Get to Know the Portland Maker Movement
Pictured: Folk Built
Portland is a city of dreamers who are also innovators. These are people who have grand visions, then actually create something from those ideas. The result is a vibrant movement of makers, crafters and entrepreneurs - and a wealth of local delights when you’re searching for a gift or special purchase.
Meet Portland Made
It’s not easy to run a small business that’s focused on thoughtfully created items. That’s why Portland Made came into existence.
Portland Made provides resources for small businesses in the maker made sphear. They provide workshops on streamlined manufacturing, marketing and other skills that can help small businesses operate profitably. Most of the companies that are members of Portland Made started with just one person and an inventive idea, so the organization’s support is essential.
Portland Made supports a surprisingly wide variety of businesses. To illustrate just how varied the companies are, here are just a few of our favorites:
Clay Factor Ceramics
Pictured: Portland Made Executive Director Meghan Sinnott at Made Here PDX
How to Find Portland Made Goods
In this day and age, we can buy nearly anything we want, and have it delivered in a day or so. That’s pretty convenient when you need something last minute or or a hard-top-source product. But when it comes to gift giving, this style of shopping can feel a little soulless.
It’s so satisfying to buy locally made goods as gifts or special purchases for you and your home. Through the purchase transaction, you will likely learn a little about how the products are made and the people who make them. So many of these creatives have interesting stories to tell, and they love to share those tales. Many left a high paying job, seeking a more passionate living - drawn to live by their craft and share beauty with the world.
A gift with a story can be much more meaningful. Some maker made brands run storefronts staffed by the owners, so you’ll have the opportunity to meet them, and maybe even see how they make their goods.
If you’re looking for local goods, browse the The Portland Made website for a list of their member brands. Or stop by a local goods store like Made Here PDX and Crafty Wonderland.
Pictured: Hot Mama Salsa
Holiday Shopping - Portland Style!
Portland has a wealth of holiday gift fairs where you can peruse gifts for others while maybe finding a treasure for yourself - and you can feel good knowing your money is going directly back into our local economy.
If you’ve ever thought “I hate holiday shopping!” because of the hustle, the bustle, the crowded malls, the endless staring at a computer screen…. here’s a better idea:
On December 6, Portland Made is hosting the extravagant Gifted Holiday Night Market, a showcase of the work of more than 30 Portland Made members. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the makers and learn more about their craft, while enjoying food and drink. Grab some friends, pack up the kids, head out with a neighbor - it’s time to go holiday shopping, the Portland way!
Pictured: The Barreled Bee
Keeping the Portland Spirit Alive!
Portland is a vibrant, colorful and creative city. The unique storefronts, restaurants and events all feed off each other; we wouldn’t have one without the other. In so many ways, our local maker community is at the heart of what makes this city tick.
It’s not easy to run a small business. Well sourced materials are expensive, locally artisan labor isn’t cheap and margins are slim. But ask any of the owners, and most will tell you they can’t imagine any other life.
Our community wins when we support these small businesses, a heartfelt way to get to know each other and allow these artisans to thrive in the city.
Here at Urban Nest, we’re big fans of the Portland spirit! We love this creative city and all it has to offer. We help people buy and sell homes, with an expert knowledge of our local region, and a deep understanding of the culture.