Meet The Women Entrepreneurs Who Are Powering Our Urban Scene

Where women lead, communities thrive. This International Women's Day, we're celebrating just a few of the female entrepreneurs in Mt. Hood Territory's urban areas who are turning passion into impact. Their work goes beyond business; it's about connection, creativity and lifting others as they rise.

On a quiet corner off the bustling streets of downtown Oregon City, imperfecta art & design gallery is a world unto itself. Its warm, inviting ambiance is a refreshing (and deliberate) departure from the minimalist aesthetic common to many art spaces. The November 2023 opening of this petite gallery marked the realization of a lifelong ambition for Daria Loi, whose diverse career path — from architect to Ph.D. student to high-tech executive — ultimately led her to become a gallery owner.

Growing up in Milan, Italy, Loi imagined creating a space where art could inspire and connect, a vision that gained renewed urgency after her mother's passing. “No more postponing, no more ignoring, no more ridiculing my own dreams,” Loi said. “That day imperfecta went from dream to reality.” Loi runs all aspects of the gallery, including curation, artist handling, inventory, show coordination, marketing and more.

Loi is herself a hybrid artist; one of her solo shows confronted the gendered dynamics of the tech world head-on, each piece examining the subtle cues and implicit messages she received as a woman in a position of power. 

Beyond her own creative pursuits, Loi is deeply committed to strengtening the local arts through imperfecta. “Reminiscent of antique cabinets of curiosities,” the gallery specializes in elevating the work of women artists and minority creatives from around the globe, as well as offering a diverse selection of art at different price points, "so that anyone can bring home some beauty." With very high standards, she curates artists not only for their talent but also for a genuine connection, choosing individuals whose values align with her own.

Today, the gallery features 41 local and international artists and has quickly become a community hub, hosting monthly exhibitions and other events. "Opening an art gallery in Oregon City (versus another neighborhood) was a decision that I made specifically to bring a positive impact to my community," explained Loi. “We live in a world that is too frequently divided and polarized, yet I strongly believe that the arts speak a language that can unite us."

To further foster the gallery’s distinctive community, Loi created Imperfecta Arts Collective, an initiative funded by Fractured Atlas that aims to elevate the arts in Oregon City and surrounding areas through art residencies, community engagement and artist development programs.

What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs?

• Believe in yourself: Never compromise, hide, cripple or negate your true self.
• Be like a sponge: Keep learning and growing through and with others. Make every experience count.
• Focus and prioritize: Be clear on where you wish to go, why and how. Ditch the rest.
• Be shameless: Ask for opportunities — if they are not there, create them.
• Partner: Find true allies, mentors and champions that will support and advocate for you.
• Persist: Be ready for bumps in the road yet do not give up. Stay focused and move forward.

Oregon has a renowned wine industry, but women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Cassandra Beldowicz is changing that narrative as the founder and winemaker of Corcilla Cellars, an urban winery that crafts exceptional small-batch wines. Partnering with her sister, Erin Eveland, who manages the cozy, colorful tasting room (think Instagram-worthy aesthetics, lush plants and the irresistible allure of fresh baguettes and French butter) this sister team is building something special.

"It was frustrating to see so little representation on the production side," Beldowicz recalled of her experience working in other wineries since 2016, including in Napa Valley, often as the only woman on the team. Knowing that less than 10% of U.S. winemakers are women, and even fewer own their own brands, Beldowicz was determined to make a change. With her sister by her side, she launched Corcilla Cellars in 2022, crafting no-fuss wines at AVP Wine Collective & Storage, a woman-owned production facility in nearby Milwaukie. "There's no drama or competition," she says. "Just support and cheerleading and collaboration."

Eveland's welcoming hospitality defines their Oregon City tasting room, a space that embodies female entrepreneurship, community collaboration and respect for all. It's a place where wine lovers discover unique varietals from regions such as Walla Walla and Rogue Valley, and where Beldowicz shares her passion through approachable wine education. Notably, Beldowicz's "Badass Women Blends" series crafts bold wines inspired by iconic women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Betty White, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Oregon Girls Collaborative Project and their work to get girls into STEM careers.

Beldowicz also acknowledges the crucial role of Latin American labor in the wine industry, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect and recognizing their invaluable contributions. "They have touched every grape in that bottle with an incredible amount of skill and hard work."

What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs?

Start small, just start. Farmers markets are a great place to begin and that community is so supportive of each other. Find a mentor. And do your research! There are a lot of programs out there to help you get going and stay on your feet. Know your limitations, and stay within them. Don’t blow your budget, outsource your weak spots (such as law or accounting.)

As a tea lover and a therapist, Susie Sisk wanted to create a place in her community that fostered connection — where the goal was for people to get to know each other. This dream became a reality in late 2018 with the opening of Cup of Tea. Located in Happy Valley, today this tea house entices visitors with its cozy atmosphere and impressive loose-leaf selection.

“Tea has always been a symbol of warmth, comfort and conversation, and I saw an opportunity to build something special in our community,” Sisk explained.

Reflecting core values of inclusivity, community and sustainability, Cup of Tea quickly became a beloved gathering place for both residents and visitors alike. “I love meeting new people, hearing their stories and creating a space where face-to-face conversations thrive,” said Sisk. “In today's busy world, we need more opportunities to connect, and I'm open seven days a week to ensure there's always a place where we can hang out, drink tea and chat.”

Cup of Tea is more than just a loose-leaf shop — it's a sensory experience. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of teas from around the world, including unique blends like Mt. Hood Meadows, a peachy oolong tea, or Oregon Summer, a refreshing white tea. Customers can savor tea flights while enjoying a book or game from the shop's collection. Each season features a special "Tea of the Season," with 15% of the sales benefiting a local charity.

The shop also hosts engaging events, from tea classes that delve into the art and culture of tea to festive activities like pumpkin decorating. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply curious, there's something magical waiting for everyone.

"As a woman entrepreneur, I’ve found that learning from and collaborating with other women in business has been invaluable for success," said Sisk. "I can drive up the street and count a handful of women-owned businesses that I am actively collaborating with. The value of community is at the heart of my tea house, and I’m incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing businesses, like Venvino Art Studio or Breathe Yoga, which shares my belief in fostering community connections."

What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Pursue your passion and let your unique vision guide you. Surround yourself with supportive people who align with your values and can help you overcome challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or connect with other local entrepreneurs — our community offers a wealth of knowledge and camaraderie, especially through women’s networking opportunities. [...] Trust your instincts and remain true to your values, even when the path gets tough. Your authenticity will always be your greatest strength.