Founder Spotlight: Pallavi Pande (Dtocs)
Meet Pallavi Pande:
Dtocs palm leaf tableware:Crafted from naturally shed palm leaves, they're eco-friendly, chemical-free, and perfect for homes and events.
Startup Stage:
Bootstrapped
Location:
Portland, Oregon, USA
When did you launch the business?
February 11, 2019
What led you to where you are today?
Hi, I'm Pallavi Pande, a passionate Mompreneur from Portland, Oregon, and the heart behind DTOCS. Inspired by my childhood memories of dining on banana leaves in India, I introduced the concept of this sustainable practice to the Western world. I rescue fallen 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," which symbolizes a cleaner, sustainable journey with palm leaves.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Before embarking on this sustainable journey with Dtocs palm leaf tableware, I wish I had realized the challenges of changing consumer mindset towards eco-friendly products. Additionally, understanding the nuances of sourcing sustainably and ethically is as crucial as the end product. Nevertheless, each challenge has reinforced the importance and value of our mission.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
One of the most challenging decisions we've had to make for Dtocs was choosing our sourcing and production methods in various parts of the world. Ensuring that our processes were both sustainable and ethical, while still being efficient and scalable, required balancing numerous considerations. At the heart of every decision, however, was our commitment to the environment and to delivering quality to our customers.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
At Dtocs, we're deeply committed to sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. We can assist the VEGPRENEUR community by sharing our experiences in sustainable product development, ethical sourcing, and navigating the challenges of marketing eco-conscious products. Our journey has equipped us with valuable insights into connecting with eco-aware consumers and scaling a business with an environmental focus. Let's collaborate and further the cause of sustainable entrepreneurship together!
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
The VEGPRENEUR community, with its rich network of eco-conscious enthusiasts, can greatly benefit Dtocs in several ways. By providing feedback on our products, spreading the word about our sustainable mission, or introducing us to potential collaborations, you can heighten our reach. Features and recognitions within the VEGPRENEUR community would not only bolster our brand visibility and exposure but also play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about our commitment to sustainability. We are always open to collaborative ventures that resonate with our shared vision of an eco-friendly future.
Fun fact about you:
Did you know? As the founder of Dtocs palm leaf tableware, I have traveled to an impressive 18 countries over the last 15 years! During these journeys, I immersed myself in diverse cultures, learning about various sustainable practices and embracing the beauty of nature and the simplicity of life experiences. To name a few, My favorite experience of natural beauty was in Roatan, Honduras, a small Island in the middle of the Caribbean where I had an amazing time learning about Iguanas at the Iguana Farm.
Anything else you would like to share?
Under the visionary leadership of Pallavi Pande, Dtocs palm leaf tableware brand has carved a unique niche in the market, transforming challenges into opportunities with unwavering resilience and dedication. Beyond mere sustainable products, the company stands as a beacon of positive community impact, with a team that's empowered and committed, thanks to an environment of inclusivity and motivation. Recognized with the NEXTY Award in 2019 and Media recognition in local KOIN6 News in Oregon and publishings in Oregon home sustainable products and Portland Business Journal business story acknowledgment, the company's achievements underscore its distinction as the only women-led palm leaf company.
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