On March 13, WomenVenture hosted “Seeds for Growth”, an event for business owners looking to access capital and grow their businesses, sponsored by Huntington Bank. A pitch competition was included as part of the event and we are honored to highlight the three winners; Hallie Rogers, Shayla Owodunni, and Rachel Anderson.
Hallie Rogers, Better Beginnings
Hallie Rogers founded Better Beginnings in 2013 with a commitment to fill the gap in professional postpartum support for families. When Better Beginnings started, very few people knew about doulas, and even fewer knew about postpartum doulas. Better Beginnings quickly became a leader in the field, providing excellent services for the “fourth trimester” as parents transition into life at home with their new baby. They now serve three Minnesota communities, providing birth doula services, postpartum doula support, childbirth, and parenting education, in-home lactation support, and parenting groups in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester. Their work helps families adjust and bond with their new baby, it decreases rates of postpartum anxiety and depression, and it increases breastfeeding success rates. They can also be a crucial link in preventing postpartum health emergencies, which account for over 60% of maternal deaths in the United States. Better Beginnings is proud to be a part of the solution to our nation’s maternal health crisis.
Shayla Owodunni, The Plant Penthouse
The Plant Penthouse is a flora-inspired interiors and lifestyle brand founded in 2020 by Minnesota native, Shayla Owodunni. Since Shayla’s early days as a boisterous kindergartner insistent on wearing neon knee-highs with brightly printed dresses, curating vibrant juxtapositions (like a tropical oasis in Minneapolis) has become a joy-filled way of life. Through interior biophilic design and maintenance services, plant care education, and tastemaker inspiration, The Plant Penthouse is your residence to reimagine ‘posh’ penthouse concepts for life’s everyday moments—and appreciate the elevated art of living well. Through these doors, we believe there is opulence to embrace in each dwelling space; regardless of size, location, or circumstance. Welcome home.
Rachel Anderson, Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company
Vikings and Goddesses started as a pie business in 2019. Following the pandemic we pivoted to other pastries, home delivery, and wholesale. With 9 full-time employees and over 30 wholesale clients, we strive every day to create sustainable jobs especially for women in the hospitality industry while serving high-quality baked goods. This year we are launching a frozen product line and will be one of the first in the country to have 100% BPI Certified Compostable packaging in the freezer aisle. In addition to our many wholesale clients, our retail walk-up window is open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 8am-2pm at 2036 Marshall Avenue and we are at the Mill City Farmers Market.
