In spring of 1994, inspired by Victoria Magazine, Dori launched her first 'Business of Bliss', My Remembrance. For nearly five years she designed and created lovely vintage inspired women's clothing and small accessories, selling her work at upscale Arts & Crafts Fairs throughout the Pacific Northwest. The shopkeeping bug bit in 1998 and Dori opened her shop, Island Tea Company, now in its twelfth year of operation.  While launching and growing a successful business has been been a satisfying experience, what has been even more rewarding to Dori is the time she has spent encouraging other women as they launch their own entrepreneurial ventures. 

Dori Hallberg
Co-Founder

Trained in her mother’s office since 13, office and administrative work are second nature to Stephanie. She worked in civil service for more than 10 years but after several years of commuting, she, along with two partners, opened a retail ceramics business in 2001. Stephanie ran both her retail space and a bookkeeping service and for many years the two businesses happily occupied her time. In 2006, knowing that balance is the key to a happy life, Stephanie sold retail shop and now is a full time bookkeeper.  She knows first hand that every business owner needs to have a good grasp of the financials in order to make educated decisions. 

Stephanie Zea
Co-Founder

Debi Ward Kennedy comes from generations of entrepreneurs, among them shopkeepers, farmers, artisans and merchants, and many of them women whose example taught her the value of hard work combined with imagination. Deb will be the first to tell you that there are no fancy degrees hanging on her wall, but since her first job, as a 13-year-old display creator in her mother's gift shop located across the street from Disneyland, she has been pursuing her burgeoning passion for retail marketing.  Her education & work experience has focused on art, marketing, merchandising, and business.  As both an employee and a consultant for theme parks, national retailers, world-renowned wineries, and independent small businesses, Deb has been active in the retail industry for over 30 years.

Debi Ward Kennedy
Co-Founder