Everything you need to know about the Piña Designs team. This weeks brief 10 minute read consist of personal interviews and outlines of the team. Learn about where each of the co-founders are from, their roles, philosophies, some of their favorite items and even their astrological signs!
Sage Dobby CEO and Co-Founder
Meet Sage, born and raised in Wyoming (it exists!) She has always had a profound love for our planet. Committed to her western roots, Sage now lives in San Diego which happens to be the new headquarters of Piña Designs! If she is not out adventuring around with her sidekick Stella, a black lab with a heart of gold, you'll likely find her on a mission to clean up our beloved beaches, with a smile on her face. Sage is an avid traveler and dedicated yoga practitioner, finding peace in the tranquility both bring. Academically, she received a full ride scholarship to any college in America, the Daniels Fund. She studied Neuroscience and Business and graduated with honors from the University of Colorado Boulder. She holds a strong belief in the power of fostering connections and empowerment, particularly among women. This belief drives her excitement as a co-founder and CEO of Piña Designs.
Sage's Favorite's:
- Favorite Song: In the Mood - Glenn Miller
- Favorite Tree: Eucalyptus Tree
- Astrological Sign: Libra
Sydney Kobak CDO and Co-Founder
Meet Sydney, who is from Villanova Pennsylvania and now lives in Park City Utah. As a highly adventurous and curious woman, Sydney loves to always be trying new things and broadening her hobby horizon. Sydney graduated with a degree in Integrated Design Engineering from the Applied Math and Engineering College at CU Boulder, showcasing her solid academic foundation. Her exceptional qualities were recognized when she received the College of Engineering & Applied Science Academic Engagement Award in Fall 2023, a testament to her outstanding contributions. Sydney has not just been a participant but a leader in numerous design projects, showcasing her ability to take charge and deliver successful outcomes. Most notably, she lives and breathes sustainability, going to the extent of not owning a car during her college years and opting for biking as her primary mode of transportation. Sydney is a passionate advocate for combating climate change and actively contributes to making the world a better place through her unwavering commitment to sustainability. When Sydney has time to herself, she loves to go outside, water color, play with her dogs, cook, and learn Italian.
Sydney's Favorite's:
- Favorite Song: Smooth - Santana
- Favorite Tree: Crabapple
- Astrological Sign: Virgo
Erika Gossett COO and Co-Founder
Meet Erika, born and raised in Austin, Texas, also known as the live music capitol of the world! She grew up being surrounded by music whether that be performing classical piano or attending music festivals in the area. Erika currently resides in Fort Collins, CO where she is still cultivating her love of music by performing flute pieces for her friends and family.Erika also loves to cook and try new foods with her four-legged sous chef, Casper. When she is not taste-testing her creations, she can be found exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado, paddle boarding in crystal clear lakes, or finding her next five-star book. Erika attended the University of Colorado Boulder and studied Flute Performance, Media Studies, Business, and Entrepreneurship. During her time at CU, she performed many new works by student composers with her quintet, the Flatiron Five, and was the social media manager for her flute studio for 3 years. Now, she works in the Denver area as a marketer for an aerospace company while also pursuing her passion projects, a podcast called Beyond the Nine to Five, and of course, as COO of Piña Designs.
Erika's Favorite's:
- Favorite Song: Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
- Favorite Tree: Cherry blossom
- Astrological Sign: Cancer
Kelley Levaggi CMO and Co-Founder
Meet Kelley. She was born and raised in the heart of Silicon Valley, and currently spends most of her time in Lake Tahoe, California, where an abundance of outdoor activities keeps her busy in her time away from Piña Designs. Her favorite hobby is exploring every corner of the world and her bucket list is filled with travel destinations. In order to fulfill her dreams of seeing the world, we need to protect it first, and she is committed to making sustainable switches in her everyday life and teaching/inspiring others in ways that they can do the same. Prior to transitioning into a nomadic lifestyle, Kelley was a captain of the volleyball team at the University of Colorado, Boulder, while working toward a degree in Psychology, with a minor in Business and a Critical Sports Thinking certificate.
Kelley's Favorite's:
- Favorite Song: Tell Me Baby - Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Favorite Tree: Oak
- Astrological Sign: Libra
