thrive—and a world full of thriving people is a world full of infinite possibilities!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust your heart and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Always be true to yourself and never feel the need to conform to others’ expectations. Ignore the critics and stay focused on your goals. You are intelligent and capable, so keep your eyes on your prize and stay determined. When you follow your passion and use your common sense, the right path will always become clear.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
For fun and relaxation, I find solace in spending time in nature. Being surrounded by the beauty of the natural world helps me unwind and recharge. The fresh air, the sounds of birds chirping, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the fall create a calming atmosphere that allows me to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I also cherish quiet moments with animals. Whether it’s cuddling with my two dogs or observing wildlife in their natural habitat, these interactions bring me immense joy and comfort. Animals have a unique way of providing unconditional love and companionship, which can be incredibly soothing and therapeutic.
Creating beautiful, comforting things is another way I relax. Whether it’s crafting handmade items, painting, or decorating spaces, the act of creating allows me to express myself and bring a sense of tranquility to my surroundings. The process of making something with my own hands is both fulfilling and meditative, helping me to focus and find inner peace.
I also love dreaming up new business ideas while wrapped in one of my Cozy Blankets. The warmth and comfort of the blanket provides the perfect environment for brainstorming and creativity. It’s a time when I can let my imagination run wild, envisioning innovative projects and exciting ventures. This creative thinking not only relaxes me but also fuels my passion for entrepreneurship and personal growth.
What’s next for you?
I’m thrilled to share that my beautiful, established Cozy Blankets and the new Cozy Tails and Treasures have made their grand slam into the world! Cozy Tails and Treasures is a delightful online store brimming with products for pets and for the people who adore them. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Next, I’m embarking on an exciting adventure to create and launch a website dedicated to baby and children’s educational toys, games, and fun to enrich their minds with goodness and learning. It’s another destination for my business growth, intended to spread nurturing warmth, joy, and creativity, lead with value, help my audience create a vision, and show them what is possible. Stay tuned for even more intriguing treasures!
What’s your secret indulgence?
A cozy Sunday morning wrapped in my pink & purple Cozy Blanket, birds singing outside, a cup of tea, a great book, and the soothing company of my dogs by my side—pure bliss!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I recommend a book written by Oprah Winfrey called “What Happened to you? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing”. It’s co-authored with Dr. Bruce D. Perry and explores the impact of trauma on our lives and how we can heal from it. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for understanding and overcoming the effects of trauma, making it highly inspiring and informative. There were times I laughed so hard and other times I had tears streaming down my cheeks. I had the pleasure of listening to it on Audible as it is read by Oprah herself, making it more meaningful.
Why did you start your business, and what makes it unique?
I started my business with a mission to create comfort and joy while giving back with grace and gratitude. Cozy Blankets and Cozy Tails and Treasures are not just brands; they are heartfelt creations made with love and an intention to bring warmth and happiness into the lives of both pets and people. What makes my business unique is the deep connection and care infused into every product. Cozy Blankets offers beautiful, soft, hand-crafted blankets designed to provide ultimate comfort and a sense of security and relaxation for people and pets. Cozy Tails and Treasures is dedicated to delightful and health-filled products for pets & people, ensuring everyone feels cherished and loved. Each business is a testament to my passion for spreading joy and making a positive impact on the world.
The uniqueness of my business lies in the continuous addition of cozy treasures, one by one. Next, I will be introducing educational toys for babies and children, bringing cozy, treasured learning moments for families. Through these new ventures, I aim to create a lasting impact and continue building my cozy businesses to help people and pets in as many ways as possible.
What strategy helped you grow the business?
The strategy that helped my business flourish was given from a place of abundance rather than depletion. By embracing generosity, passion, and abundance, I attracted like-minded individuals who shared my vision. This approach allowed my business to grow organically, fostering a supportive community. The energy and positivity created a thriving environment for both the business and its people. Always giving more than receiving, continually learning new growth strategies, and implementing those that fit my vision have been key elements in driving my business forward.
What advice would you give someone just starting out
Do your research first to be sure there is a need for what you want to build. Start with purpose and passion, and don’t be afraid to take bold steps! Build something that aligns with your values, and trust that everything you need will come at the perfect timing. Know that it does not happen overnight, so do not get discouraged.
What’s the best advice you have received as a business owner?
The best advice I’ve ever received as a business owner is to ‘Create a business that loves you back.’ When your work energizes and fulfills you, it becomes a magnet for success. Imagine waking up every day excited to dive into your work, knowing that your passion and enthusiasm will naturally attract growth and prosperity. It’s like having a business that not only supports you but also brings joy and fulfillment to your life. So, find what makes you happy, pour your heart into it, and watch your business flourish!
What is one business idea that you are willing to share with the readers?
Build – Empower Her: A Platform to Mentor Women to Become Entrepreneurs
Empower Her could be a digital platform where women can connect, collaborate, and grow. To help them begin a business through mentorship, networking, with resources to become entrepreneurs.
Connect with Robin: https://robinscozyblankets.shop | https://cozytailsandtreasures.com | https://www.facebook.com/RobinsCozyBlankets | https://www.instagram.com/robinscozyblankets |
