Articles Tagged with: McMinnville women business owners

Jamie Akers of Local Flow Health Bar in McMinnville, OR

Blending Passion and Purpose: How Jamie Akers and Local Flow Health Bar Are Nourishing McMinnville

In the heart of McMinnville, OR, where community and wellness intersect, Local Flow Health Bar stands as a beacon of nourishment and connection.

At the center of it all is Jamie Akers, a passionate entrepreneur whose journey is as vibrant as the smoothies she serves. Jamie and her team recently made waves by winning first place at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

But her impact extends far beyond the competition stage. She’s helping to redefine what it means to run a community-driven business.

A passion for health and community

When Jamie and her family acquired Local Flow Health Bar in December 2022, they didn’t just take over a business. They embraced a mission.

Local Flow had already established itself as a go-to destination for fresh-pressed juices, vitality shots, and nutritious smoothies. Jamie saw an opportunity to expand on that vision, adding her own creative touch with a menu that now features savory and sweet crepes, alongside wholesome lunch bowls.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: food should fuel not just the body but also the spirit. Every item served at Local Flow is carefully crafted to nourish and energize, whether it’s an antioxidant-packed acai bowl or a protein-rich smoothie designed to keep locals going through their busy days.

But Jamie’s vision extends beyond what’s on the plate. She wants Local Flow to be a place where people come together, where conversations flow as freely as the freshly squeezed juice.

Jamie’s Launch Mid-Valley journey

Jamie’s entrepreneurial drive recently earned her and her team the top spot at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend. The event brought together local business owners, innovators, and mentors for an intensive weekend of learning, pitching, and collaboration.

Competing against a field of ambitious startups, Jamie’s pitch stood out. The first-place win not only validated her vision but also provided her with valuable resources and mentorship to continue growing Local Flow in new and exciting ways.

A health bar and a community hub

For Jamie, Local Flow Health Bar is more than just a business. It’s a hub for the McMinnville community.

She has worked hard to cultivate an inviting space where people can relax, connect, and prioritize their well-being. Whether it’s supporting other small businesses or simply providing a friendly smile along with a nutritious meal, Jamie aims to make her impact felt throughout the community.

Her approach to business is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t just about profit. It’s about people.

It’s about making sure that every customer walks away not only satisfied but also inspired to embrace a healthier, more connected lifestyle.

As Local Flow Health Bar continues to thrive under Jamie’s leadership, one thing is clear. She’s not just serving smoothies; she’s serving up a vision for a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant McMinnville.

Want to be part of the Launch Mid-Valley vibe? We’ve got tools and resources to help you grow and scale up your business. Just fill out this form to get started >>> https://tinyurl.com/mid-valley-innovation.

NAWBO Oregon Past President Chosen for Exclusive Accelerated Growth Training

NAWBO Oregon past president and Sacred Fire Creative founder Malee Ojua joins a select group of 25 women business owners undergoing the NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program, a 10-month business leadership training created by NAWBO and sponsored by Wells-Fargo.

Portland, OR, March 2021—Sacred Fire Creative (SFC) announced the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) selected SFC CEO Malee Ojua as part of its new learning program. Open to only 25 participants, the NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program helps women business owners scale up their enterprises.

The NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program aims to increase its participants’ market competitiveness.

The NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program is an offering of the organization’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Development. The program, launched in 2021, is a top-tier educational plan designed to help women business owners increase their competitiveness in their respective markets. It’s also meant to set them up for higher levels of growth and expansion. Wells-Fargo sponsors the program.

Participants are to attend eight one-hour online learning sessions for four months. Topics covered in these sessions include developing a leadership mindset, building successful teams, strategic planning, and brand messaging. After completing the program, they will take part in mentorship/mastermind groups for six months. They will also receive other benefits that will help them grow their business.

According to NAWBO, women own 40% of all privately held companies in the country today. Still, the size of their revenues remains significantly below other types of businesses. Educating women business owners enables them to progress to the same or greater levels.

NAWBO is a network of women business owners in the US formed in 1975. Its purpose is to share resources and to provide mutual support among its members. It also lobbies economic and public policies benefiting women entrepreneurs.

Sacred Fire Creative is named one of the top digital marketing agencies in Portland.

SFC is a Portland-based digital marketing agency specializing in helping its clients build a legacy through solid branding. With a unique and robust brand, SFC clients can forge deep connections with its customers, thus creating a loyal community. Among the companies that SFC has worked with are ArisGlobal Software, RiverWest Acupuncture, Johnson & Johnson, and NYU Langone Medical Center. Expertise.com named SFC one of the top digital marketing agencies in the city.

Aside from her role as SFC head, Malee Ojua is also involved with NAWBO’s Oregon chapter. She is the chapter’s current program director and served as its president in 2020. Additionally, she hosts bimonthly virtual forums on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Ojua participated in the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program in 2019. A former aeronautics engineer, she founded SFC in 2014.

10 Questions with Jennifer Armenta

Jennifer Armenta started many businesses, but it took some trial and error and plenty of effort to succeed and thrive. Like most womxn, she realized the value of enjoying life a little too late. She also learned ideas don’t simply bring success; research and empathy do.

Jennifer is a Highlands Certified Consultant and Certified Career Services Provider. She revels in helping her clients find confidence within themselves to do what they need to do. She believes being true to yourself is great, and having plans for your future is even better.

Here’s an insight into Jennifer’s personal and work thoughts:

1. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 11-year-old self?

I would tell myself to remember to always have fun. Being an adult is full of responsibilities. It is important to have fun and laugh every day.

2. What advice do you wish you had been given when you first started your business?

Make sure that what you are offering is something your customer needs or wants. Just because you think it is a good idea does not mean that everyone will. Do your due diligence before you launch your business.

3. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned the hard way (in life or business)?

I have started many businesses in my life. Some have been successful, and some have not. After my last business did not work out, it took me several years to get back up. My current business is thriving, but it is because I learned from the past. I had to look back at what didn’t work and create new strategies that led to success.

4. What do people always get wrong about you or what you do?

Thinking that all coaches are the same. I distinguish myself by taking a very intuitive approach to each client. Each person that I work with has different fears, goals, and expectations. So, I develop a unique plan for each client I work with, providing the most value I can with the time we spend together.

5. What shifts did you make in life or business as a result of the pandemic?

I have been very lucky that I have not had to make significant changes. Although I genuinely miss in-person meetings, I can provide all of my services virtually.

6. What do you love about what you do?

I love helping someone confidently make a big decision about their future. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they finally figured out what their next steps are. It feels good to be there for someone through these milestones.

7. What is the best thing about doing business in McMinnville?

The amazing community. McMinnville is a wonderful place to do business. The Chamber of Commerce, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, and other local groups truly support local business owners.

8. What is one of your favorite things to do where you live?

I love spending time with friends and family in downtown McMinnville. There are fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs that we frequent regularly.

9. Who has been the most important influence in your life and why?

My parents. They always taught me to be true to myself and follow my intuition. With this solid foundation, I am now able to help my clients do the same.

10. Who do you help in your business?

I help people who are in career transition. I love helping older students clarify their next steps in life. I also work with new and aspiring leaders to identify their strengths and help them confidently develop their leadership style.

We’re trying to let all womxn know that they can make a difference. You don’t need to be special, above average, or anything else but yourself to be significant. Sacred Fire Creative showcases members of Portland Connect Online to show you that ordinary womxn like you and me can do extraordinary things.

In Jennifer Armenta’s case, she encourages people to find themselves and set goals for their future. She enjoys empathetically leading people as well as managing employees and developing organizations. With this, she empowers not only herself but also others.