Articles Tagged with: mentorship

Job Searching as an Entrepreneur: Why You Don't Need to Go It Alone

Job Searching as an Entrepreneur: Why You Don’t Need Go It Alone

You were prepared for change.

You knew this next chapter wouldn’t be easy.

But nothing quite prepares you for job searching when you’re an entrepreneur.

You thought your biggest challenge would be updating your résumé.

Instead, it’s the quiet, grinding uncertainty that no one warned you about.

The job search isn’t just a search. It’s a test of resilience.

You apply for roles that sound like a fit. You try to explain what you did as a founder without sounding like you’re overqualified – or worse, like you’re starting over after what the interviewer may assume as a failure.

You wonder if the recruiter on the other side understands what it meant to build a brand from nothing, lead a team, manage budgets, grow revenue, solve crises.

You wonder if they can see the value behind the title of “Founder.”

You hit submit and wait. And wait. And wait.

Sometimes there’s a rejection. More often, just silence.

You start to question your instincts.

You rewrite your story. Again.

You try to stay upbeat for the next interview, even as your confidence thins.

And you begin to ask: Is it just me? Am I doing this wrong?

It’s not just you. And you’re not doing it wrong.

Job searching as an entrepreneur is uniquely challenging.

Not because you lack skills, but because traditional hiring systems aren’t built to understand non-traditional paths.

But here’s what no one tells you: You don’t need to muscle through this alone.

You don’t have to.

The missing piece in your job search might not be a better resume or a new strategy.

It might be a support circle, a space where you’re reminded of what you bring to the table, even when the world feels unsure of where to seat you.

What can support circles do for you?

A strong circle doesn’t just offer encouragement. It changes the experience of job searching as an entrepreneur in real, tangible ways.

First, you gain clarity. Talking with others helps you see yourself and your transferable skills more clearly.

You also learn how to tell your story. A support group helps you shape your founder journey into a compelling narrative that hiring managers can understand.

You get unstuck. Whether it’s a new connection, a practical tip, or just someone who’s been there, the right support gives you momentum.

Lastly, you feel human again. Being around others who get it helps you shake off the isolation, the imposter syndrome, and maybe even the shame that job searching can trigger.

You’ve carried enough alone. It’s time to let someone help you.

Finding the right support is what Job Searching for Entrepreneurs is all about. It’s not another job-searching, resume-writing workshop.

It’s a gathering place for people who are in the thick of the search, who’ve been refreshing job boards, second-guessing themselves, and wondering what’s next.

It’s a chance to talk about what really makes a difference: connection, community, and support that actually understands where you’re coming from.

In the upcoming session of this conversation, titled “Finding Support as a Job-Searching Entrepreneur,” we’ll explore:

What makes the job search uniquely hard for founders
How to find the right people to walk this path with you
Where to look for mentorship, guidance, and belonging
How to ask for help in a way that feels empowering

This session is on August 19, 2025, at Offbeat Coffee in Salem, OR, co-facilitated by Conrad Rohleder of Clearinity and Malee Ojua of Sacred Fire Creative.

The job search is hard.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

And you were never meant to.

Join us for this part of Job Searching for Entrepreneurs.

Let this be the session that reminds you that you’re not stuck.

You’re evolving. And there are people who see what you bring, even when the hiring algorithm doesn’t.

Joining is free. RSVP today.

How to Ace the Job Interview as an Entrepreneur

For years, your job interview was a client pitch.

You didn’t talk about your job qualifications. Instead, you showed them.

You didn’t wait to be hired to show what you can do. Instead, you built a business around what you can do.

You wore every hat, made every decision, and held the full weight of success (and failure) on your shoulders.

But now, something has shifted.

Maybe you’re craving stability. Maybe you’re burned out. Or maybe, for the first time in a long time, you’re curious about what it might feel like to be part of a team again – this time, not as the leader, but as a contributor with clear boundaries, shared goals, and room to breathe.

And that’s brought you here: preparing to reenter the world of traditional employment.

But let’s be honest. Job interviews hit differently when you’ve been the boss.

In the first part of this blog series, we talked about the resume and the cover letter. Here, we’re going to tackle the job interview.

Why Interviews Are Uniquely Challenging for Entrepreneurs

When you’re used to creating your own opportunities, sitting across from someone evaluating your qualifications can make you feel vulnerable, even strange.

There’s a quiet fear underneath.

Will they understand my story? Will they think I failed?

Am I too much? Or not enough?

These are common and completely normal questions for entrepreneurs making this leap.

Here’s why the interview stage can feel especially hard:

Your career path is nonlinear. Traditional roles follow a ladder. Yours was more like a jungle gym.
You’re afraid they’ll think you can’t follow. You’re no longer the CEO, but that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive in a supportive role. Still, that transition can be hard to communicate.

What Hiring Managers Need to Hear

You bring incredible value to the table. But it’s up to you to make that visible.

Here’s how to make your experience resonate in the interview:

Reframe your story.

Don’t just say, “I ran a business.” Translate it.

I launched and scaled a client-focused brand, led a team of five, managed a $100K budget, and built a marketing system that generated consistent leads through organic social media.

Be specific with your story and focus on outcomes. Connect your experience to the job you’re applying for.

Address the elephant in the room.

If your business closed or paused, acknowledge it confidently.

After several meaningful years in entrepreneurship, I’m choosing this next chapter intentionally. I’m excited to contribute in a focused role where I can apply my experience and collaborate with a team.

Most employers aren’t put off by your business pausing, closing, or being set aside. They just want to understand your “why” and know you’re ready to show up fully.

Shift the narrative from “boss” to “team player.”

One of the biggest assumptions you may face is that you won’t take direction or adapt well to the hierarchy.

Prove them wrong by sharing examples of collaborative partnerships, taking client feedback, and learning from mentors or peer networks.

Let them see your willingness to grow within a team, without needing to lead everything.

Use the STAR Method to Tell Compelling Stories

Entrepreneurs are natural storytellers. But job interviews require a more structured kind of storytelling.

That’s where the STAR method comes in.

STAR stands for:

Situation: What was going on?
Task: What challenge or goal were you facing?
Action: What specific steps did you take?
Result: What was the outcome?

This method helps you clearly demonstrate your value through real-life experiences. And that’s something entrepreneurs have in abundance.

Let’s break it down:

SITUATION: Set the Scene.

“Our customer retention rates were dropping, and we realized our onboarding process wasn’t setting clients up for success.”

TASK: Define the Challenge or Goal.

“I need to redesign the onboarding system to improve retention and create a more seamless client experience.”

ACTION: Describe What You Did.

“I mapped out the existing process, created a new step-by-step welcome journey, and trained my team on delivering it consistently.”

RESULT: Share the Outcome.

“Client retention improved by 35% over the next six months, and support tickets dropped by half.”

Here are a few STAR tips that entrepreneurs can use during the job interview:

Choose diverse stories. Highlight collaborations, problem-solving, and resilience, not just your wins.
Tailor your examples. Connect them directly to the skills the job requires.
Practice out loud. STAR stories are designed to be spoken so they can be remembered.
Stay focused. The structure helps you avoid rambling, a common habit among founders.

Using the STAR method turns your entrepreneurial experience into concise, impressive stories that resonate with hiring managers. It shows that you’re not just experienced; you’re self-aware, coachable, and ready to contribute.

Find the Right Support

Transitioning from entrepreneurship to traditional employment doesn’t just involve a career shift. It’s diving into an identity shift.

And it’s okay to need help navigating it.

That’s why we’re hosting the second session in our Job Searching for Entrepreneurs series: Nailing the Interview: How to Tell Your Story with Confidence.

Whether you’re getting ready for your first interview in years or struggling to translate your founder journey into corporate language, this event is for you. We’ll walk through real examples and hold space for the complexity of this transition without judgment.

This second session is on August 12, 2025, at Offbeat Coffee in Salem, OR. Just like the first session, it will be led by Conrad Rohleder of Clearinity and Malee Ojua of Sacred Fire Creative.

Come as you are – curious, cautious, or completely overwhelmed. You’ll leave with tools, language, and renewed clarity for your next step.

Because you’re not starting over.

You’re starting fresh, with experience, perspective, and something powerful to offer.

RSVP here.

How to Talk to Your Family About Money as an Entrepreneur

Starting a business is about chasing a dream – more freedom, more purpose, more control over your future.

But what many entrepreneurs don’t anticipate is how quickly that dream can stir up tension or confusion at home.

You might find yourself avoiding certain topics around the dinner table. You might downplay a rough month or overexplain a business expense.

Or maybe you just carry the weight quietly, hoping your loved ones will understand eventually.

But here’s the truth: your family doesn’t need perfection when it comes to money matters.

They need communication.

Why Is It Important to Talk to Your Family About Money?

Money is deeply personal. It’s tied to security, identity, culture, and even love. And when you become an entrepreneur, your relationship with money often changes. Sometimes, the changes can be dramatic.

Your income may fluctuate. Your expenses may increase. Your financial priorities may shift from steady paychecks to long-term investments and high-risk decisions.

And yet, many entrepreneurs try to shoulder these changes alone, believing they’ll protect their loved ones by staying silent.

Unfortunately, silence creates distance.

When your family doesn’t understand your financial reality, they can’t support you through it. Talking openly about money helps bridge the gap between your business goals and your personal life. In turn, it allows you to build stronger and more resilient relationships in the process.

Opening Up About Money Can Be Beneficial for Your Relationships

Bringing your family into financial conversations isn’t just a responsible move. It’s a move that can strengthen your relationships.

Here’s what happens when you choose openness over avoidance:

You build trust and reduce anxiety.

When you’re quiet about money, your family is often left to fill in the blanks. And most people assume the worst. Talking things through can bring a sense of calm. It tells your loved ones, “I respect you enough to be honest,” even when things are uncertain. That trust is foundational, especially during times when your business is still growing.

You set clear expectations.

Family members may not understand what being “self-employed” really means. By explaining what to expect, like why your income might be higher one month and lower the next, you create alignment and avoid misunderstandings. Clarity helps everyone plan better together.

You invite emotional and practical support.

You don’t need to carry everything on your own. When your family understands what you’re navigating, they can offer meaningful help, whether that’s encouragement during a slow month or flexibility when your schedule gets hectic. Sometimes, the greatest relief is just being seen.

You lay the groundwork for future conversations about wealth and legacy.

If you have children, or plan to have them, how you talk about money will shape their financial future with it. Including your family in financial conversations helps break generational silence and opens up opportunities to co-create long-term visions about shared wealth, values, and impact.

It’s True: Talking About Money Can Be Hard

If talking to family about money were easy, more people would do it. But this kind of conversation can feel deeply vulnerable and fraught with unspoken history.

Here are some of the emotional and logistical hurdles you might face:

Fear of judgment

You may worry that your money won’t understand your choices. Or worse, they’ll see your financial ups and downs as personal failures. This fear can be especially strong if your family values traditional career paths or stable income.

Guilt over taking risks

Many entrepreneurs wrestle with guilt, especially if loved ones have sacrificed to support them. You might feel like you’re letting people down by not being “further along” or by choosing a path that feels uncertain to others.

Power dynamics and past experiences

In some families, conversations about money are tangled up with financial control, inequality, or trauma. You might feel like you’re not “allowed” to lead a money conversation or that speaking up will spark conflict.

Communication gaps

Not everyone speaks the language of business. When you start explaining profit margins or investment timelines, eyes may glaze over. It’s easy to feel discouraged if your family doesn’t seem to “get it.” But that doesn’t mean the conversation isn’t worth having.

These challenges are valid. But they’re also navigable, though it takes care, courage, and the right tools.

How Can You Start the Money Talk?

If you’re ready to open up but aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few ways to ease into it:

Lead with honesty and vulnerability.

Start small. You don’t need a spreadsheet or a formal agenda. All you need is a willingness to say, “I’ve been thinking a lot about how money impacts all of us, and I’d like to talk about it.”

Share your “why.”

Help your family understand the bigger picture behind your business decisions. When they see what you’re building and why it matters to you, they’re more likely to offer support, even if they don’t fully understand the details.

Be clear about what’s changing.

Are you adjusting household budgets? Pausing vacations? Reinvesting income into the business? Lay it out with compassion and transparency so everyone knows what to expect.

Invite dialogue, not just approval.

Let your family ask questions or express concerns without feeling shut down. The goal isn’t to convince them you’re right. It’s to foster mutual understanding.

Make it a habit, not a one-time talk.

Talking about money once is brave. Making it a normal part of your day-to-day is transformative. Schedule regular check-ins. Use tools, books, or resources to guide the conversations. Keep it going.

It’s not easy to talk about money, even with the people you love. But with the right mindset, tools, and intentions, you can start the conversation, keep it going, and make it a way to strengthen your relationship with your family.

Want a Safe Space to Explore These Conversations?

If you’re in the McMinnville, Oregon area, you’re invited to join us at “Money Club: Take Control of Your Finances, One Conversation at a Time.” This is an in-person conversation about money facilitated by financial educator Kristen Winter and founder resource connector Malee Ojua.

Each month, we gather entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers in a safe, heart-centered space to talk about the emotional side of money. This August 14, 2025, we’re diving deep into how to talk about your family about money. Because business is personal, and the people closest to us deserve to be part of the journey.

This is an opportunity to hear real stories from your fellow entrepreneurs, gain new tools to start or deepen the money conversation, and find a sense of relief that you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Click here to RSVP and join us in changing the way we talk about money, starting at home

Please explore more helpful articles here.

Job Searching for Entrepreneurs: Reclaiming Your Story, One Résumé at a Time

At some point in the entrepreneurial journey, a shift happens.

Maybe the business isn’t sustainable anymore.

Maybe the founder has outgrown it. Or it has outgrown them.

Or maybe, for the first time in a long while, stability feels more appealing than hustle.

Whatever the reason, more entrepreneurs are finding themselves on a new path. And that is looking for a job.

It’s a decision that can be full of mixed emotions. Relief. Uncertainty. And sometimes, even shame.

But here’s the truth: Seeking a job after running a business, or even while running it, isn’t a failure. It’s a transition. And like any transition, it comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

Why Would an Entrepreneur Want a Job?

Entrepreneurs don’t just wake up one day and abandon their dreams. The decision to pursue traditional employment is often deeply intentional.

For some, it’s about financial stability after a tough season. For others, it’s a chance to learn from the inside – to gain perspective, tools, or connections they couldn’t access on their own. Many are simply ready for a slower pace, a steadier rhythm, or a new kind of fulfillment.

There’s also the very human truth that people evolve. Just because someone was a founder doesn’t mean they’ll always be one.

The Challenges of Transitioning to Employment

Still, the job search process can be uniquely frustrating for former or current entrepreneurs.

That’s because résumés don’t tell the whole story. It’s hard to summarize the role of “founder,” especially when it spans marketing, operations, leadership, and growth strategy all at once.

Hiring managers may also be wary. Some assume that entrepreneurs can’t take direction or won’t stick around.

Imposter syndrome can also creep in. It’s easy to feel like your nontraditional path isn’t “enough,” especially when facing a wall of corporate job postings.

And then, there’s often emotional baggage. Burnout. Guilt. A sense of loss.

Perhaps most of all, there’s the question of how to explain it all. How can you write a résumé or cover letter that translates years of grit and vision into something employers will actually understand and value?

There’s Help. And You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

That’s why Sacred Fire Creative’s Malee Ojua and Clearinity’s Conrad Rohleder are launching a new in-person event series called Job Searching for Entrepreneurs. This event is designed to help entrepreneurs on the hunt for jobs to be more successful in this endeavor. It’s for founders and freelancers who are wondering how to reshape their stories, rebuild their confidence, and take a meaningful next step toward traditional employment without compromising who they are.

The first session, happening on July 29, 2025, at Offbeat Coffee in Salem, OR, is all about building a résumé and cover letter that works.

Together, Conrad and Malee will walk you through:

What to include in a resume when you’ve worn all the hats
How to write a cover letter that feels honest and grounded
Common mistakes entrepreneurs make in the job hunt
How to own your story, even if it doesn’t follow a “standard” path
Reframing the transition as growth

This session will be warm, practical, and real. It’s not a career coaching seminar. It’s a conversation among peers.

About Conrad Rohleder

Conrad Rohleder is a seasoned business strategist and entrepreneur who passionately builds people-first systems across diverse sectors – from tech startups and nonprofit leadership to local community initiatives.

As the founder and CEO of Clearinity, which he launched in early 2018, Conrad has helped hundreds of e-commerce companies scale sustainably by addressing operational pain points, especially in inventory and change management systems.

Conrad is deeply versed in systems thinking, organizational change, and emerging technologies like AI, and he’s gone through multiple career transitions himself. His unique blend of empathy and real-world insight helps professionals reframe their résumés, rethink their processes, and align their work with what truly fits their lives, not just their job titles.

A New Chapter Starts Here

If you’re a founder or self-employed professional thinking about the next step, or already deep in the job search, Job Searching for Entrepreneurs is for you.

You’re not starting over. You’re starting with experience.

And with the right tools and support, this next chapter can be just as meaningful as the last.

Reserve your free spot today.

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.

Scaling with Integrity: How Kristy Runge Helped Build HelloCare’s Operational Backbone

Kristy Runge didn’t just co-found a caregiving company. She architected its operational success.

With decades of experience in healthcare and business leadership, Kristy understood that meaningful care doesn’t scale on goodwill alone. It takes rigorous systems, thoughtful hiring, quality assurance, and leadership that balances compassion with performance.

That’s the foundation she helped build at HelloCare, a company now serving families in multiple cities across Oregon.

The System Behind the Soul

While HelloCare is known for its deeply personal, people-first approach to in-home care, much of that consistency comes from the operational design that Kristy helped create.

She implemented systems and processes at HelloCare that ensure quality at scale without sacrificing heart. Her leadership bridges the emotional weight of caregiving with the accountability and structure required to grow a service-based business that can last.

It’s that rare balance between heart and logistics that has made HelloCare not just sustainable but replicable.

Why Founders Should Hear Her Speak at the Oregon Startup Conference

Kristy Runge will be featured on the Success Panel at the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University.

There, she will offer founders a transparent look into what it really takes to scale a mission-driven operation.

She’ll speak to the practical aspects that many early-stage businesses overlook: operational workflows, systems thinking, hiring for values and competence, and building processes that grow with your team – not against them.

If you’re an entrepreneur building in the service space, Kristy’s insights are both inspiring and actionable. She’s walked the road of taking a community-centered idea and turning it into a business with backbone. And she’s ready to share how.

Hear from founders like Kristy Runge, who know how to build for both heart and scale.

Slumberkins, Callie Christensen, Kelly Oriard

Slumberkins: How Two Moms Built a Global Brand for Early Learning and Emotional Wellness

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, two lifelong friends transformed a shared passion for child development into a thriving business.

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, co-founders of Slumberkins, have created a brand that not only comforts children but also empowers them with emotional intelligence.

Their journey from educators to entrepreneurs exemplifies the innovative spirit that defines the local startup ecosystem.

The Genesis of Slumberkins

Kelly and Callie are, first and foremost, friends. It was a friendship that began in childhood. Their paths eventually diverged: Kelly became a school counselor and family therapist in Portland, OR, while Callie built a career as a special education teacher in Vancouver, WA.

However, a mutual recognition of the lack of engaging emotional learning tools for children brought them back together. They began crafting stories and sewing plush creatures that embodied therapeutic concepts in 2015, thus laying the foundation for Slumberkins. Their initial creations, Bigfoot and Sloth, addressed self-esteem and relaxation. These characters resonated with parents and children alike.

In 2017, Kelly and Callie took their concept to Shark Tank. While they were not able to secure an investment, they pushed forward. That decision led to the development of a comprehensive product line that includes plushies, books, educational resources, and an Emmy-nominated television series produced by The Jim Henson Company. Slumberkins has since become a trusted resource for over 1.5 million families, offering tools that foster resilience and emotional growth in children.

In 2022, they brought in a CEO to focus on the business side of things at Slumberkins. Kelly transitioned into the Chief Therapeutic Officer, while Callie became the Chief Brand Officer.

Impact on the Oregon Startup Community

Beyond their business success, Kelly and Callie are active contributors to the local entrepreneurial landscape. They have shared their insights at events like the Bend Venture Conference, Portland Startup Week, and Starve Ups, providing guidance on fundraising and brand development.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, they received the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award from the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, recognizing their significant contributions to the state’s innovation economy. Their inclusion in Inc.’s 2023 Female Founders 200 List further underscores their influence and dedication to fostering a supportive environment for women in business.

Meet Kelly and Callie at the Oregon Startup Conference

Kelly and Callie’s journey embodies the essence of entrepreneurial success: identifying a need, creating a solution, and scaling it with authenticity and purpose. Their experience in building a mission-driven brand that prioritizes emotional wellness offers invaluable lessons for startups aiming to make a meaningful impact.

Their presence on the Success Panel at the Oregon Startup Conference will provide attendees with practical strategies and inspiration drawn from real-world experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen at the conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University. Their story is a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose, and their insights could be the catalyst for your own entrepreneurial journey.

Tech that Heals, Leadership that Elevates: How Rachel Dreilinger Is Bridging Innovation and Inclusion in MedTech

When Rachel Dreilinger co-founded NeuraMedica, she wasn’t just setting out to solve a surgical problem. She was aiming to change the way innovation works for patients, providers, and underrepresented entrepreneurs like herself.

A biomedical engineer by training and a systems thinker by instinct, Rachel brings over two decades of experience in medical development to her role as NeuraMedica’s CEO. Her path has taken her from engineering labs to executive leadership, but the heart of her work has always remained the same.

And that is to use technology to make people’s lives better.

A Simple Idea with Profound Impact

At the center of NeuraMedica’s story is DuraFuse™, an elegantly engineered bioabsorbable clip that offers a safer, faster alternative to traditional sutures for closing the dura mater during spinal surgery.

Designed to reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks that come with traditional spinal surgery and improve surgical efficiency, DuraFuse is FDA-cleared and commercially viable. It’s a milestone that only a handful of startups in this corner of the medical space ever reach.

The journey to get there wasn’t simple.

Rachel and her co-founder, neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Roundy, began with a prototype and a bold idea. Backed by grants and early collaborations with Oregon Health & Science University, they methodically advanced their technology through years of clinical research, testing, and refinement.

Leading with Vision and Roots

Rachel is a proud member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and one of the few Native American women leading a medical technology company. That perspective shapes everything she does, from how she leads her team to how she shows up for the broader community.

She’s a vocal advocate for inclusion in entrepreneurship and STEM, especially for women and Indigenous founders. Her leadership is visible not only inside NeuraMedica but also across Oregon’s startup ecosystem. Rachel frequently participates in regional pitch events, panels, and mentorship programs, where she offers real-world guidance to founders navigating similar hurdles.

Rachel has been recognized for that work, too. NeuraMedica was a finalist for Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience Investment in 2024. This is a clear sign that the innovation coming out of Mid-Willamette Valley is gaining significant attention.

Meet Rachel at the Oregon Startup Conference

On June 20, 2025, Rachel will be part of the Success Panel of the Oregon Startup Conference at George Fox University.

She does more than represent the future of MedTech. She’s helping to shape it. Her story is a reminder that great startups aren’t only built on good ideas. They’re built on perseverance, collaboration, and a vision that extends beyond the bottom line.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with Rachel Dreilinger. She’s someone worth knowing, whether you’re passionate about healthcare innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship, or just want to meet someone who is changing the game in their field.

Code, Defense, and Vision: How Tracy Camp of UpSight Is Changing the Cybersecurity Playbook

Most people only think about cybersecurity after something goes wrong.

But for Tracy Camp, the question has always been: “What if we could see the attack coming before it starts?

That question didn’t come out of nowhere. Tracy spent nearly two decades in the trenches of cybersecurity. He helped various organizations, from scrappy startups to Fortune 100 companies, fight back against evolving digital threats.

He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the field, including Carbon Black and McAfee. He’s seen ransomware change lives, shut down hospitals, and cost companies everything.

He knew we needed a new approach. So he built one.

From Pattern Recognition to Prediction

As co-founder and Chief Product Officer of UpSight Security, Tracy is leading a bold new chapter in the fight against cybercrime. It’s a fight that’s powered by AI, driven by data, and rooted in the idea that security should be proactive, not reactive.

At the heart of UpSight is a groundbreaking platform that does more than detect threats; it anticipates them.

Using techniques inspired by natural language processing (NLP), UpSight’s technology “reads” attacker behavior the way a human might read a book. It learns the patterns, understands the structure, and identifies the next likely move. It helps teams predict, interdict, and evict threats before they can do damage.

It’s like giving security teams a forward-moving time machine, and it’s working.

Building in Oregon, for Oregon

But Tracy isn’t just building a company. He’s helping build a community.

After winning third place in the 2023 Westside Pitch Competition, UpSight Security went on to secure funding from the Oregon Venture Fund. It’s an achievement that positioned the company as one of the region’s most promising up-and-comers in the cybersecurity space.

More than that, Tracy and his co-founders made a conscious choice to house their nationwide operations in Mid-Willamette Valley, where about half of the UpSight team is located. He’s deeply committed to growing Oregon’s tech ecosystem by taking on paid interns from Oregon State University through MECOP.

Through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration, he’s creating opportunities for other founders to thrive right here at home.

Meet Tracy at the Oregon Startup Conference

At the Oregon Startup Conference, happening on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University, Tracy will join the Success Panel to talk about what it really takes to build and protect a startup in today’s high-stakes digital world.

His insights go beyond firewalls and code. He’ll speak to the mindset, the mission, and the million tiny decisions that separate survival from success.

Because in cybersecurity, as in entrepreneurship, the winners aren’t always the biggest. They’re the ones who can see what’s coming and act upon it before it’s too late.

Learn how to stay two steps ahead, whether you’re building a company, a product, or a secure future. Meet Tracy Camp at the Oregon Startup Conference and walk away with insight and inspiration.

12 3