Brianne Mees and her husband Jared live and work in Portland, Oregon, where they’re immersed in the the culture the city is known for: art, craft and music. After graduating from college in Southern California with the intent to find a career in the helping professions, Brianne integrated her people-oriented values with her love for music and visual aesthetics through the store, record label and creative collective known as Tender Loving Empire.
Tender Loving Empire is a record label, handmade boutique, gallery, clothing line and custom screenprinting shop. We began in the second bedroom of our apartment, saving tip-money to release Jared’s music. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves investing in other people’s projects. I have a background in handmade crafts, so combining the music aspect with a handmade shop seemed like the perfect way to incorporate both of our interests while promoting more artists. We realized that a physical store would help make the record label more accessible and the retail aspect would benefit from combining multi-dimensional facets.
Since then we have teamed up with some of our favorite local artists to create a T-shirt line that we sell on Etsy. We silkscreen shirts and offer custom screenprinting for other creative endeavors out of our new store. We recently relocated to the heart of the city (about 2 blocks south of Powell’s Books) with a brand new makeover thanks to our friends at Merge Studio Lab. We now showcase the work of over 250 local artists, another 40-50 from out of town, a rotating gallery space, monthly events, and a local music section. The record label is still going strong with recent releases from Typhoon, Y La Bamba, Boy Eats Drum Machine and Finn Riggins, musicians whom you can hear on our site.
When curating our shop, I gravitate towards quality and unique items that have strong design elements and reflect the current creative energy and social ideals of the people in Portland. We carry a variety of everyday functional items as well as quirky, creative gifts and original art. I love good use of color, novelty, illustration, recognizable iconic imagery, and the use of repurposed or upcycled materials.
I frequently use Etsy as a tool to hunt down items for the store, so picking some of my favorites was easy!
When we first opened our new location, we asked Tory of Cartoon Monster to make a giant Sail Boat Automata to fill up our storefront window display. It was incredible! It has since found a good home, but these mini versions continue to be one of our bestsellers. I love watching the expression on people’s faces when they pick one of these up and turn the little crank. It’s an instant antidepressant!
We just placed our first order with Spinthread/Maranon, and we can hardly wait to get the package. This whole line is a great example of the interesting color palettes and original design that suck me in. It walks the fine line of being current and trendy, while not feeling quite like anything else you’ve seen before.
Speaking of color, I think Betsy Walton is a color genius. She lives here in Portland, so I’m not sure why I’ve been too bashful to tell her that her work inspired my choice of colors for our shop. She mixes bright poppy colors with subdued hues, organic flora and figure illustrations with geometric shapes to create thoughtful, moody scenes that I can’t get enough of.
Jenn of Jduct takes duct tape art to a whole new level with her wallet and flask line. I love the designs she chooses because they are nostalgic, recognizable images that aren’t overused (i.e. owls and elk).
Besides having the ability to stitch up some of the cutest stuffed creatures around, Jill and Erin of Dolls for Friends are the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. People who are excited about their craft are the reason I love my job. It’s so fulfilling when one of their little guys finds a home.
1byLiz gives old bike chain rings and reclaimed textiles a new purpose with her Recycled Bike Gear Clocks! They are functional and environmentally friendly. We love that in Portland!
More upcycling! Somavenus uses old vintage bingo cards with moving plastic pieces to make hand-bound journals. Hand-stitched books are always impressive, but these are extra special.
Many screenprinted T-shirt lines start to look the same after a while. But this local T-shirt company T-rex T-shirts is definitely doing things its own way. Plus, my husband always encourages me to mix in some “tough” stuff because our store tends to veer towards the adorable side of things. So here’s one for the dudes. It’s a huuuge Hunter S. Thompson!
Ok, back to girly. I get worried when Betsy, of Betsy & Iya, brings in a new batch of jewelry for our shop because I keep buying it before it can go out on the floor! It was hard to pick just one, but this one is a stand out. Who puts Morse Code on jewelry? Only creative, hard-working Betsy!
As far as clothing goes, we mostly only carry T-shirts, but if we ever expand, I’m hittin’ up Ruffeo Hearts Little Snotty. I’ve admired them from afar for a while because of all those colors and off-kilter geometric patterns. Their current photos are really entertaining and artful as well.
These adorable little Portland rain drop magnets are a new find for our shop, and we’re having a difficult time keeping them in stock (for obvious reasons). While I didn’t find it especially cute that we only got six weeks of sunshine this summer, somehow these little raindrops make me feel better about the situation.
Portland is often referred to as “Stumptown.” My Imaginary Boyfriend happens to be one of our “imports,” but her stuffed logs and stumps are a perfect fit for our shop. They’re really well made too! She also sells kits so you can make your own.
Red Bat Press makes great letterpress stationery here in Portland. Her most popular designs are her Portland bridges series. It’s a lovely, creative take on the tourist postcard, but great for locals who want to celebrate their city. I actually just bought the whole set in the middle of writing this!
Another one of my favorite local jewelry lines is Moss. I love her tagline —“The stuff you wish your grandma made you.” This artist has created a delicate line of hand-embroidered, hand-tatted fabric and trim jewelry that is meticulous in its detail.
Hopefully it doesn’t come across as shameless self-promotion to include one of our own T-shirts. A very good friend of mine, Sam Guerero, is an incredible artist and designed our “Urban Diety Shirt.” I love this illustration because it sums up how we often feel at Tender Loving Empire: we juggle a lot, but we’re thankful to have so much art and culture at our fingertips. We’re not planning on slowing down any time soon!
151 comments
Sign in to add your ownfieldtrip says:
great article! gotta check out your shop next time i'm in portland :)
1 year ago
thehopetree says:
wow, great article:) love the sail boat!
1 year ago
nickandnessies says:
You have such fun taste! Love your picks :)
1 year ago
myzoetrope says:
So fun!
1 year ago
patchesnthings says:
Great combination!
1 year ago
tstepien says:
The I love you onsie is to to cute! I'll be purchasing one for our daugher!
1 year ago
nowvember says:
Congratulations, guys! I love your new space!
1 year ago
ClippieDepot says:
Looove PorTlanD! Thanx for the article...
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Love Redbatpress! So many fun items. xo to Portland!
1 year ago
BeCharmedDesigns says:
I think I'll need to take a closer look :)
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
So cool!
1 year ago
TheUntamedHeart says:
Love it!
1 year ago
noemiah says:
What a fun and lovely boutique!! I would love to have my little line in there!
1 year ago
ginaregina says:
lovely things
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
what a wonderful collection of artists!! i esp love the handbound bingo journals!
1 year ago
SASessories says:
Portland is a great place! and yes, morse code on jewelry is brilliant!
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Would love to come back to Portland soon, and check out your shop. We always go to Powell's books and just enjoy walking around that part of town, peeping into shops and galleries.
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
i'll be visiting portland next month. i will definitely stop in. and i love that you'll be carrying spinthread's line. i'd love to see it in person.
1 year ago
JunkstyleVintage says:
You have a great eye Missy! I'll be sure to drop by when in Portland!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Really enjoyed your article, love the t-shirts!
1 year ago
WoodlandBelle says:
Fantastic! I was so excited to see your boutique featured here Brianne!
1 year ago
VeraVague says:
ah, yes. very nice. thanks for the article, dears ! :)
1 year ago
VieModerne says:
Hooray TLE! So so proud of you guys!
1 year ago
SilverPearDesigns says:
I've never been to Portland, Oregon - it sounds enjoyable. I was, however, hopeful that this article would be about Portland, Maine. It's our largest city, has a huge Etsy following, but it often falls off the map. Perhaps one day I'll make it to the other coast to see what the fuss is about in Oregon!
1 year ago
MadeInSussex says:
So cool. Just want a bingo journal!
1 year ago
lindaketelhut says:
Wow, a dream job! Your collective sounds amazing! Portland's a city packed full of talent that's for sure. Love your shop picks.
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
Great shop, great picks!! Good luck with your shop!!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article!
1 year ago
worksofwhimsy says:
Will check it out the next time I venture over the mountains to your side of the state.
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
I love this! Your shop is fantastic! What a dream come true! I reallly need to visit Portland (have always wanted to), and when I do, I will definitely be stopping by! Brilliant work! ~Wren ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Yes, Portland is wonderful! Raised here and still livin & creating here! LeafandInk
1 year ago
sweetpoppycat says:
Sounds like I need to take a field trip.
1 year ago
RedOnionWoodworks says:
Oregon's awesome!
1 year ago
myhouseparty says:
oooo can't wait to stop by your new space later this week. such great things.
1 year ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
ohhh man... that is one stinkin' adorable shop! love it :)
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
What a lovely shop with tasteful collection!
1 year ago
InMaterial says:
Wish this came out last week. Was just in Portland and would have loved to visit the shop. Next time.
1 year ago
wanderthisway says:
love love love!
1 year ago
OctoberHill says:
Woohoo Portland!! Go TLE!!!
1 year ago
EyePopArt says:
Yay! My record cuffs and album jacket drink coasters can be found at TLE! An awesome store run by some very sweet people.
1 year ago
Slowshirts says:
Slow Loris loves TLE!
1 year ago
Slowshirts says:
P.S. Ruffeo hearts lil snotty are good friends of ours and we highly recommend making the jump to getting them in your store! They make great clothes.
1 year ago
BearyOrganics says:
I'm going to try to go here tomorrow. Looks awesome!
1 year ago
thisfineday says:
Along with having three Etsy shops I am also in a band- so I'll have to stop by on my way home from work! Yay for living in Portland!
1 year ago
BabaMoon says:
Ohhhhhh I love the bingo cards journal! That is totally cool!
1 year ago
teclur says:
Beautiful items!!! Loved the journal!! ;-)
1 year ago
kranzelic says:
Just saw a few of TLE's bands yesterday. I can't wait to visit their shop in Portland!
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Great, unique items!! Love the tree stump pin cushion! Best of luck!!
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Terrific feature! Your shop sounds wonderful & would love to visit. Consider expanding your clothing section to include accessories? Best wishes.
1 year ago
luxe says:
pdx is such a loveable city! i was excited to see my friend diana's work (moss) mentioned. wonderful collection!
1 year ago
michelemaule says:
yay!! Love this store :) One of my very favorite Portland shops.
1 year ago
AlyTheRed says:
Yey! A local store review. Looking forward to visiting next time I'm up. Great work!
1 year ago
leighmade says:
so much to look at in this store!
1 year ago
TheVintageDesignShop says:
I think I need a roadtrip to Portland soon! Awesome shop. :)
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
Great shop!
1 year ago
BDVintage says:
Being a native Portlander myself...it never ceases to amaze me all the wonderfull things that come out of this city! Wow. I love you portland. I love you handmade/vintage supporters!
1 year ago
QuigonHandmades says:
Thanks for this article. I'm inspired.
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Love the Portland raindrop magnets! So cute!
1 year ago
artess says:
Love, Love, Love your stuff, sorry I missed you the last time I was in Portland!
1 year ago
sadiedesignsca says:
What a great feature! I love this shop!
1 year ago
Indounik says:
I joined Etsy only a couple of months ago and quickly found myself saying "There must be something in the water in Oregon" because I kept finding such fantastic items that were made there. And I have to say there's some downright adorable people who are crafting those fantastic items - people like batikwalla from Eugene and piercedzebra from Portland. And you should check out michelemaule and theshagbag. Love the tender loving empire concept and it looks like a place I could spend hours and lots of $$$$. Rock on!
1 year ago
tatimaia says:
I HAVE to visit you someday! I'm so jealous of not having a store like this one in Brazil. Oh, boy... Music plus handmade... THAT'S AMAZING!
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
I want to go to this shop! Now I must sell more!!
1 year ago
AlieKeegan says:
I want to go to portland to see the giant Sail Boat Automata!! Awesome.
1 year ago
PNWSherry says:
To bad I can't afford to live in Portland.I would like to go to that store.
1 year ago
whimsywhimsical says:
Beautiful and unique!! Love Moss handmade too!!
1 year ago
SurrenderDorothy says:
Awesomeness!!
1 year ago
ElvenWreathsJewelry says:
NOW I have a reason to visit Portland!! Really neat stuff!!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Rock on Portland'rs! Congrats & keep up the amazing work!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Rock on Portland'ers! Keep up the amazing work!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I love your idea and what you did with it. I think that it is so good when you know what you want to be doing and that it all comes together for you.
1 year ago
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1 year ago
LivelyHood says:
I LOVE PORTLAND!!!
1 year ago
buonasarah says:
Oh man! I lived in PDX almost a decade ago and I miss it so!!!! I just came across this etsy PDX shop today and adore... http://www.etsy.com/shop/annajoyce?ref=seller_info Congrats to you and will definitely stop by next time I'm there!
1 year ago
PaintedHorse says:
How lovely to see someone living their dream! Good for you and thank you for sharing. Wishing you continued success.
1 year ago
1byliz says:
hooray! so glad to be a part of TLE!
1 year ago
ecoeveryday says:
So inspired for my trip there in exactly 3 weeks.
1 year ago
ByYourSide2009 says:
GREAT article!! Finding it hard to believe that I hadn't discovered Tender Loving Empire on one of my trips to Powell's!! Well, I guess I now have another wonderful reason to go downtown!!
1 year ago
PinkMoustache says:
LOVE this article! As a Portland local, I am ecstatic to see all of the great finds! I will be stopping in your shop during my next trip to Powell's!
1 year ago
FloweryDeer says:
Love stuff!!1
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Yeah Portland!
1 year ago
ButtonTreeShop says:
So much great stuff! Those rain drops are soooo cute!!!
1 year ago
EcoChicHandKnits says:
I absolutely LOVE this article! I wish I can have a shop of my own one day filled with lots of handmade goodies. The shop looks so fun and I love all the items you featured! I hope I can make it to Portland one day to check it out!
1 year ago
hillbillyhulagal says:
WOW what a fantastic shop and creative idea to put it all together like this. Rock on.
1 year ago
loosethreads2 says:
Woo Hoo for a Portland feature! I'm going to have to check out this shop this week!
1 year ago
bedbuggs says:
Great Finds! Wonderful post! ;)
1 year ago
loadedhipspress says:
Yay Red Bat Press!!
1 year ago
PDXfabricdeli says:
This is so so very cool....I'll be over next week to check out the shop. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
DolcezzaMia says:
Portland rocks! Not from here, but never leaving. Can't wait to see your shop!
1 year ago
ThePrintYards says:
LOVE IT!!! I'm moving to Portland this spring and am totally stoked. You guys are one of the reasons why! Nice to see a little Ruffeo/Snotty shout-out too, those dudes rock a trapezoid like nobody's business. xo
1 year ago
sonicka says:
Powell's Books and your shop in one trip....sounds like heaven!! You may be extra busy after this article!
1 year ago
phings says:
i would love to go there!!! :)
1 year ago
dirtdancestonewerks says:
Thanks for a very interesting read!
1 year ago
BarnabyHuxley says:
Wish I could visit the store in person!
1 year ago
Emmakat says:
Portland! Woohoo!
1 year ago
Joyousworld says:
I get to Portland frequently..... I will check it out next trip. Thank you for the great info!
1 year ago
erindollar says:
nice to see some of my old portland favorites! go PDX!
1 year ago
somavenus says:
i heart TLE and PDX!!! thanks so much for including my BINGO sketchbooks! <3
1 year ago
sweetanthem says:
Much love for Tender Loving!! They were my booth neighbors at Urban Craft Uprising this summer! <3
1 year ago
LittleMissHatter says:
I go to this store all the time. Love the music selection they play. Definitely a stop for those visiting Portland.
1 year ago
hellothula says:
Fantastic article
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Super cool ! Cheers from Paris to Portland !!!
1 year ago
artfields says:
Wow! I wish I could visit Portland! My wallet is going to feel much lighter after this blog.
1 year ago
hildes says:
Great article!
1 year ago
scholli says:
top
1 year ago
2007musarra says:
What a great mix of items in your store. What a lovely way to spend yours days, congrats.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great picks! I love your t shirts looks like a fabulous shop : )
1 year ago
Snowdon says:
OOh! I'm from the UK but will be visiting Portland in a couple of weeks time, I'll have to drop by and see you!
1 year ago
carlossantiago says:
oh Portland, you seem a cool place to go visti! one day, one of these days....
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
great article : )
1 year ago
LittleCutieCakes says:
Great article, thanks! I love the gear clock!
1 year ago
lisalocetti says:
I love your choice of items. Especially the cute raindrops and the boat scene, great!
1 year ago
AmityUK says:
I want to visit!!!
1 year ago
NewDuds says:
Love the shop! We just got some items to them too! We totally hope to visit one day!
1 year ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Love it. Gosh, I wish I lived in the other Portland sometimes. :)
1 year ago
MontclairMade says:
dreamy!
1 year ago
MoonDanceTextiles says:
Portland is so amazingly cool and progressive...and these items are all very high quality...
1 year ago
TreeHuggerStudio says:
I wish I lived closer, your sounds very inspiring. Congrats!
1 year ago
AnastasiaMcMurren says:
Very interesting article! I thought that tree stump pin cushion is a little cake at first lol Looks very cool! If I ever go to Portland I'll visit your shop for sure!
1 year ago
betsyandiya says:
Brianne! Thanks for the mention. Such a great post and I'm thrilled to be included!!! You're making me homesick...
1 year ago
InviteMe says:
Well needless to day I just found my new obsession! Can I have one of everything please? You all make me so proud to live in Portland! :D
1 year ago
chasedreams says:
Yay, Pdx love! Can't wait to swing by the store.
1 year ago
MissChevious says:
I love TLE! In fact, I'm wearing a sweat shirt I bought from them right now. Very eager to check out their new location.
1 year ago
lilwildflower says:
Wow, a very eclectic collection you have in your store! So great to promote local stores, with Etsy artists to feature as well! Etsy has got a lot of love :)
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
Love this collection and I congratulate you for being bold and featuring such an ecclectic collection of work in your boutique!
1 year ago
allisonstrine says:
Great art - thanks for sharing so many wonderful artistes!
1 year ago
lovejune says:
Great article! I met G-Force a couple years ago and have been following TLE ever since...very inspiring to see you again on Etsy and it's so great to see how far you've come! Congrats!
1 year ago
neonmorgan says:
I visited TLE when I was in Portland earlier this month and saw an awesome concert there - it was one of the highlights of my trip!
1 year ago
Vanessa says:
I had the treat of shopping at Tender Loving Empire when visiting Portland. So happy you did this post!
1 year ago
CatNPhotography says:
Awesome article! I'm going to be visiting Portland in early November and I will definitely check out this shop while I am there!
1 year ago
julieincharge says:
I love Tender Loving Empire! When I visited Portland recently, I stoked up on those raindrop magnets for my cheery cloudy apartment.
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
I always hear about your shop and I know that whenever I finally do make it to Portland I will be stopping in for sure! Nice feature and it's great to get a sneak peek :) Cheers!
1 year ago
laceydu says:
Great article and great taste! So fun. I love hearing about small local businesses and you guys inspire me to one day open one for myself! Thanks.
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
looks like a great place. enjoyed the video and story.
1 year ago
DeviantDecor says:
Wow, this shop looks AMAZING!!! If only they were in Seattle, but I will definitely stop by on my next trip to Portland. I would love to have some of my Victorian Framed Objects there!
1 year ago
Waterrose says:
I'll have to stop in....heading to portland soon!
1 year ago
hollypaints says:
So that is where you guys moved to! I was wondering! Went by your old shop and was horrified to see it had vanished! Glad to see that you are still close by. Now I can go get my holiday shopping on!
1 year ago
tenderlovingempire says:
Wow! Thanks everybody! Next time I'm having a bad day, I'm just going to read all of your encouraging comments! :) Stop by and say hello next time you're in Portland!
1 year ago
EverybodyElse says:
Charming! Makes me want to road trip to Portland.
1 year ago
ecozuzu says:
you guys are inspiring. wish you guys could open an shop for us in santa barbara! :) good luck and best wishes.
1 year ago
LaAlicia says:
<3 Adding to my list of things to do next time I'm in Portland! Love it!
1 year ago
theromanticpanda says:
gosh I live in Portland and all this time I thought TLE was just a record label! What a beautiful assortment! Especially the wooden sailboat diorama!! I will definitely pop in the boutique next time I'm prowling around Powells!
1 year ago
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1 year ago
ladylotus says:
great article, can't wait to check out the shop :)
1 year ago
polkadotscloud says:
looovely shop!
1 year ago
PrincessSamy says:
I love the unique necklaces :D
1 year ago
Starrdom16 says:
Love it!
1 year ago
danamazing says:
I work in the building upstairs from Tender Loving Empire! Love it!
1 year ago
KatieMarieHorn says:
This is great. I love to hear about shops that support indie designers and artist like this one. I hope to have one myself someday. Keep up the good work!
1 year ago
JoAnn Schinderle from TotesMaGoats says:
one of the many reasons i was excited to re-locate to Portland- HANDMADE GOODS! Beautiful collection!
42 days ago