Stockist Spotlight: Tender Loving Empire // Portland, Oregon

What's the name of your shop? Where are you located? Tell us about y'all!

Tender Loving Empire.  We have 4 stores in beautiful Portland, Oregon.  Our newest location is in the Portland Airport. We sell handmade goods and run our own record label. The majority of our products are sourced locally, but about 20 percent of our inventory is from other national makers that we love. 

What made you decide to open? How long have you been around?

We're celebrating our 10th year in business this year! Tender Loving Empire has always been more about people than stuff (even though we love stuff!). We opened to showcase talented artists and build community. 

What's your favorite thing about being a small biz owner?

I love knowing that we might be making a small difference in people's lives.  From paying our vendors to do what they love for a living, to helping customers celebrate their lives through meaningful gifts, to providing a soundtrack to music fans, and creating a good place for our employees to work.  

What's your favorite thing to buy for your store? How has the shop allowed you to discover new artists/product/?

We have a major obsession with jewelry around here. But we love buying anything that can spread a little joy and inspiration. Our buying team finds new artists through scouring the internet, looking at all our submissions from artists, and attending trade shows.   

tenderlovingempire.com // Find all shop locations here!