DWB April Quarterly Connect: Power in the Numbers | Open Space Event Studios
Cultural Experiences
In Q1, we set the stage with bold, audacious goals—dreaming big, turning vision into strategy, and seeing what happens when brave ideas move into action.
Now in Q2, it’s time to harness the power in the numbers - because knowing your numbers means owning your growth.
We’re digging into the financial side of growth: how to scale sustainably, fund intentionally, and make money moves that support your next level. Whether you're bootstrapping, considering capital, or just trying to make sense of your margins—this quarter is about finding power in clarity, confidence, and the numbers that drive smart business.
When
: Wednesday, April 23rd 4:00 - 6:30 pm [4:20 intros, 4:30 - 5:30 panel discussion, 5:30+ networking]
Where
: Open Space Studios [220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR 97701]
What
: Let’s talk about what it really takes to grow—on your terms. In this panel, you’ll hear from women who have scaled their teams, raised capital (or chosen not to), and built systems that support their growth. We’ll dig into the real numbers behind the vision—how they thought about cash flow, funding, and financial resilience along the way. Expect honest stories, actionable insights, and space to ask your own burning questions.
More details
:
We’ll be joined by three powerhouse women who know what it takes to grow with intention:
Katie Thomson
of
Square Baby
,
Rose Archer
of
Luscious Supper Club
, and serial founder
Su Embree
.
After some light icebreakers and intros, we’ll dive into a dynamic, candid conversation about the real financial decisions behind scaling a business. We’ll wrap with plenty of time for networking, connection, and continuing the conversation over drinks and light bites.
$15 Tickets for this event will cover the event space, delicious snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar with beer and wine for purchase.
**If cost is a barrier, please reach out so we can support you**
About Katie Thomson:
Katie Thomson MS, RDN: Co-founder, CEO of Square Baby. Katie is mom of 2 and Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Nutrition. She spent her career pioneering nutrition strategy for some of the biggest and most respected brands. As the first Nutritionist for Starbucks Coffee Company, she shaped their first Health & Wellness strategy and made foundational shifts to the menu.
When she became a mom, Katie shifted all of her energy to creating a better solution for parents and babies. And with Nutrition Science and sustainability at their core, Square Baby is the only baby food company offering an Allergen Introduction Menu as well as 100% Daily Nutrition meal plans that provide 100% of baby’s daily recommended servings of veggies, fruit, whole grains, and protein. Meals are made fresh with organic whole foods, tested for heavy metals, and delivered to your doorstep in sustainable packaging.
Square Baby has been recognized by Oprah Daily, BuzzFeed, Hollywood Reporter, Parents, Crunchbase, Target Accelerators, and more. You can find them online at SquareBaby.com (delivering frozen meals nationwide) or locally at Market of Choice and Locavore.
About Rose Archer:
Rose Archer is the founder and creative force behind Luscious Supper Club, Luscious Bend Food + Wine Experience, and Ignite Laser Therapy. A long-time Bend resident and small business owner, Rose is dedicated to building purpose-driven ventures that center care, connection, and beauty.
Through Luscious Supper Club, Rose has hosted monthly, sold-out seven-course dinners for 28 consecutive months, welcoming 60 guests each month into her home for an intimate, communal dining experience. This success has laid the foundation for her newest venture, the Luscious Bend Food + Wine Experience, launching September 27 at Mt. Bachelor Lodge. This large-scale culinary celebration will feature 10 top local chefs, 10 regional farms, and 10 wineries, aiming to elevate Central Oregon’s food culture and attract 500 guests from across the region.
In addition to her work in the culinary world, Rose is the founder of Ignite Laser Therapy, a wellness practice using FDA-approved Class IV lasers to reduce pain and inflammation. She serves a diverse clientele—from athletes to aging adults—seeking safe, non-invasive healing solutions.
Whether through food, healing, or community building, Rose’s work is rooted in the belief that every person is sacred and worthy of meaningful care and connection.
About Su Embree:
Su Embree is the founder of Saute, a sauce and marinade business for Asian inspired meals at home. She is the former CEO and owner of DHM Research, a well-respected public policy research firm in Portland and Seattle. She sold and exited the business in 2021 to her dream buyer. She is also a cofounder of The Script which supports college students and young professionals from underserved communities on a pathway of leadership and to build assets for generational wealth.
Su serves as a trustee and board member of multiple organizations including the Oregon Community Foundation, the Children’s Institute, IWF Oregon, and she is an advisor to several emerging entrepreneurs. She served as the past President of the Entrepreneur’s Organization - a peer group of over 160 founders in Portland, and she’s a former trustee of OMSI - one of the most innovative science museums in the country.
Su is an investor and owner of several James Beard nominated restaurants in Portland. She has called Oregon home for 30 years with her husband and two daughters.
Information Source: Deschutes Women in Business | eventbrite