In the Spotlight: Some inspiring Women Entrepreneurs from Oregon
#OregonEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #Trailblazers
Oregon’s entrepreneurial landscape is adorned with remarkable success stories, many of which are authored by women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved new paths in their respective industries. From innovative startups to established enterprises, these trailblazing women have not only achieved remarkable success but have also inspired countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The state boasts of many exceptional women entrepreneurs who call Oregon home. Their stories of resilience, determination, and ingenuity serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit, anything is possible in the world of business.
Here, let’s celebrate the achievements of these iconic women and explore the impact of their entrepreneurial endeavours on Oregon’s business ecosystem.
> Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx
A standout entrepreneur is Sara Blakely, the Founder of Spanx, which is a household name in the fashion industry. Hailing from Eugene, Oregon, Blakely’s journey from selling fax machines to building a billion-dollar empire is nothing short of extraordinary.
Significantly, her revolutionary shapewear products have empowered women worldwide, instilling confidence and reshaping the fashion landscape.
> Jaime Schmidt Founder of Schmidt’s Deodorant
Fact is that in just seven years, she went from taking a craft class on how to make shampoo to selling her company to Unilever in a nine-figure deal!
Now she is helping others do the same with her playbook Supermaker. A longtime Portlander who recently relocated to San Diego, she also created Color, a firm that invests in women- and BIPOC-owned businesses.
> Mia Hamm, Co-Founder, NIKET
A luminary is – Mia Hamm, the Co-Founder of Portland-based athletic apparel company, NIKET. With her visionary leadership, she revolutionized the sports apparel industry – empowering athletes of all levels with high-performance gear designed for maximum comfort and durability.
Her commitment to innovation and inclusivity has made NIKET a global phenomenon today, actually setting the standard for excellence in athletic wear.
> Junea Rocha Co-Founder of Cheesy Snack Brand Brazi Bites
Brazil-born Junea Rocha is the Co-Founder of cheesy snack brand – Brazi Bites, which now does around $25 million a year in revenue. It also emphasizes the importance of lifting other women.
In a blog series for Forbes, she credited Lisa Clark of Petunia’s Pies & Pastries for helping her get into Whole Foods and urged those who enjoy success to share connections and advice with others.
> Pat Welch, CEO of Recruiting and Staffing Agency Boly: Welch
Pat Welch is the CEO of Boly: Welch, a Portland, Oregon-based executive search, recruiting, staffing, and HR consulting firm. In 1986, she co-founded the company with Diane Boly, and has since grown the company.
Her vision is to grow Boly:Welch, to serve every child in protective custody, and to raise awareness that foster care is only a temporary solution. In fact, she also believes that the employee/employer landscape has shifted dramatically thanks to COVID, and that many employers have struggled to keep up.
Welch works closely with board members – to provide oversight and vision to ensure the success of the organization. She is recognised as an exceptional recruiter, a progressive business owner, and a positive force in the Portland community.
Boly: Welch offers – customized recruiting, contract temporary staffing, and executive search solutions to a wide range of clients in the Portland Metro area and SW Washington. The company has been listed by Forbes as #141 in America’s Best Temp Staffing Firms (2023) and #212 in Best Recruiters – Professional Search (2019).
> Lynn Le, CEO of women’s boxing brand Society Nine
Lynn Le, CEO of women’s boxing brand Society Nine, won an Oregon Entrepreneurs Network award for “resilience, adaptability, good teamwork, and gifted leadership.
The background is that she is a modern women’s boxing brand that sells gear and sportswear. Le is Vietnamese American and believes that every woman is a fighter. She started the brand after unable to find boxing gloves that fit women, and has been recognized for her entrepreneurial lens, ability to identify growth opportunities, and positive energy Le has been named to Forbes’ 30under30 in Retail/E-Commerce for 2018 and Portland Business Journal’s 40under40 for 2017, and has won awards at the 2020 Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Awards. She has also appeared on an Oxygen network television show and has a Kickstarter campaign for a boxing shoe designed especially for women.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
Poonam Sinha
