You know the saying, “Behind every successful woman is herself?” While that’s undoubtedly true, every bold entrepreneur knows it doesn’t hurt to have a savvy partner in her corner.
As a woman-owned business proudly certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, partnering with other remarkable female founders is not just an honor—it’s part of our mission.
One such founder is Olga Sagan, owner of Seattle’s iconic Piroshky Piroshky Bakery, who continues to take bold leaps in growing her business. As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving season, there’s no better time to reflect on the partnerships and collaborations that empower women entrepreneurs to thrive together.
The Making of a Bold Business
Since its humble beginnings in 1992 at Pike Place Market, Piroshky Piroshky has brought a taste of Eastern Europe to the Pacific Northwest. From its signature handcrafted pastries to a dedication to local ingredients, the bakery has grown into a beloved Seattle institution. This year, Olga celebrated a major milestone: the opening of Piroshky Piroshky’s fifth location in Kent, Washington.
Under Olga’s leadership, the bakery has not only expanded its physical footprint but also adapted to the modern business landscape by embracing catering and online ordering, extending its reach beyond the PNW. Over the past three decades, Piroshky Piroshky has become more than a bakery—it’s a cultural icon representing resilience, creativity, and exceptional taste.
A Preventative Approach to Legal Support
As Olga sought to proactively protect her growing business. She saw Equinox as more than just a legal service—she saw a partner that could help create structure and drive long-term success.
“I love the concept of Equinox—it is a step from on-demand services before you can afford your legal expertise to be in-house. I feel that this approach is a lot more preventative and helps me, as a business owner, to navigate annual tasks and create better long-term planning.”
Equinox served as the bridge between the DIY phase of entrepreneurship and the fully staffed corporate stage, offering Olga the peace of mind that her business was positioned for sustainable growth.
Transparency, Expertise, and Responsiveness
Entrepreneurs like Olga value responsive, transparent partners who understand the unique challenges of running a business.
“When I’ve had emergencies, like complex HR-related meetings with employees, I was able to get Equinox on board to be present as a third party within an hour.”
Equinox’s ability to balance urgency with clarity has made it a trusted partner for Piroshky Piroshky.
“I also appreciate that the team knows when we need deeper legal expertise and is very transparent about it, making sure the company’s interests are always in mind.”
From Emergencies to Opportunities
Equinox has partnered with Olga to address everything from urgent issues to strategic opportunities.
By proactively addressing challenges, Equinox has helped Piroshky Piroshky transform potential roadblocks into opportunities.
Driving Growth and Accountability
Legal support isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating pathways for growth.
“Equinox brings up things that we tend to set aside and not deal with. They kept me accountable for diving into that and making sure I have a good sense of direction, helping me assess growth potentials.”
By addressing the “important but non-urgent” tasks, Equinox has equipped Piroshky Piroshky with the tools needed for continued expansion and alignment within its team.
Gratitude for Shared Values
At Equinox, we’re thankful for partnerships with clients who share our values of innovation, collaboration, and care. Olga’s words underscore this alignment:
“Equinox also cares about company culture—it is refreshing to see their approach to employee-related paperwork, balancing legality with ease of language and comprehension.”
As we reflect on what we’re grateful for this Thanksgiving season, clients like Olga remind us why we do what we do. Her entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to her craft, and bold leadership inspire us every day.
While behind every successful woman is herself, having a trusted sidekick makes the journey a little smoother.
Check Out Olga’s Bakery
Discover the mouthwatering pastries that have made Piroshky Piroshky a Seattle institution by visiting their website at www.piroshkybakery.com.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs, One Partnership at a Time
Equinox specializes in supporting women entrepreneurs with the legal expertise and strategic insights they need to thrive. As a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)-certified company, we don’t just support women entrepreneurs—we are one. We understand the unique challenges and triumphs because we live them too, and that shared experience fuels our partnerships. Our certification isn’t about access to women-owned businesses—it’s about being part of a community of trailblazers, learning from one another, and growing together.
