Meet Pallavi Pande

We were lucky to catch up with Pallavi Pande recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pallavi , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Thriving as the Only One in the Room: My Journey as a Minority/BIPOC Mompreneur- Proud to be called as the DTOCS lady!!
As a minority mompreneur, I’ve often found myself as the only one in the room who looks like me—a South Asian woman navigating a predominantly male and non-BIPOC business world. The challenges were real: bias, limited support, and the constant fight for equity in business and networking. But I knew I had to carve out a path not just for myself, but for others who might face the same barriers.

The Strategy: Becoming the Local Queen
My strategy was loud and clear: establish myself as the local queen. I partnered with local events and organizations, building my name and rapport within the community. Visibility was key—I became an advocate not just for myself, but for other minorities, particularly within the South Asian community. By leading the way, I expanded my network, built strategic and effective connections, and positioned myself as a strong, visible brand.

Accelerator Programs and Pitch Competitions
One of the most impactful moves I made was participating in various accelerator programs. In 2020, during the chaos of COVID, I joined the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) national business accelerator program, which gave me my first business spotlight through Kaiser Permanente. This was just the beginning. I continued to enroll in programs like the Oregon Rain Catalyst digital marketing accelerator in 2021, where I won two pitches and used the funds to attend an Amazon conference. These experiences were invaluable in learning how to build a brand on Amazon, and they laid the foundation for DTOCS’ future growth.

Retail and Strategic Partnerships
Retail expansion was another critical piece of my strategy. By connecting with Built Oregon, I successfully pitched to get two DTOCS products on the shelves of Market of Choice, a local store with 11 locations across Oregon. This was a significant milestone that helped establish DTOCS as a trusted brand in the region.

Winning Support and Building Connections
In 2022, I received a BIPOC scholarship from the Livelihood NW business support program, where I participated in a six-month-long accelerator program. This program felt like a mini MBA, providing not just business education but also financial support for legal help. The connections I made here were priceless, leading to mentorship and peer support that continued to propel my business forward. I also leaned into the local business community development program by Prosper Portland and got a grant amount enough to cover the cost of my transition to a new flashy shopify website to grow my direct to consumer reach.

In 2023, I joined the TIE community, a global nonprofit for businesses, to explore opportunities with investors and refine my growth plan. Winning the TIE Oregon women’s pitch competition was a major highlight, which led to an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore for an international pitch competition.

Sustaining Growth Through Local Partnerships
Throughout these years, I consistently invested time in building my network, winning free grant money, and growing sales. Partnering with local nonprofits, organizations, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and participating in tradeshows allowed me to build business relationships and sell DTOCS products at local events. This ripple effect expanded my brand’s reach to PNW restaurants, vineyards, caterers, chefs, and beyond, ultimately positioning DTOCS for nationwide and international growth. Two of my most proud local events where our products were used by classic local chefs that I can remember were Taste Of equity and the Wedge, Oregon cheese event where we grew our product presence with local charcuterie makers and chefs and restaurants.

Tried and tested tangible Tips for Minority and BIPOC Business Founders
1- Own Your Local Community: Start by becoming a known figure in your local area. Partner with local events, organizations, and nonprofits to build your name and rapport. Your community can be your strongest support system.

2-Leverage Accelerator Programs: Seek out business accelerator programs, especially those aimed at supporting minorities. They offer not just education but valuable connections, exposure, and often funding opportunities.

3-Pitch, Pitch, Pitch: Never underestimate the power of a pitch competition. Winning funds from pitch competitions or scholorships from organisations can be used strategically to bootstrap your business and attending conferences, invest in your business, or gain further visibility.

4- Build Strategic Partnerships: Identify and connect with organizations that align with your business goals. Partnerships can lead to retail opportunities, sponsorships, and long-term business relationships.

5- Be an Advocate: Use your platform to advocate for other minorities. By leading the way, you create a path for others to follow, strengthening your community and network.

My journey as a minority mompreneur has been one of resilience, strategy, and unwavering focus on growth. By embracing my identity, building strong local ties, and positioning DTOCS as a trusted, visible brand, I’ve not only grown my business but also contributed to the larger goal of equity and support for other minority entrepreneurs. Keep pushing forward—your unique voice and vision are what the world needs.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Pallavi Pande: A BIPOC momprenuer championing a sustainable brand-Dtocs palm leaf tableware and reshaping the world, one palm leaf plate at a time. At Dtocs, I rescue palm leaves in India to give them one more use and make sustainable single-use tableware from them for homes and events. Balancing the scales of income and impact with an eco-warrior’s heart, you’ll catch me swirling in a Zumba class or savoring fine wine or networking with a group of like minded people when I’m off duty. I am all for People, Planet and Parties!

I am a passionate Mompreneur from Portland, Oregon, owner of DTOCS palm leaf tableware brand. Inspired by my childhood memories of dining on banana leaves in India, I wanted to create a brand that reflected that practice. I rescue naturally shed Areca palm leaves in India and am on a mission to replace your cheap paper, toxic plastic and expensive bamboo plates with my sustainable palm leaf alternatives.
“DTOCS”,my brand name, echoes the essence of “Detox,” symbolizes a cleaner, sustainable journey with palm leaves. DTOCS brand has three pillars- usability, sustainability and community.

On the toughest days, what truly reignites my passion for Dtocs are the powerful stories shared by our customers and the impact we witness firsthand. We’re often flooded with messages on our social media, where customers express their admiration for our mission to empower women in India and their love for our eco-friendly products. Hearing how Dtocs has played a role in making events like weddings both memorable and sustainable fills me with immense pride.But what truly resonates with me are the transformative stories from our initiatives, like when we provided sewing machines to the women of Anmol Sahara NGO in India. One woman’s journey to starting her own tailoring business to support her family, and another who opened a fashion school to teach sewing to other women, are testaments to the profound ripple effect of our efforts. These stories are a beacon of hope and motivation, compelling us to push forward and amplify our impact. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded of the power of our collective action and the difference we can make, one eco-friendly plate and one sewing machine at a time.

Beyond these professional accolades, I am deeply committed to empowering women within my local community. I’ve taken the initiative to build a women’s community in Portland called Portland brown mommies consisting of 2000 local moms, focusing on providing support and resources specifically tailored to women of Indian and Asian cultural backgrounds. This initiative is designed to create a nurturing environment where women can connect, share experiences, and access opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Dtocs, under my leadership, has garnered significant recognition and media attention for its innovative and sustainable approach to disposable tableware. I am INC 250 female founders in 2024.

In 2023, I was honored to be a candidate for the prestigious E&Y Award in the Northwest. The same year in November, the Portland Business Journal awarded Dtocs the Makers and Manufacture Company Award, a testament to our brand’s quality and impact. Further accentuating our success, Dtocs and I were named as successful awardees in the Influential Businesswoman Awards by Acquisition International in 2023. Top 100 women Entrepreneurs recognised by Chase and Entreprenista community with the Entreprenista100 Award..This recognition speaks volumes about our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the industry.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed in the media, with features in several prominent publications. KOIN6 News in Oregon has highlighted our products, Oregon Home Magazine has advocated for homeowners to choose our eco-friendly tableware for their events, and the Washington Post Journal covered our partnerships with event planners to promote eco-friendly events. Additionally, the Portland Business Journal has recognized our brand’s inspiring story.

As a testament to our impact in the e-commerce and sustainability sector, I have been invited to speak at the Oregon Food Venture. Here, I discussed the strategies behind building a successful brand in the digital marketplace and the crucial role businesses play in driving environmental change. In 2019, Dtocs was also celebrated as the NEXTY Award winner at the Natural Products EXPO EAST. These accolades and features across various media platforms are a true testament to Dtocs’ commitment to sustainability and the significant positive impact our products have in the market.

In five years, Dtocs envisions leveraging our successful Amazon USA strategy to expand into 10 major countries, aiming for $20M in revenue. We plan to broaden our reach in retail, targeting national distribution through Costco or WholeFoods for our straws, potentially adding $10M in revenue. Additionally, we’re considering a $1M fundraising round to invest in digital marketing and securing foodservice contracts, with a focus on DEI collaborations. This strategic growth could realistically position us within the $5B single-use disposable market, aiming for a $50M goal.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on the DTOCS journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, strategic networking, and adaptability.

Resilience was crucial in facing challenges head-on, from overcoming biases to navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. For those early in their journey, I recommend building resilience by embracing failures as learning opportunities and staying committed to your vision, even when the road gets tough.

Strategic Networking played a pivotal role in expanding DTOCS’ reach. Building genuine relationships with local communities, partners, and mentors opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed. My advice is to start networking early and prioritize meaningful connections over quantity—focus on those who share your values and can support your growth.

Adaptability allowed DTOCS to thrive in changing environments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to pivot, whether by embracing digital marketing or exploring new revenue streams, kept the business moving forward. For aspiring entrepreneurs, developing adaptability means staying open to change, continuously learning, and being willing to adjust your strategies as needed.

To develop these skills, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, seek feedback, and engage in continuous learning. Each challenge you face will only make you stronger and more prepared for the journey ahead.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our ideal client at DTOCS is someone who values sustainability and is committed to making eco-friendly choices in their daily life or business. They are typically environmentally conscious individuals, charcuterie makers, event planners, caterers, or businesses in the foodservice industry who seek high-quality, compostable alternatives to traditional paper and plastic disposable tableware.

Key characteristics of an ideal client include:

Eco-Conscious Mindset: They prioritize products that are not only functional but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. They understand the importance of sustainability and are actively looking for ways to incorporate it into their practices.

Quality-Oriented: They appreciate the durability, natural beauty, and functionality of our palm leaf tableware, recognizing that sustainable products can also be stylish and reliable.

Community-Focused: They resonate with our mission to support local artisans, empower communities, and give back through various social initiatives. They prefer to support businesses that have a positive impact on society.

Innovative and Forward-Thinking: They are open to new ideas and innovative solutions that can replace traditional, less sustainable options. They are often early adopters of eco-friendly products and practices.

Aligned with Our Values: They share our commitment to sustainability, usability, and community, and they are excited to partner with a brand that reflects these values in every aspect of its operations.

Whether they are planning a wedding, running a restaurant, or organizing a corporate event, our ideal clients choose DTOCS because they believe in making a difference, one sustainable choice at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dtocs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtocspates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtocsplates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-pande-bb5abb1b/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DtocsL
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fvPs051hLboYHa_XjxlUg
• Other: Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@dtocsplates

Image Credits

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