our story
How it started.
I like to think I am the mastermind behind this project, but the true inspiration was sparked by (what I like to imagine) is the origin of many a great business beginnings: a single sentence uttered by an exasperated father, in a small town in southwest Montana, almost a decade ago.
I was telling my mom how convenient it was that Amazon provided free 2 day shipping, and from across the room he stood up and exclaimed:
“No one ever just drives down the road to Joe’s corner store for what they need anymore!”
…and then proceeded to walk out of the room. I shrugged, my mom shrugged. And we continued with our conversation.
Somehow, that one little comment embedded itself in my brain. Every time I was about to press the buy button on Amazon or some other large conglomerate retail store, I’d think to myself “I wonder if I could find this locally.”
The problem was, I didn’t know where to begin to search for specific purchases with the same convenience that Amazon and so many other large retail stores provided.
This annoying problem without an easy solution seeded itself inside me, tugging at my conscience & heart strings with every purchase I made when I prioritized convenience over an intentional purchase.
How it’s going.
Which brings us to present day.
After years of daydreaming and notebook musings - I find myself at a place where I can bring this idea to life.
If you’re here right now - thank you! This is only the beginning.
I am adding new products and businesses to the gift guide every day!
I am a one woman shop doing everything from answering emails, website coding, and product research. My heart and soul is dedicated to this endeavor, and if you are able to spare a few dollars to support the gift guide so I can continue to source local businesses for you I would be eternally grateful! ❤︎ Donate here ❤︎
Fast forward.
The PDX Gift Guide is only the first iteration of a much bigger dream of supporting local business.
My dream is that this evolves beyond a product based gift guide, and into a comprehensive app / website that eases the complexities of shopping locally in a variety of fun ways.
I’m hoping to fund this venture in 2024 via our local community through kickstarter or a similar platform.
Newsletter coming soon if you wish to follow along! Drop us a line in our Contact form and let us know to put you on the waitlist!
Psst!
Keep scrolling to learn more about our kick-ass team ;)
Our team
Amanda
Founder
Amanda is an artist living in Portland, Oregon, who recently left the comforts of a secure 9-5 copy-editor job to pursue her passion of supporting local & small businesses. Subsiding mostly on popcorn & potatoes, she is excited to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship with her first project, the PDX Gift Guide.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys a nice walk around the neighborhood, studying astrology & tarot, taking photos with her mom’s old film camera, beating Michael in nerdy strategy games, and sharing a home cooked meal with friends - most likely surrounded by an excessive amount of candlelight.
Michael
Emotional Support
Michael is a production designer living in Portland, Oregon, and is the chief emotional support pillar of this operation. Primary chef & sustenance provider (makes excellent potatoes), best hug giver, a save-the-day-I-will-fix-it attitude, ultimate hype-man & selfless partner in crime.
In his free time, Michael enjoys disc golf with his friends, summertime river camping & swimming, scheming up magical worlds in the film industry, “allowing” Amanda to win the nerdy strategy games, learning & crafting new recipes, and making secret pacts with the cat.
Penny
Supervisor
Penny is an opinionated tortoiseshell feline and is the primary supervisor of this operation. Responsible for our strict daily 6am start time, an expert at multi-tasking management while napping, and consistently reminds us that all work and no play does not create a thriving business environment.
In her free time, Penny enjoys eating anything she can get her paws on, hanging out on her catio, napping on boxes instead of the nice comfy beds her employees buy her, staring out the windows judging the neighbors, middle of the night zoomies around the house, and snuggles with the humans.