About Thistle and Star Ventures

Where Strategy Meets Story

Thistle and Star Ventures helps businesses at every stage refine their brand, elevate their presence, and build marketing systems that sustain success. Whether you’re rebuilding, growing, or redefining, we help you rise into your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

The company name reflects what we believe: resilience deserves recognition, and every brand has the potential to shine. We don’t reinvent who you are; we reveal it with clarity, creativity, and purpose.

Who We Are

Founded by Gael J. B. Orr, an award-winning marketing strategist and four-time national packaging design honoree, Thistle and Star Ventures blends executive-level expertise with the flexibility growing businesses need. Gael has led marketing and brand development for more than 25 years, guiding launches, packaging innovations, and strategies that deliver measurable growth across the natural products industry, e-commerce, and private label channels.

How We Work

We act as your marketing partner, offering the insight of a Marketing Director and the support of a skilled team leader, scaled to fit your business stage. The approach combines data, creativity, and cross-functional experience to help you stand out in competitive markets.

Focus Areas

Brand and Packaging Design
Messaging and Strategy
PR and Media Outreach
Digital Marketing (Email, Social, SEO)
E-commerce and Growth Strategy
R&D and New Product Launch Support

Credentials & Recognition

Gael Orr’s Education & Certifications

Master’s Degree, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Certified in Digital Marketing and Artificial Intelligence (DMAnc.org)

Awards & Achievements

Four National Packaging Design Awards for innovation and brand impact
25+ years of leadership in marketing, brand development, and R&D strategy
Successful product launches in retail, private label, and e-commerce sectors

Professional Highlights

Developed marketing and growth strategies that generated multi-million-dollar revenue increases
Directed brand and packaging programs recognized for creativity and measurable performance
Experienced in leading cross-functional teams across marketing, sales, and product development

Philosophy

We believe great marketing grows from authenticity, discipline, and storytelling that connects. The goal is simple: to help you build a brand that is both strong and brilliant, one that endures and inspires.

Let’s Talk About How Your Brand Can Shine!