Welcome to the Spotlight, where we celebrate the inspiring individuals shaping Portland's vibrant lesbian and queer community. We’re excited to introduce Carrie Ritchie, the dynamic founder of the Lesbian Culture Club. With deep roots in the Northwest and a passion for fostering connections, Carrie has made significant contributions to both the professional and LGBTQ+ communities. From her early days in film production to her current role as CEO of Good & Gold, Carrie's journey is a testament to the power of representation, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Join us as we dive into Carrie's story, exploring her motivations, vision, and the impact she is making with LCC.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Portland?
I'm a true West Coaster with deep roots in the Northwest. Born in Bellevue, WA, in 1980, my journey has taken me all over the West Coast. I pursued my passion for film and marketing at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, CA, which led to a career in film production in Los Angeles. In 2007, I made the move from LA to Portland for a job opportunity, excited to return to the upper left.
My career in Portland began with a five-year stint at Sagacity Media, where I ultimately became the publisher of Portland Monthly magazine, managing the sales, marketing, and events teams. In 2016, I embarked on a new adventure by founding Good & Gold, a digital marketing agency where I serve as CEO, focusing on growth and design strategies for local and national businesses.
When I'm not leading my team at Good & Gold, you can find me embracing the natural beauty of the Northwest, enjoying quality time with my two young boys, fishing in Oregon’s rivers, immersing myself in the local arts and culture scene, or getting creative in the kitchen.
What was your inspiration behind launching the Lesbian Culture Club?
I started the Lesbian Culture Club to tap into Portland's unique energy as the city with the largest lesbian population per capita in the US, Yet I've found it difficult to find spaces and opportunities to connect with the queer community in the ways I want to.. My vision was to create a cultural hub where we could connect over intimate dinners, sports activities, art shows, and workshops. It's all about fostering genuine connections and creating a space where we can celebrate and support each other in all aspects of life.
How has your identity influenced your work and contributions to the community?
My identity has profoundly shaped my work and contributions to the community. As a member of the Queer community, I understand the importance of representation, inclusivity, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. This perspective drives my commitment to fostering diversity and equity within my businesses and the broader community.
In my role as CEO of Good & Gold, I prioritize working with clients and partners who share these values, ensuring that our projects not only succeed but also contribute positively to the community. This same commitment led me to launch the Lesbian Culture Club, where my goal is to create a dynamic and supportive environment for lesbians to connect, grow, and thrive together.
By integrating my identity into my professional and community endeavors, I aim to inspire others and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society.
How do you stay connected with the local LGBTQ+ community?
I stay connected with the local LGBTQ+ community primarily through my network of friends and fellow business owners. While my engagement has been somewhat insular, focusing on those I already know, I am passionate about expanding my reach and making new connections. Through the Lesbian Culture Club, I aim to meet new folks and support them by creating inclusive and engaging spaces. By participating in local events, collaborating with organizations, and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, I hope to build new relationships and contribute more broadly to our community.
How do you see the community evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?
I see the community evolving towards greater inclusivity and active engagement, with more opportunities for people to connect and support one another. I hope to play a pivotal role in this evolution by building the framework for our community to thrive. My vision includes encouraging individuals to step forward and contribute by teaching classes or workshops, offering spaces for events, and organizing activities that foster meaningful connections. My goal is to create engaging ways for us to meet, get to know one another, and strengthen our bonds, ultimately shepherding a more connected and vibrant community.
Who or what inspires you the most in your personal and professional life?
I'm deeply inspired by the current movement in women's sports, particularly the push for equity in pay and increased viewership. It's an incredible testament to the power of women lifting each other up and demanding the recognition we deserve. This movement fuels my drive to create spaces where women can connect, support one another, and thrive. I recently wrote an article about it here.
Additionally, I find immense inspiration in Portland's resurgence. Witnessing the city rally together, forming strong bonds to rebuild and improve our community, has been profoundly motivating. The resilience and creativity of Portlanders as they work to restore and enhance our city is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.
What are your future goals, both personally and professionally with Good & Gold and LCC?
The last few years have been tough for me and many other business owners. During this time, I’ve taken stock of my “super power” and what truly fills me up. I’ve realized that my superpower is connection—getting to the root of people because of my deep curiosity.
My future goals with Good & Gold and the Lesbian Culture Club (LCC) are intertwined. Professionally, I want to grow LCC and potentially expand this idea to other cities, creating a constellation of opportunities that address basic social and relational needs, as well as business and personal growth. With nine years of building Good & Gold, we have a solid formula for growing businesses and supporting startups. I see LCC benefiting from this by leveraging G&G’s infrastructure, growth strategies, and technology.
Personally, I want to foster connections within the community and build platforms that support and uplift individuals. I envision LCC as a network that complements G&G, providing new opportunities and creating a synergistic relationship between the two. By growing both Good & Gold and LCC, I aim to create impactful spaces that support professional development, personal growth, and meaningful connections.
Outside of your business and community ventures, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
The last few years have been tough for me and many other business owners. During this time, I’ve taken stock of my “superpower” and what truly fills me up. I’ve realized that my superpower is connection—getting to the root of people because of my deep curiosity.
My future goals with Good & Gold and the Lesbian Culture Club (LCC) are intertwined. Professionally, I want to grow LCC and potentially expand this idea to other cities, creating a constellation of opportunities that address basic social and relational needs, as well as business and personal growth. With nine years of building Good & Gold, we have a solid formula for growing businesses and supporting startups. I see LCC benefiting from this by leveraging G&G’s infrastructure, growth strategies, and technology.
Personally, I want to foster connections within the community and build platforms that support and uplift individuals. I envision LCC as a network that complements G&G, providing new opportunities and creating a synergistic relationship between the two. By growing both Good & Gold and LCC, I aim to create impactful spaces that support professional development, personal growth, and meaningful connections. This business relationship allows Good & Gold to have a front-row seat to the needs of our clients, using new immersive technologies to iterate in a way that creates more value for the people and businesses in our orbit.
Can you give us a sneak peek of any exciting events or plans coming up for LCC?
We have our first Supper Club dinner at Topaz Farm on August 21st; stay tuned for ticket information!
