live

Other favorites: Kanani Pearl for a relaxing massage. Pearl Hardware for the reason for the massage. (My husband and I are restoring our 1920’s bungalow and garden and we get a lot of help there!)

What drew you to the neighborhood?
In 2003, my business partner and I saw the Pearl as a great place to open a clothing & denim boutique for men & women. And then, with a lot of guts and faith, we went for it. The neighborhood on the North-end wasn’t like it is today. Thankfully, people found us through word of mouth - from all over the city - and our business took off like a shot (with a lot of hard work, of course). But, for quite a while, there were only a handful of retailers down here. Everything has filled in around us and we’re so glad we were early.

Now loads of people want to open shops in the Pearl. But the zip-code is only so big! Unfortunately, some think that in this type of neighborhood, you can just throw up anything half-heartedly and be successful due to the “average income level and good tastes” in the Pearl. People are picky and demanding – no matter the income level. You have to offer something special and be ready to move together with your customers over time. Nolita is an evolution – we are moving where our customers take us. (Which means actually giving a crap about others and listening!)

I’ve seen a lot come and go during my short time, and my advice to people is this: support the businesses that are local and small and that you feel are special. To the businesses that are small: work together for the common good.

The Pearl and Portland, in general, are very special places. It is wonderful to not be in Strip-Mall City, USA.

My perfect day in the Pearl includes...
Well, not working, and instead enjoying all the local retailers and restaurants!

Must-see spot to take visiting friends/family
We head to Powell’s when my family needs “alone time” (away from each other, that is). My mom and Dad love walking the Vera Katz esplanade when they visit – you can get to it from the Pearl and there are great views of the water and downtown.

Pearl prediction
We need more affordable & healthy lunch options in the Pearl. Hot Lips and Whole Bowl are great for under $5. Other than that I’ll be near the Gunnera at 10th & Hoyt with my sack lunch from home! I have heard Acorn on 13th is reasonable – haven’t tried it though.

I expect there will be more corporate growth in the area, which is natural. Look at 23rd – it is way different than it was 10 years ago. But, in this economy, profit will always be a huge driving force.

I also hope for more “banding together” of the smaller business community. I’ve been a member of EWOP (Entrepreneurial Women of Portland) for 3 years, and I am also an organizer of the PDX Collective Warehouse Sale (We’ve had 3 so far here in the Pearl!). I am an active member of the PDBA, as well.