Valarie Sakota taking a walk in front of some shrubs, photographed by Jules Davies

VALARIE

SAKOTA

Multifaceted creative + entrepreneur with a focus on the food & beverage, botanical and wellness CPG space.

Barbari Co-founder

ABOUT VALARIE

Valarie Sakota is a Portland, Oregon-based creative, brand strategist, and designer with a focus on the food & beverage, botanical and wellness CPG space.

In 2017 she co-founded the botanical lifestyle brand, Barbari, leading the company’s brand strategy and product development, earning the brand recognition in Vogue, HBFIT, PopSugar, Coveteur, and more. Barbari products can be found in boutiques and dispensaries nationwide and in Urban Outfitters.

Prior to launching Barbari, Valarie sharpened her teeth in the advertising industry working as a creative and project manager. In an agency setting, she worked with clients including Netflix, Adidas, Puma, Barre3, and Google.

Today, Valarie merges her formal agency foundation and a scrappy entrepreneurial spirit to support clients in varying stages of business, from concept to execution.

Barbari Self Centered Tea, Photographed by Christina Stoever

Barbari’s Free Time Herbal Smoking Blend + Spliff

Barbari Infused Tea

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA STOEVER
Woman smoking Barbari Spliff using the bun-pin spliff holder

Barbari x High Society Collection Spliff Holder

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA STOEVER

Barbari x Sway botanical infused Thai Stick Blunts

PHILOSOPHY

Social and environmental equity is an important pillar in Valarie’s creative process. Through all her work, Valarie prioritizes solutions that leave a positive impact, holding her partners and collaborators to the same standard. Those decisions show up in Valarie’s work through careful consideration of packaging materials, product ingredients and sourcing to equitable brand partnerships, content creation and beyond. 

CAPABILITIES

Now accepting new clients on a project basis. Not sure what you need? Book a free consultation and let’s talk it out.

Creative Direction

Brand Development + Strategy

Product Development + Packaging Design + Sourcing

Design + Content Creation + Copywriting

“The Barbari co-founder on postpartum creativity, growing up around substance abuse, and building an ethical business.”

Portrait of Valarie Sakota by Jules Davies for Gossamer Magazine

As told to Patty Carnevale for Gossamer Magazine. Photos by Jules Davies

Available for collaboration on a project basis

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Available for collaboration on a project basis *