History
Jared and Brianne Mees started Tender Loving Empire in a two-bedroom apartment a few feet from the freeway in Portland, Oregon in 2006. They had lived in PDX for only 6 months, but had already connected with an amazing group of musicians and artists. The Meeses wanted to help their inspired friends to be seen, heard, and read by the world. The only question was how. In 2007, they quit their day jobs and opened a tiny storefront in NW Portland. They sold cards and posters and clothing and albums and anything else they could fit on the shelves. Taking a cue from their favorite indie labels, they offered each artist a 50/50 split in order be equally invested in one another. Years later they would open two new retail locations: one in the heart of Downtown and another in Southeast PDX. Tender Loving Empire is now a successful record label and marketplace for handmade goods that supports the work of independent artists as well as a thriving community of fans, patrons and fans.
Specialties
Tender Loving Empire curates a vibrant collection of handmade goods and music from hundreds of independent makers. Since 2007, Tender Loving Empire stores have been a cornerstone of the creative community, supporting 700+ small businesses from Portland and beyond.