Rachel Formaro is the founder, president and principal consultant of Blu Pagoda, a consulting and communications boutique that provides program and project management, communications strategy and development and editorial services.

Please tell us about your background.

I was born in the UK and raised in Canada. I “grew up” in the world of marketing and advertising. I went to the University of Toronto, where I earned a BA in English and History. I also hold a post-graduate certificate in Market Research Analysis. After moving to San Francisco, I fell in love with and married an Iowan. After that, we moved to Iowa to be closer to family.

I am a life-long entrepreneur at heart. I started Blu Pagoda in 2014 (at the age of 44!) as a consulting and communications company specializing in financial services. Blu Pagoda is the third company I’ve started, and I hope it will provide a graceful turn towards philanthropy and board work!

Please tell us about your business.

Blu Pagoda is a consulting company that believes in doing good and being good to one another. With more than 100 years of collective experience, our diverse team of project managers, business analysts, strategists and marketers deliver best-in-industry services. When a project is with Blu Pagoda, our clients know they have a dedicated, trusted team that has their best interests at heart.

Why did you join NAWBO Iowa and what do you appreciate about it?

I had been planning to join NAWBO for years, and in 2021 I finally did it! I'm excited to gather with other women who own and co-own businesses who also want to do good in our local community. I appreciate the many opportunities to connect with others!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Serving others and being of service. I also enjoy supporting our team of  consultants and being there for our clients. And, I have a heart for re-distributing wealth in our community here in Central Iowa, and across the U.S.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Getting back to Canada to visit with my parents--we have not seen them for two years due to the pandemic! I am also looking forward to growing our business strategically with a focus on our values.