In her early childhood Rachael Rapinoe suffered from anxiety and panic attacks. Her mental distress was later compounded by physical pain and injuries she endured in her collegiate and professional soccer career. Having a family history of undiagnosed mental illness and addiction, Rachael was determined to find a natural remedy for her physical, mental and emotional challenges. That’s when she discovered the medicinal benefits of hemp-derived CBD (a non-impairing derivative of the cannabis plant), and a new passion for helping others like herself stay balanced, naturally. Rachael set out to design plant-powered CBD products that would be more widely accessible, approachable and trusted– thus, Mendi CBD Solutions was born. In the beginning, Mendi focused on creating products for elite female athletes to feel their best and manage pain naturally. However, recognizing a growing demand in the market, Rachael expanded the brand focus to include all people with active lifestyles who want to improve their quality of life in the most natural way possible.

Little did Madelyn and Matt Morris know when they took a class in organic beekeeping back in 2007 that the two beehives they established in their Portland backyard would become the springboard for a 30-acre operation and home to 20 hives. In 2011, the husband-and-wife team launched Mickelberry Gardens, crafting a variety of healing remedies using what their beehives produced: plenty of raw honey, propolis and beeswax. Closely aligned in mission with Market of Choice, Mickelberry Gardens enjoys its place in the Pacific Northwest as an independent, family-owned business that focuses considerable effort in giving back to the community and to organizations that enhance bee health, plant diversity, water conservation, land stewardship and equity.