In this episode of The Pitch Black Podcast, Kimiko Matsuda and host Stephen Green explore the transition from corporate America to community engagement, the importance of local connections, and her journey into the food industry.

Kimiko shares her experiences in building a brand, the challenges faced, and the cultural responsibilities that come with being a business owner in Portland. She dives into the power of curiosity, the supportive culture among women entrepreneurs, and the role of community in the culinary scene. She also introduces The Idea Factory, her vision for empowering female founders and fostering collaboration.

Kimiko Matsuda is a Portland-based entrepreneur passionate about food, community, and innovation. She is the founder of The Idea Factory, a space dedicated to supporting and elevating female entrepreneurs.

Kimko's Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/kimi.ko__

Discover Pitch Black → https://www.pitchblack.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:58 Feedback and Future Directions

05:59 Community Engagement and Personal Journey

08:55 Corporate to Community Transition

11:50 The Importance of Local Engagement

14:49 The Shift to the Food Industry

18:01 Building a Brand and Community

21:01 Lessons from Rose and Lincoln

24:03 Cultural Identity and Responsibility

24:59 Engaging with Communities and Personal Growth

30:23 The Importance of Curiosity and Assimilation

38:20 Women Supporting Women in Portland

41:20 Pitch Black: Celebrating Culinary Talent

45:09 The Idea Factory: A Vision for the Future