GUEST BLOGGER: Mrs. French from Bliss

My name is Mrs. French.  I have had my blog, bliss, since this past March and like to think of myself as a bit of a photographer...I have a little etsy shop, blissful images.  Strange how when it comes to blogging I never seem to be short on words...but put me in new beautiful surroundings and my fingers have a hard time plunking away at the keys...In all honestly, I am so thrilled to be here and look forward to the next three Wednesdays with you.

When Victoria approached me about possibly being a guest blogger I instantly came up with the topics for my three posts.  I wanted to share a bit of the city I call home, share my aesthetic, and introduce my new audience to something I know they will love:  

Welcome to Noun: a person's place for things.  Hands down my favorite little shop in Portland.  

I have to admit my first visit to Noun was purely by accident...I went for the cupcakes.  Noun shares its space with the most lovely of cupcakeries, Saint Cupcake.  Typically I had to cross the bridge to partake in cupcake goodness, so when I found out that the eastside version was up and running I may have been the first patron at the door.  Which is how I blissfully stumbled into Noun.

Upon entering Noun you feel as if you have just stepped foot in the home of you most stylish friend.  The friend who has the knack to put it all together...old and new...while still managing to create a warm, inviting environment.

 

I first posted on Noun on my blog this past April.  Through that post, numerous visits, and this post, I have enjoyed getting to know Stephanie and know you will too.

Why did you open Noun?

Owning my own business was always something I wanted to do and Portland really fosters that entrepreneurial spirit in people my age.  When I was in my 20's I was really into shoes, so i wanted to owna a shoe store.  In my 30's, I was settling down in a home with my sensational boyfriend (since turned husband) and so I was all about that...creating a beautiful home and life together...so that's the kind of store I chose to open.

Describe Noun's philosophy:

Functional beauty.  We really think everyone should have the opportunity to be surrounded with beautiful things that they love.  At the same time, we don't like things to sit on a shelf and get dusty if they are meant to be used!  We personally like old stuff the best but believe in mixing old and new is the most cost effective, practical and interesting way to decorate...so that's what we do in the store and at home.

How do you choose the artists for your shop?

For now, I only show local people...other than that, it's the same way I choose everything for the store...I just love it myself.  Except, in addition to loving their work, I have to really like the artist too.  I learned that lesson early on.  Those girls/artist whose work we show permanently, I really care for and admire.  I think visitors to the store understand and appreciate that.  Customers can feel when you're not being genuine and so that is where the rule comes from.

Some of those lucky local ladies are:

Rebekah Dortmund

Puji Sherer

Rachel Ann Austin

Elizabeth Soule

Brenda Rose

TQB

Modica Design

Scheer Silver

Tasi Designs

Lea Nobilette

goodness, the list goes on...

I hope you have enjoyed our little virtual tour, and if you are ever in our neck of the woods do stop by Noun....you will be so happy you did.

Whether it be my first visit to Noun or one of the countless times since there has always been one thought that has crossed my mind: I bet Stephanie has an amazing home....sounds like another post to me...see you next Wednesday.