Pallavi Pande is a self-proclaimed mompreneur who was inspired to create sustainable tableware out of fallen leaves, to mimic dining on banana leaves as she did growing up in India. We sat down with her to find out about how she created her brand, Dtocs, out of this idea, what it’s like running her business, and what factor had the biggest impact in building it to a 7-figure company.
First of all, tell us about your business and what it’s all about, in your own words!
Dtocs is an eco-conscious brand dedicated to reducing single-use disposable tableware by offering sustainable tableware made from naturally shed palm leaves. Our mission is to provide environmentally friendly, stylish, and durable alternatives for consumers and businesses, promoting a greener lifestyle and minimizing single use tableware waste footprints at homes and events.
At Dtocs, we are putting the ‘able’ in sustainable and the ‘fun’ in functional. We blend tradition and convenience with eco-consciousness to create stylish, single-use tableware from naturally shed palm leaves. Our aim is to offer consumers a green and convenient ‘detoxifying AKA cleansing journey with palm leaves’ alternative to cheap paper, toxic plastic, and boring traditional tableware for homes and events, making sustainability an appealing and healthy choice.
We give back 1% of our proceeds to the majority female workforce community who manufacture our products in India, empowering underserved children with their annual tuition fee in India and making education equitable in Portland by partnering with the non-profit “Greater Than PDX” in Oregon.
Incredible. Where did the idea for this come from?
I remember eating on banana leaves while growing up in India. As a mom, I wanted to bring this experience of eating on leaves to the western world at parties as we create so much waste. I started my brand Dtocs inspired by the word “Detox”: a cleansing journey with palm leaves for the environment, and with these 3 things in mind- sustainability, usability & community.
Dtocs is a sustainable BIPOC women-owned small business. We create sustainable single-use disposable dinnerware made from palm leaves for households, food and hospitality industry, handcrafted by women artisans in India. We’re doing our bit to make the world more green.
How did you figure out how to get started in this industry and to take those first steps?
I had experience in logistics and warehousing for a company in my job. I knew how to get products shipped between countries. Now it was a matter of what product I wanted to call my “baby” and add value to consumers’ lives.
Starting Dtocs involved researching the sustainable products market, understanding the environmental impact of cheap paper, toxic plastic and so called compostable single-use disposables in foodservice that dont compost even in hundred of years due to nano plastics and PLAs, and identifying a gap for eco-friendly tableware. Initial steps included sourcing materials in India to give back to the community in a country where I was born, finding our supplier and manufacturing vendors, investing in product molds for shapes, and establishing a supply chain that aligned with our eco-conscious values, laying the groundwork for introducing a sustainable brand like Dtocs to the market.
What was the biggest challenge about creating your eco-friendly business model and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was ensuring our supply chain was fully streamlined especially during COVID years. We addressed this by meticulously vetting suppliers and partners, building a robust relationship and transparent net payment plans to keep cash flow positive, and sharing our commitment to the environment and social responsibility, ensuring every aspect of our business model aligned with our eco-friendly mission.
What do you think made the biggest impact in the growth of your business to 7 figures?
The significant growth of Dtocs to a 7-figure business can be attributed to establishing a trusted brand presence on Amazon in the USA and Canada, catering to customers’ needs for quick, reliable service. Additionally, participating in tradeshows and leveraging user-generated content through collaborations on instagram with genuine brand enthusiasts helped build a loyal customer base, further driving our success.
How do you stay motivated as a female entrepreneur?
Staying motivated involves continuous learning and networking. I attend conferences to keep up with industry trends and engage with women’s business communities like Entreprenista and StartupCPG. Participating in accelerators like TIE and mentoring other entrepreneurs also fuels my drive, keeping me connected and inspired within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is the boldest business move you have ever made?
The boldest move for Dtocs was venturing into the competitive Amazon marketplace in the USA and Canada. As a brand making 80% of our revenue on Amazon, they acknowledged our brand growth and featured us in a “SELL ON AMAZON” post for their Thanksgiving business spotlight, which was rewarding. Despite the challenges, we established Dtocs as a trusted eco-friendly brand, significantly broadening our reach and impact in the sustainable products sector. Partnerships like these are pivotal to small business and help with brand exposure to gain customer confidence in shopping from a brand.
What other kinds of partnerships and support do you have?
Dtocs thrives on a robust support system, including partnerships with eco-focused nonprofits, access to seasoned mentors through programs like ICCC and Pacific Community Venture, and a network of local and inception-stage mentors with strategic expertise. This network, combined with active engagement in accelerator groups and networking communities, provides invaluable guidance and opportunities for growth.
We get our biggest support from people who refer our brand to nonprofits and organizations, aligning our sustainable tableware with their event needs, fostering mutual support for environmental stewardship.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day involves strategic planning, overseeing operations, engaging with partners and customers, and staying updated on sustainability trends. Time is also dedicated to mentorship and community involvement, reflecting our commitment to both business growth and environmental advocacy. On a personal level, I love cooking Vegan dishes for dinner and planning our next trip to a different continent, a different country around the table.
Fun fact: I have traveled to 19 countries and 5 continents with my family!
Any advice for women in business?
Ladies in the biz world, wear your resilience like a dazzling cape and let your authenticity shine like your favorite statement piece! It’s all about strutting through challenges with grace and keeping it real. Trust in your unique perspective and values, and don’t shy away from seeking mentorship and community support. Remember, your journey can inspire and pave the way for others.
