Category: News and Events

Natalie's Estate Winery wins TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for the third year in a row.

A Winery Rooted in Heart: Natalie’s Estate Winery Earns TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Third Year in a Row

This year, Natalie’s Estate Winery reached a beautiful milestone: being named a 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner and ranked 1 out of all attraction in Newberg, Oregon. This is the third straight year that the winery has won this recognition.

It’s a recognition that speaks volumes, not just about the quality of their wines, but about the quiet, consistent hospitality they’ve extended over the years. For those who have visited, it’s no surprise. A tasting at Natalie’s doesn’t feel like a tourist stop. It feels like coming home.

From all of us at Sacred Fire Creative, congratulations to the Natalie’s Estate Winery team. We are so thrilled to celebrate this moment with you.

A Family Story, Bottled and Shared

Natalie’s Estate Winery began as many great things do: with family at the center.

In 1999, Boyd and Cassandra Teegarden planted the first seeds of the winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Named after their daughter Natalie, the winery was more than a business. It was a legacy in the making.

Boyd brought his experience from the wine industry, while Cassandra applied her international business acumen. Together, they built something deeply personal. Not just a winery, but a place where connection, craftsmanship, and community would be the cornerstones.

From the beginning, they committed to doing things the hard but meaningful way: hand-harvested grapes, small-batch production, traditional European winemaking techniques. They didn’t chase trends. They built trust.

From a Quiet Hillside to a National Stage

What started as a humble estate in Newberg has grown into a name recognized across the Pacific Northwest. And now, the world.

Over the years, Natalie’s Estate has become known for its bold red varietals, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Barbera – wines that are more commonly associated with California, but lovingly crafted in Oregon with care and finesse. Their recent 25th anniversary saw the introduction of a vibrant new Sauvignon Blanc, another step in their journey evolving while staying true to their roots.

Visitors today are welcomed not by hired staff, but by Boyd and Cassandra themselves, who still host tasting by appointment. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious first-timer, every experience is personal, educational, and unhurried. It’s about relationship, not transaction.

This commitment to intimacy, quality, and generosity is what earned them the Travelers’ Choice Award, and why so many guests leave feeling like family.

Deeply Local, Proudly Connected

Beyond the wine, Natalie’s Estate Winery continues to invest in the community that shaped them.

Their partnerships with local artisans and nonprofits reflect a belief that business should serve more than just the bottom line. A portion of their wine label collections, such as the Big Sky Collection, featuring original Montana artwork, goes toward supporting river conservation charities.

Events like their wine-and-cheese pairings with Face Rock Creamery aren’t just indulgent. They’re a celebration of local craftsmanship and collaboration.

For Natalie’s Estate, wine has always been a vehicle for connection, creativity, and contribution.

A Toast to What Matters

It takes time to build a business like Natalie’s Estate Winery. Time, care, and a willingness to grow while staying grounded. Over 25 years, Boyd and Cassandra have done just that, nurturing not only vines, but relationships, traditions, and a reputation for excellence.

Being named Newberg’s #1 attraction on TripAdvisor is more than an accolade. It’s a reflection of what happens when you put people first and lead with heart.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we believe in honoring businesses that stay true to their story while uplifting others along the way. Natalie’s Estate Winery is one of those rare gems, and this recognition is richly deserved.

Sacred Fire Creative specializes in marketing for mission-driven and visionary founders seeking a wider community impact. If your business is in this space, we’d love to work with you. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

August 26 Job Searching for Entrepreneurs Sacred Fire Creative

Why Networking Is the Most Overlooked Job Search Tool for Entrepreneurs

For many entrepreneurs, there comes a point where a little extra stability could go a long way. Maybe business is seasonal. Maybe growth is taking longer than expected. Maybe you just want some breathing room while continuing to build your dream.

A part-time job. A contract gig. A flexible role.

Something that fits around your business, not replaces it.

But finding that kind of work isn’t always easy, especially when most job search advice isn’t written with entrepreneurs in mind.

Traditional job boards often feel like a dead end. Résumés don’t always capture the depth of your experience. And the application process can be time-consuming, impersonal, and discouraging.

That’s where networking changes the game.

Why does networking matter in an entrepreneur’s job search?

Networking isn’t just about finding work. It’s about finding the right kind of work through the relationships you’ve already built.

Many jobs, especially part-time, contract, and flexible roles, are never posted publicly. They’re filled through word of mouth, referrals, and direct connections.

And as an entrepreneur, you already have a rich network. You have former clients and collaborators, vendors, mentors, fellow business owners, friends, and community contacts who have seen what you’re capable of.

These are people who know your work ethic, your values, and your ability to get things done. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re building from trust.

How can networking help with your job search?

There are many ways that tapping your network can boost your job search. Here are some of them.

You get to skip the cold applications. Instead of sending your résumé into the void, you start conversations that actually lead somewhere.
You have the opportunity to tell your story directly and frame your business experience in a way that highlights your strengths instead of the gaps.
You find roles that fit your lifestyle. Many small businesses and mission-driven organizations are looking for people who think like entrepreneurs. They just don’t always know where to find them.

Here are simple networking strategies to start using today.

You don’t need a huge following or a perfect pitch. You just need to take the first step.

Let people know you’re open to work. Reach out to a few contacts in your network. Be clear about the kind of roles you’re looking for – part-time, project-based, remote – and share what you bring to the table.
Reengage your community. Attend a local meetup. Hope into an industry group online. Comment on someone’s post. Networking isn’t always about asking; it’s about showing up.
Offer before you ask. Share a help resource. Refer someone. Make a connection. Building goodwill often leads to new opportunities when you least expect it.
Focus on conversations, not pitches. Instead of asking, “Do you know of any job openings?” try: “I’m exploring some flexible work to support my business and would love to reconnect and hear what you’ve been working on.”

Learn how to do networking with confidence.

If you’re ready to learn how to network your way to flexible income to augment your business, join us at our upcoming event: “Networking Your Way to a Job.”

Part of our Job Searching for Entrepreneurs series, facilitated by Clearinity’s Conrad Rohleder and Sacred Fire Creative’s Malee Ojua, this is an opportunity to learn how to:

Use your entrepreneurial experience as an advantage in the job market.
Build a simple, effective networking strategy.
Reach out to your network without feeling awkward or salesy.
Turn conversations into opportunities.

This event is for entrepreneurs who want to support their business, not replace it. If you’re looking for income that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and goals, this is for you.

Start connecting with confidence. Register here.

Gratitude, Growth, and Grit: A Look Back at the Oregon Startup Conference

On June 20, 2025, Sacred Fire Creative had the honor of facilitating the Oregon Startup Conference on behalf of Launch Mid-Valley, an initiative that supports entrepreneurial growth in the state’s Mid-Willamette Valley region.

Emceed by Launch Mid-Valley’s Venture Catalyst Mike White and Innovation Navigator Malee Ojua, this year’s Conference was more than a gathering. It was a vibrant showcase of innovation, resilience, and community. Entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, and local changemakers filled Canyon Commons in George Fox University, all united by one mission.

And that is to champion small business success across Mid-Willamette Valley and beyond.

At its core, the Conference is about building bridges. It’s about giving early-stage founders access to the tools, mentors, and resources they need to take the next steps.

It’s about telling the stories of entrepreneurs who are doing the work, making an impact, and reimagining what’s possible together.

Pitch Willamette: Spotlighting Tomorrow’s Leaders

One of the most anticipated moments of the day came during the Pitch Willamette competition, where ten bold startups took the stage to share their visions for the future.

These startups are: PourUp, Communal, Where to Eat Guide, Dayo Technologies, Pure Light Botanical Beauty, Pour Soul Systems, NerdNode, Rising Wine Collective, Accent Innovations, and Life2Launch Institute.

After an inspiring round of pitches, Dayo Technologies emerged as the grand prize winner, earning a $30,000 investment to accelerate their growth. Their app attempts to transform the way people utilize social media by rewarding them when they minimize the time they spend on these platforms.

The People’s Choice Award, a $1,000 prize voted on by attendees, went to Life2Launch Institute. Life2Launch is an app focused on educating and guiding young people as they prepare for college and transition into adulthood.

These two winners exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in our region: resourceful, mission-driven, and deeply committed to solving real-world problems.

Last year’s winner, Revino, also returned to the stage to share updates on what they have accomplished since.

A Firestarter Keynote

Another highlight of the Oregon Startup Conference is a powerful keynote address by Bob Dalton, founder of Sackcloth & Ashes. Sackcloth & Ashes is a company that operates on a 1:1 model, where for every blanket sold, a blanket is donated to a homeless shelter. He also recently launched LOCL, an app that promotes intentional, hyper-localized, and community-centered social connections.

Bob’s story of social entrepreneurship, compassion, building a brand rooted in purpose, and empowering grassroots movements capped the tone of the Conference. His message reminded everyone in the room that business can be both a tool for innovation and a force for good. He also emphasized that the most impactful ventures often begin with one person choosing to care.

The Resource Fair: Where Innovation Meets Community

Throughout the day, attendees explored the Resource Fair, a cornerstone of the Oregon Startup Conference experience. Each section was designed to meet startups where they are and connect them with the people and tools they need to grow.

These sections are:

Hands-On Tech Lab, which showcased local tech innovation in action
Startup Lounge: Meet the Mentors, a welcoming space for one-on-one conversations with seasoned founders and business leaders
Startup Support Central, which provided direct access to incubators, business development organizations, and funding resources
Rest and Recharge, a space where attendees were able to take a break and just breathe
The Marketplace, where local entrepreneurs showcased their products and services, building visibility while creating meaningful connections

Three Panels, Countless Insights

The day was also filled with powerful storytelling through three thoughtfully curated panels.

The morning’s Success Panel, moderated by Yalda Moshiri of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), focused on the challenges of launching a startup. The panel included:

Emily Cadiz of Finnegan the Dragon
Jamie Bianchini of Purpose in Expenses
Keiran Bailey of Saije Esthetics
Kristy Runge of HelloCare
Pallavi Pande of Dtocs
Tracy Camp of UpSight Security

This panel was shortly followed by the Access to Capital Panel. Led by moderator Catherine Summers of The Bella Casa Group, it offered a deep dive into funding strategies for startups. Joining this panel are:

Jeff Hilderbrand of Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
Nicci Walker of Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon
Quinn Millegan of Woodworth Contrarian Fund
Ricardo Lopez of Business Oregon
Scott Bossom of WaFd
Steve Eichenlaub of Portland Seed Fund

The afternoon Success Panel, moderated by Sacred Fire Creative’s own Malee Ojua, brought a heart-centered perspective on entrepreneurship and the role of storytelling in its growth. The panel is made up of:

Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard of Slumberkins
Joan Fleishman
John Mead of Solid Carbon
Patrick Crowley of Chapul Farms
Rachel Dreilinger of NeuraMedica
Rita Hansen

Each panelist brought their own story of grit, vision, and purpose, highlighting the diversity of paths to success and the common thread of mission-driven leadership.

Community-Fueled, Mission-Aligned

The Oregon Startup Conference is a project of Launch Mid-Valley (LMV), the Mid-Willamette Valley Regional Innovation Hub. Funded by Business Oregon and overseen by Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), LMV supports entrepreneurial innovation and growth in Oregon’s Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties.

As a collaborative initiative, LMV works closely with partners such as the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center, Chemeketa Community College, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), Latino Business Alliance, Indy Idea Hub, George Fox University, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator.

The Conference is also made possible by the generous support of WaFd Bank, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Oregon, Catherine Summers, and Dr. Nicole Villegas of Sensory Conscious Institute.

Sacred Fire Creative is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community through the Oregon Startup Conference on behalf of Launch Mid-Valley. It aligns with our mission to uplift small business owners, amplify their authentic voices, and use brand storytelling as a bridge to reach and inspire others. The Conference was a living expression of that mission.

To everyone who showed up – to pitch, to speak, to mentor, to learn, or to cheer from the sidelines, thank you. Your presence made this gathering transform into a movement.

If you’re a founder looking to find your authentic voice and use your stories to build powerful connections with your audience, contact us today. Let’s see how we can collaborate.

Press Release: Oregon Startup Conference: Fueling Innovation in Mid-Willamette Valley

Newberg, OR (June 4, 2025) – The Mid-Willamette Valley entrepreneurial spirit takes center stage at the Oregon Startup Conference, set for Friday, June 20, 2025, at George Fox University. This premier event brings together founders, investors, and innovators to celebrate and accelerate the region’s burgeoning tech and innovation ecosystem.

At its core, this Conference is about building momentum and turning small-town ideas into world-changing solutions. Its purpose is to elevate Mid-Willamette Valley into a global hub for tech, innovation, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

The Conference’s main highlight is the Startup Pitch Competition, where Oregon startups take the stage in a high-energy, Shark Tank-style pitch session, vying for attention, advice, and investment.

Other highlights include the Success Panels, where established founders share the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped their journeys, and the Access to Capital Panel, where investors and funders show how to position a business for funding from pre-seed to scale-up.

The Conference also has a concurrent Resource Fair, where business owners can meet ecosystem partners for access to valuable resources, such as funding, mentorship, training, or peer support.

Bob Dalton is the keynote speaker for the Conference. Named a CNN Champion for Change in 2024, Mr. Dalton is a serial social entrepreneur whose Sackcloth & Ashes donates one blanket to homeless shelters for every blanket sold. He amplifies the efforts of grassroots organizations through his Love Your City foundation and his LOCL platform.

The Conference is powered by Launch Mid-Valley, the region’s innovation hub supported by Business Oregon. Launch Mid-Valley is a collective effort backed by ecosystem builders who believe innovation should be inclusive, accessible, and locally grounded. The initiative is weaving a stronger entrepreneurial fabric across Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties one startup at a time.

Aside from Business Oregon, the event is made possible by organizations just as invested in the region’s future: SEDCOR, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator, Chemeketa SBDC, Indy Idea Hub, Latino Business Alliance, WaFD Bank, Coldwell Banker Professional Group, Catherine Summers, and Sacred Fire Creative.

For founders, innovators, and community builders committed to the future of local business, the Oregon Startup Conference is an opportunity to fuel the innovation firing up Mid-Willamette Valley. Visit www.oregonstartupconference.com for more information and to register.

Black Girl LIVE!: A Community-Rooted Movement for Healing, Resilience, and Hope

At Sacred Fire Creative, we believe that marketing is more than a tool. It’s a vehicle for truth-telling, justice, and impact. We are proud to stand alongside founders who lead with vision and heart.

That’s why we’re honored to support FaithBridge Portland and its founder, Lisa Saunders, in the upcoming Black Girl LIVE!, a transformative event happening on May 23, 2025, in the University of Oregon Portland Campus’ Library and Learning Center.

The Black Girl LIVE! conference is the culminating moment of Community Heals Us, a deeply personal and community-anchored initiative designed to support the mental health and emotional well-being of Black girls and young women, and their families.

It’s an event that comes at a critical time, when suicide rates among Black young women are rising, and conversations about mental health still carry stigma in many communities of color.

What to Expect at Black Girl LIVE!

Black Girl LIVE! brings together youth voices, community leaders, and mental health advocates for a day of healing-centered activities.

It’s an energy-filled day that includes:

Youth-led storytelling and performances
Workshops and interactive sessions on mental health, identity, and self-care
Access to culturally responsive resources
A resource fair with community organizations
Opportunities for intergenerational dialogue and connection

Black Girl LIVE! is more than a conference or a community gathering. It’s a call to action, an invitation to stand up for young Black girls and women who are too often unseen and unheard. It’s a moment to create spaces of belonging, safety, and joy.

A Three-Part Framework for Community Healing

Community Heals Us is a living, breathing model for emotional restoration and empowerment, structured in three interconnected parts:

1. Healing Clubhouse

The Healing Clubhouse is a weekly after-school healing group for girls. It provides a safe and nurturing environment to process emotions, build resilience, and connect through shared experience.

2. Intergenerational MOTHERS

Intergenerational MOTHERS (Moms Overcoming Trauma Healing Everyday and Ready to Serve) is a support circle for mothers who have lost children or loved ones to suicide or community violence. This program offers space for grief, healing, and service.

3. Black Girl LIVE

Black Girl LIVE is the culminating event and media campaign that brings these efforts together in one public and powerful platform of visibility, storytelling, and transformation.

Featured Speakers at Black Girl LIVE!

Black Girl LIVE is honored to feature a lineup of dynamic speakers who bring a wealth of experience, insight, and inspiration to the event. These individuals are leaders in their fields, committed to the empowerment and healing of Black girls and women.

Nike Greene is the founder and executive director of Triple Threat Mentoring PDX. She is a marriage and family therapist, keynote speaker, and coach with over 15 years of experience in violence prevention, education, and social justice.

Qiana Woods is an alumna of FaithBridge Portland’s “Brown Girl Brave Girl” program for young women of color. A passionate slam poet, she won first place at Verselandia in 2024 for her poems “Parallels to the Plantation” and “Song 33.”

Charlene Addy McGee is the director of chronic disease prevention and health promotion at the Multnomah County Health Department. A Liberian-Oregonian and civil war survivor, she is a champion of health equity, policy development, and culturally responsive care.

Canada Taylor Parker is the suicide prevention coordinator for Multnomah County. She specializes in crisis response, grief, and trauma. She trains peer support specialists and leads postvention efforts, serving underserved communities.

Elizabeth Loving is a therapist, care coordinator, mental health coach, consultant, and co-owner of Black Star Athletic Academy. Dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of young people, she specializes in culturally specific strategies to help young minds navigate challenges.

Zalika Gardner is the co-founder of KairosPDX and a professor at Lewis & Clark’s School of Education. A visionary leader, educator, and coach, she supports communities by offering leadership consulting, coaching, and workshop facilitation.

Sharice Burnett is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She provides training and workshops that enhance workplace well-being, foster effective and restorative communication, and implement person-centered, equitable, and trauma-informed practices and policies.

Libra Forde is the executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon. A former elite athlete and a champion of equity and justice for women and girls, she brings systems thinking and inspiration that encourages others to grow, lead, and dream boldly.

These speakers will contribute to the rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge at Black Girl LIVE, offering attendees a multifaceted view of healing, empowerment, and community engagement.

About FaithBridge Portland

FaithBridge Portland is a community-rooted organization focused on equity, healing, and transformative justice. Through programming, partnerships, and events, it works to bridge gaps in care, especially for Black women and girls.

Its mission is to foster collective belonging, nurture resilience, and promote healing through action, advocacy, and cultural grounding.

FaithBridge founder Lisa Saunders is a pastor, a mother, and a community advocate. She created Community Heals Us from both professional insight and personal grief. Having supported countless families through trauma, she has also witnessed the silencing effects of pain, especially among Black girls and young women navigating systemic inequities, social isolation, and intergenerational loss.

As Lisa puts it, we need to stand together in the face of adversity. In this moment of gathering, we’re not just preventing tragedy. We’re building a future where every young Black woman can thrive.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we champion visionaries who are not only building organizations but reshaping systems. We support them in finding and amplifying their voices because we believe those voices are urgently needed.

If you are a founder with a vision that impacts your community and you need your voice to be heard and amplified, contact us today. Let’s talk about how we can collaborate.

Oregon tops other US states as the best for growing businesses in 2024.

Oregon Is the Top State for Growing Businesses in 2024

Digital agency directory DesignRush recently released a report revealing that Oregon has overtaken other US states as a top breeding ground for businesses in 2024.

The report covers September 2022 and 2023 and uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to this report, Oregon showed a 9.9% rise in new business, meaning 18,273 new entrepreneurs opened shop within that time.

What makes Oregon great for business?

It’s not at all hard to see why Oregon is a great state for growing businesses. Oregon offers a unique blend of factors that make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

Here are some key elements that contribute to the state’s business-friendly environment.

A robust technology sector

Oregon boasts of a strong pool of tech talent that includes engineers, software developers, and data scientists. The state supports research and development initiatives that foster innovation and technological advancements. Portland, in particular, is emerging as a thriving tech hub, attracting startups and established companies alike – which has earned it the nickname “Silicon Forest.”

Outdoor industry and manufacturing

The state has abundant natural resources that provide opportunities for industries like timber, outdoor gear, agriculture, and food processing. This is complemented by Oregon’s solid manufacturing base, which focuses on sectors like aerospace, clean technology, and consumer goods.

Access to infrastructure

The growth of any business is highly dependent on the available infrastructure that allows it to move its products. Oregon has a developed transportation infrastructure for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, from highways and railways to ports and airports. Moreover, the state’s location on the West Coast provides easy access to Asian markets, making it an attractive destination for international trade.

Oregon has plenty of organizations that support entrepreneurs.

Perhaps the biggest thing that Oregon has that makes it an excellent breeding ground for businesses is the support it provides – both from the government and from nonprofits.

On the government side, Oregon offers various tax incentives and programs, including research and development credits and exemptions, through Business Oregon. In addition to these incentives, the state provides resources and assistance to help enterprises start, grow, and succeed.

There’s also the education sector. Oregon has a strong education system and various workforce development programs to ensure a skilled local labor force.

And then, we have nonprofit organizations designed to help small businesses succeed. Here are some of them:

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (MWVCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments in the counties of Polk, Marion, and Yamhill. It assists these LGUs with community planning and development projects to cultivate economic development in the region.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is dedicated to developing a strong and collaborative business community in Oregon and SW Washington. It focuses on entrepreneurs in the early stages of their journey through funding, education, networking, and mentoring.

SEDCOR

Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) is committed to building up Willamette Valley as a thriving business hub. SEDCOR gives entrepreneurs opportunities to expand and create more jobs for the community by connecting them to funding, education, networks, and resources. Access to these opportunities is as simple as filling out an intake form.

Oregon is a fertile ground for growing businesses, whether they’re new or established. In this state, anyone who aspires to entrepreneurship has the means to turn that dream into reality.

Sacred Fire Creative helps startups and small businesses launch to greatness by building authentic branding and strong connections with audiences. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

SFC Congratulates Pallavi Pande of Dtocs LLC for Placing in SEED SPOT’s Retail Brand Accelerator

Green, sustainable, environment-friendly – these are just some buzzwords that brands often use to market their products to eco-conscious consumers.

Unfortunately, the reality is that not all brands that spout these words actually walk their talk.

Not Pallavi Pande, though – she’s an entrepreneur who really walks her talk. As the founder of Dtocs LLC, she produces disposable tableware that is 100% safe for the environment. The production process itself is sustainable and supports communities in the US and India, Pallavi’s home country.

So, it’s not surprising that Pallavi has secured a place in SEED SPOT’s Retail Brand Accelerator. It’s training that will take her brand far and strengthen Dtocs LLC’s community impact even more.

Congratulations, Pallavi!

SEED SPOT empowers founders to succeed in the mass retail market.

The SEED SPOT Retail Brand Accelerator is a dynamic program designed to nurture established founders looking to scale their business in mass retail. The program focuses on founders in the consumer-packaged goods market and provides them with an intensive 10-week training.

This training helps participants refine their sales approach, expand their supply chain and inventory capacities, comply with regulations, and build a standout brand. Virtual workshops and personalized one-to-one mentorship make up the bulk of this training.

The Retail Brand Accelerator is funded by the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, Walmart’s philanthropic endeavor to uplift BIPOC communities in education, finance, health, and criminal justice.

Dtocs LLC offers more than just sustainable tableware.

With Pallavi joining the SEED SPOT Retail Brand Accelerator, it’s clear that her Dtocs LLC brand is headed for growth. And if there’s a company that should grow as big as it can and gain as much attention as possible, it’s Dtocs LLC.

Why? It’s because the company greatly impacts the community it serves.

Dtocs LLC manufactures single-use tableware. But they’re nothing like the disposable tableware we see in supermarkets, typically made with plastics and other toxic materials.

Here’s why they’re different:

They’re made using the fallen leaves and shed sheaths of Areca palms. These are usually considered waste materials. Instead, the local farmers in India with whom Dtocs works collect them to be processed into tableware. No part of the living Areca palm is harmed or cut during the process.
They’re processed using an eco-friendly system. From drying to shaping to packaging, the process that these Areca shedding goes through to become single-use tableware poses no harm to the environment. Renewable energy sources power the machines used. The raw materials are cleaned with fresh water. The products are packed with sustainable cardboard.
They’re durable and stylish. Many factors prevent the typical consumer from using eco-friendly disposable tableware. Many consider them not as durable as plastics. People who are conscious of plating and dining table aesthetics may not like how these disposables look. Because they’re made with Areca palms, Dtocs tableware doesn’t crumble easily, even when holding liquids. They also come in stylish shapes and forms.
They’re biodegradable. After you’ve used these palm-leaf dinnerware, you can safely throw them in the bin or even add them to your compost. They will degrade in a few days. So they won’t contribute to the growing garbage problem that the world is facing today.

Their products are not the only things that set Dtocs LLC apart. The company employs women artisans in India to manufacture their products, empowering them to provide for their families and live better lives.

Additionally, Dtocs LLC uses a portion of its earnings to give back to its communities. They’ve partnered with non-profits in India to provide livelihood for women and fund the education of underprivileged children. They also contribute towards equal education opportunities for underrepresented students in Portland.

Pallavi Pande is an inspiration to women entrepreneurs.

Without a doubt, Pallavi embodies the definition of a successful business owner. Her company is thriving and scaling for further growth. Her brand is solid and gaining recognition. And she fulfills her role as a leader by giving back to her communities.

Pallavi’s achievements are more remarkable because she did all of these as a woman from a minority group. While much has been accomplished to secure women’s place in business in the last few decades, it goes without saying that women entrepreneurs still face challenges that men don’t. The stakes get even higher when she is also a woman of color.

Pallavi overcame these challenges. A self-described mompreneur, she also found a way to balance building a successful company and nurturing a family. That’s not an easy feat.

We salute and congratulate Pallavi Pande of Dtocs LLC for her current and future successes. She’s someone we can all admire and emulate, no matter what stage we are in our respective entrepreneurial journeys.

Sacred Fire Creative helps women business owners maximize their entrepreneurial potential through innovative digital marketing strategies and authentic relationship-building with their audiences. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

SFC congratulates the winners of the 2024 SEDCOR Annual Awards

SFC Congratulates 2024 SEDCOR Annual Awards Winners

At Sacred Fire Creative, we’re all about community over competition. So, we’re always thrilled to see other businesses in the community be recognized for their achievements.

With that, we extend our hearty congratulations to the winners of the 2024 SEDCOR Annual Awards:

Agri-business of the Year: Ruddenklau Farms
Business Partner of the Year: Elise Yarnell Hollamon
Community Leadership Award: Marin Arreola III
Community Service Award: Juli Foscoli, CDP, CBT of South Town Glass
Entrepreneur of the Year: Revino
Innovative Product/Process: Canopii Inc.
Outstanding Public/Private Partnership: The Fly Salem Initiative (City of Salem, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Salem Aviation Fueling & Travel Salem)
Small Business of the Year: Blue Raeven Pie Company
Manufacturer of the Year: The Ulven Companies

These businesses and individuals are more than achievers – they are an inspiration to the community. They’re a testament to what can happen when dreams are combined with intention, hard work, and passion.

Congratulations to these winners!

About the SEDCOR Annual Awards

The SEDCOR Annual Awards is an initiative by the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) to recognize outstanding efforts that impact economic growth in Willamette Valley.

The initiative is part of SEDCOR’s mandate to build and strengthen partnerships with industry leaders, nonprofits, local governments, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, and other parties to create and cultivate economic opportunities within the region.

The 2024 iteration of the SEDCOR Annual Awards is sponsored by Saalfeld Griggs and Business Oregon. The awards given to the winners are a collaboration between Maganda Glassworks and Zena Forest Products.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help entrepreneurs step up to their greatness through authentic branding, creative storytelling, and building solid relationships with their audience. Contact us today and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Little Nestlings Early Learning Center to Be Featured on KOIN

What do you do when a good friend tells you they will be on TV? You get excited for them and save the date of their appearance on your calendar, of course.

Well, that’s what the Sacred Fire Creative team feels right now. We’re so thrilled to announce that our client, Little Nestlings Early Learning Center, will be featured on the KOIN network soon.

The details are still being worked out, but we can’t wait to see Colleen Cleary and the Little Nestlings team on TV. Stay tuned!

At Little Nestlings, the environment plays an essential role in learning.

Little Nestlings Early Learning Center is a new preschool that opened in Fall 2024 in West Linn, Oregon. Headed by veteran educator Colleen Cleary, the school offers a curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, children are seen as capable of directing their learning, and the environment acts as a teacher. The little ones are encouraged to be curious, explore their surroundings, observe their senses, and ask questions. Much of the study time takes place outdoors.

Through this model, children get to develop a sense of discovery and a deep love for learning. They get to build a solid foundation that will serve them throughout their school years and later in life.

Little Nestlings’ TV appearance is part of an ongoing branding campaign.

We’re happy to say that Little Nestlings’ upcoming TV appearance results from Sacred Fire Creative’s ongoing campaign to bring awareness to the school’s brand.

Since early 2024, we’ve been on a multi-tier marketing campaign for the school. This campaign included designing and search-optimizing their website and populating their social media channels. We’ve also been conducting mainstream media and community outreach.

We believe in the impact that Little Nestlings Early Learning Center will bring to early education and the community as a whole in West Linn. It’s an honor for us to be part of their journey.

Your brand is your legacy. At Sacred Fire Creative, we can help you build a legacy that will leave a lasting and positive impact on your community. Contact us today and discover how we can collaborate.