featuring Tie members for holiday giving
This holiday season, we’re celebrating the incredible local entrepreneurs that TiE Oregon has proudly supported on their journey in building their startup. These hardworking visionaries are not only building businesses but also strengthening our community and driving economic growth. To foster entrepreneurship and support our ecosystem, we encourage you to shop with them this year.
Check out our curated list of entrepreneurs who are making a difference right here in Oregon—your support helps fuel their dreams and our shared future!
(Listed in a random order…)
The Barreled Bee
The Barreled Bee, LLC is a unique Portland-based company that specializes in crafting small-batch, barrel-aged honey. By sourcing high-quality honey from local apiaries and repurposing barrels from nearby craft distilleries, The Barreled Bee infuses its products with distinctive flavors that reflect the region's artisanal spirit.
Beach Necessities
BeachNecessities.com is an innovative eCommerce platform dedicated to providing a wide range of affordable and unique beach accessories and gear. Founded by Bill Davis, the company aims to enhance the online shopping experience for the over $15 billion U.S. beach goods market. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, BeachNecessities.com not only offers products that cater to beachgoers but also actively supports ocean and beach conservation initiatives.
Rising Wines Collective
Rising Wines Collective is a distinctive wine company based in Mercer Island, Washington, dedicated to delivering exclusive small-production wines that celebrate the artistry of winemaking. Founded in 2021, the collective connects passionate wine enthusiasts with boutique winemakers from top wine regions, emphasizing sustainable and organic practices. Through its curated subscription service, Rising Wines Collective offers members a chance to explore unique and limited-availability wines, fostering a community that values quality and craftsmanship over mass production.
Better Boba
Better Boba is a pioneering company dedicated to revolutionizing the boba tea experience by offering all-natural, healthier boba pearls made from simple ingredients. Founded by Allison and Parth Sodha, the company emerged from their personal quest to find boba that aligns with traditional Taiwanese recipes, free from preservatives and artificial additives commonly found in mass-produced options.
Bproud
Bproud is a dynamic clothing brand focused on empowering individuals through stylish, high-quality apparel that promotes inclusivity and self-expression. Founded with the mission to celebrate diversity and foster a sense of community, Bproud offers a range of products that cater to various body types and personal styles. The brand emphasizes ethical production practices, sourcing materials responsibly while ensuring that every piece is made to last.
Charcuterie Me
Charcuterie Me is a premier online service that specializes in delivering beautifully curated charcuterie boards filled with high-quality artisan meats, cheeses, and antipasto directly to your doorstep. Designed for those who appreciate gourmet experiences without the hassle of preparation, Charcuterie Me takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect spread, offering ready-to-serve options that are ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or personal indulgence.
Matiz
Matiz Rugs is an artisanal rug company founded by Jezarely Miguel, who began this venture to honor her cultural roots and celebrate her heritage. Inspired by the rich textile traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico, Jezarely's designs reflect the vibrant landscapes and architectural beauty of her family's homeland. Established in Portland, Oregon, Matiz aims to preserve traditional craftsmanship by collaborating with skilled artisans in Teotitlán Del Valle, ensuring that each rug is not only a unique piece of art but also a testament to sustainable practices.
Cokiea’s Kitchen
Cokiea's Kitchen is a vibrant vegan eatery located in Portland, Oregon, known for its delicious, plant-based comfort food that caters to a diverse clientele. Situated at 5235 NE Sandy Blvd, this charming kitchen offers a menu filled with hearty dishes like jackfruit tacos, meatless meatloaf, and vegetarian lasagna, all crafted with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor.
Culzzles
Culzzles is a creative company that specializes in multicultural, educational jigsaw puzzles designed for both adults and children. With a focus on inclusivity and learning, Culzzles offers a diverse range of puzzles that celebrate cultures from around the world, featuring artwork by global artists. Each puzzle not only provides an engaging challenge but also serves as a valuable educational tool, promoting awareness and appreciation of different cultures through art and storytelling.
FANWAGN
FanWagn is an innovative re-commerce company based in Oregon, dedicated to transforming the way sports fans engage with their favorite teams through sustainable practices. Founded by Lauren Teague, FanWagn provides a dedicated marketplace for fans to buy and sell pre-loved team apparel, promoting the concept of "Second Fan Fashion®." This platform not only allows sports enthusiasts to discover authentic merchandise but also encourages a circular economy by keeping fan gear out of landfills.
For Bitter For Worse
For Bitter For Worse is an innovative non-alcoholic beverage company based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to crafting sophisticated and flavorful alternatives to traditional cocktails. Founded by Shelley Elkovich, the company was born from a desire to create high-quality, intensely flavored drinks that cater to those seeking mindful drinking options without sacrificing taste. Utilizing a unique process called "reverse bootlegging," For Bitter For Worse infuses water with a blend of botanical ingredients, then distills it to create a concentrated zero-proof base.
Yo Massage
Yo Massage is a unique wellness concept located in Portland, Oregon, that combines the benefits of massage therapy with restorative yoga practices in a relaxed, semi-private setting. Offering a range of services, Yo Massage focuses on creating a soothing environment where clients can experience deep relaxation and tension relief through their signature mind-body relaxation techniques. Each session incorporates elements such as hot towels and essential oils, enhancing the overall experience while catering to various needs, including prenatal care.
Finnegan the Dragon
Finnegan the Dragon is an innovative educational venture based in Oregon, dedicated to enhancing early childhood literacy through engaging musical experiences. Founded by Emily Cadiz, a former special education teacher, the company focuses on children ages 2 to 6, utilizing music as a powerful tool to advance language skills. Recently recognized for its impactful work, Finnegan the Dragon has received a substantial SBIR grant from the National Institutes of Health to further support its mission.
Portland Water
Portland Water is a unique beverage company founded by three passionate individuals who recognized the exceptional quality of Oregon's water. Portland Water aims to put Oregon on the map for its fresh water as well as provide an ethical alternative to the conventional bottled water. The water is delivered in 100% recyclable cans and treated with UV filtration, ensuring it's as clean and refreshing as nature intended. No waste. No microplastics. Just fresh spring water from the Pacific Northwest.
Kichana
Kichana is a vibrant culinary concept in Portland, Oregon, that specializes in Peruvian fusion cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists. Founded by a passionate team dedicated to showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Peru, Kichana offers a diverse catering menu that highlights the country's unique ingredients and cooking techniques.
Dtocs
Dtocs is an innovative brand based in Portland, Oregon, founded by Pallavi Pande with a mission to redefine sustainability in dining through eco-friendly tableware. Specializing in luxury disposable dinnerware made from naturally shed Areca palm leaves, Dtocs offers a sustainable alternative to traditional paper and plastic products. Each product is crafted without chemicals and plastics, ensuring a safe dining experience while promoting biodegradable practices.
Howl at the Spoon
Howl at the Spoon is an innovative company based in Oregon that specializes in hand-crafted, single-serve sauces designed to elevate meals with convenience and flavor. Founded with a passion for quality and sustainability, Howl at the Spoon uses only the finest ingredients, including organic herbs, produce, and spices, to create bold and unique flavor profiles. Their sauces cater to a variety of dietary preferences, such as keto, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Lil Mama’s Hair Growth
Lil Mama's Hair Growth is a dedicated hair care company based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in natural products designed to promote healthy hair growth and overall hair wellness. Founded with a passion for empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty, the brand offers a range of hair care solutions formulated with botanical ingredients that nourish and strengthen hair. Lil Mama's Hair Growth focuses on creating effective, safe, and eco-friendly products that cater to diverse hair types and textures.
Sip Herbals
Sip Herbals is an innovative company founded by Orleatha Smith, dedicated to providing a delicious and health-conscious alternative to traditional coffee. Based in Portland, Oregon, Sip Herbals offers a line of prebiotic, caffeine-free coffee substitutes made from a blend of roasted carob, dandelion, and chicory roots. This unique formulation caters especially to individuals with autoimmune conditions or those sensitive to caffeine, allowing them to enjoy the rich flavors and comforting experience of coffee without the negative side effects.
Trailblazing Tails
Trailblazing Tails is an innovative dog gear company that specializes in crafting high-quality, multifunctional leashes designed for the modern pet owner. Founded with a commitment to durability and practicality, Trailblazing Tails utilizes BioThane®, a waterproof and odor-proof material, to create leashes that are not only strong but also easy to clean and maintain. Their signature products, such as "The Pica" and "The Big Dog," feature unique designs that include adjustable lengths and hands-free options, allowing for versatility during walks or outdoor adventures.
