I never imagined that missing the street food of India would lead me to where I am today—running a sustainable business, sharing my culture with my daughters, and creating a community for moms like me. This is the story of how I started DTOCS and Portland Brown Mommies.
Finding My Roots Again
I grew up in the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by rich culture and traditions. After moving to the U.S. 18 years ago, I missed the flavors, especially the street food of my homeland. That longing inspired me to start DTOCS, a business that not only brings a piece of India into American homes but also supports women back in India. Our products are made from fallen palm leaves—completely compostable and zero waste. For me, it's more than tableware; it’s a way to pass down my heritage to my daughters, Rhea and Isha.
Portland Brown Mommies: A Community I Needed Eight years ago, I moved to Oregon with my two kids and felt completely lost. At 30, battling postpartum depression, I knew I needed support. So, I posted on a Facebook group looking for help. Two local moms responded, and from that small connection, Portland Brown Mommies was born. What started as a few women chatting has grown into a group of nearly 2,000 moms. We meet monthly to share advice, support, and sometimes just laughter. We cover everything—motherhood, mental health, leadership, even babysitting! It’s a space I wish I had when I first arrived.
Opening Doors for More Moms The group has become more than just for Indian moms. Now, we welcome women from across South Asia who understand our shared cultural experiences—whether it’s food, family traditions, or just the challenges of balancing life as moms in the U.S. Together, we’ve built a community where everyone feels understood. "You’re welcome to the group because I wanted to start a community that I never had.”
From creating a business that reflects my culture to building a community that supports moms like me, my journey has been one of growth, connection, and empowerment.