Alumni Spotlight:
Meg (Croutier) McNoble ’07
Meg (Croutier) McNoble ’07 is on a mission to make tooth brushing fun! The mother of two did not realize the importance of brushing her teeth until it was too late. After filling many cavities and spending thousands of dollars on restorative work, Meg realized that she would have to create a better brushing experience for her children. She came up with the idea of “Flossy the Mouse, ” a book accompanied by a stuffed mouse plush toy. In the story, Flossy is asked to come to a child’s house to make sure children are brushing their teeth twice daily. Flossy then reports to the Tooth Fairy, who will only accept a clean tooth. Meg says, “Teaching our children best practices and instilling healthy habits at a young age is important to ensure they follow them throughout their lives. As part of our mission, for every kit sold, we donate one toothbrush to organizations across the country that promote pediatric dental hygiene.” To learn more about “Flossy the Mouse,” please visit flossythemouse.com. To pick up your own “Flossy the Mouse” locally, please visit Jeannine’s Gifts at 6 N Park Ave in Rockville Centre.
What inspired you to create Flossy the Mouse?
A few months after having my first daughter, I was brushing my teeth when it occurred to me – someday soon I will need to teach her the importance of dental hygiene. Let the flashbacks commence! Growing up, I despised brushing my teeth, which led to arguments with my mom. And so, I started thinking, how am I going to get my daughter to brush twice a day, every day? Unfortunately, I did not realize the importance of brushing my teeth until it was too late and after spending thousands of dollars on restorative work. Teaching our children best practices and instilling healthy habits at a young age is important to ensure they follow them throughout their lives.
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for the challenges of creating your own startup business?
I learned a lot during my four years at Kellenberg. Being in the honors program, being a part of PREP, and being active in other after-school activities, I learned how to juggle a busy schedule. That definitely shaped my ability to handle everything on my plate today – a full-time working mom of two little girls with a start-up. I have always been pretty creative, which I was able to demonstrate when I was Blue Team Captain. Working together with my co-captain Melanie, we came up with the theme and storyline. Overall, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t go to Kellenberg.
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs?
You need to have faith in yourself and your vision to be ready to tackle the inevitable bumps in the road that will come along. Unfortunately, our original manufacturer went bankrupt seven months into the project, which meant I had to learn everything from the manufacturing side to international customs. We then built a relationship with a different manufacturer overseas that was able to make the products; we currently assemble the kits here in the U.S. and I am so happy with how the product came out. There were a lot of lessons to be learned throughout the process, but my best advice is always to do your due diligence and trust your gut.
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
That’s a tough one! How could I pick just one?! I think the teachers at Kellenberg each gave me different perspectives that helped shape who I am today.
