Startups in Stilettos Cultivating Change with Sustainable Tableware with Pallavi Pande
“Everything started because somebody started it. Somebody felt that need, ‘Okay, this is not there. Let me take care of this and let me contribute the way I can.’ Of course we can't conquer the world—we're not capable. But we can all do our part and contribute in some ways and we have to start because I believe doing is powerful… because not doing is not.”
Growing up in India, Pallavi Pande spent her childhood eating her meals off of banana leaves—a memory she cherished so much that she wanted to share it with her children… and the rest of the world. Today, Pallavi is a BIPOC mompreneur and founder of Dtocs, a company that crafts sustainable single use tableware from fallen palm leaves. Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional disposable tableware, Pallavi drew from her Indian heritage and established Dtocs in 2019 to offer a greener alternative for both households and events. Beyond her innovative products, Pallavi is deeply committed to social causes, leveraging Dtocs to support community upliftment, women's empowerment, and education for underserved children. Dtocs stands in a testament to Pilates dedication, not only to offering a sustainable dining alternative, but also to making a meaningful impact on society, one palm leaf plate at a time. Tune in and hear our conversation with Pallavi about building a seven figure brand, using Amazon to scale her business, and how she makes sure to prioritize flexibility and independence.
What we talk about:
- Pallavi’s 3 P’s: party, planet, people (03:14)
- Managing a supply chain during the pandemic (08:13)
- Pallavi’s advice for fellow BIPOC female entrepreneurs (14:24)
- The importance of community for entrepreneurs (16:07)
- Experimenting with marketing and ads (20:13)
- Non-dilutive grants (22:09)
Connect with Pallavi:
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