Jason & Suraya Barbee

We are so grateful for the community we have found in Multnomah Village. Not just our customers and consignors, but the businesses that surround us and the people behind them. In this series on the blog, we will be introducing you to some of the people responsible for building, maintaining, and celebrating this special community. 

Today we are pleased to feature Jason & Suraya Barbee, a couple who, as fate would have it, have each gotten involved with Consign Couture in their own way! Jason, co-founder and owner of Level Beer Brewery (with a taproom just a few doors down the street from us in Multnomah Village) has worked with us to provide cans of Level Beer to our 21+ shoppers in-store. Suraya, with her beautiful eye for photography and style, and passion for shopping secondhand, has been a valued supporter of Consign Couture (you may have seen some of her outfit photos in our Instagram stories- she’s sharing a fashion tip or two with us today!). We’re lucky to have friends and supporters like these in our community and are thrilled to feature Jason & Suraya on our blog. 

JASON

What is your name, and what do you do in life?  Tell us about yourself! 

Jason- husband, father, small business owner.  In my free time I really enjoy bouldering with my family, video games, and hiking.

Have beer / hospitality / entertaining always been a big part of your life? How did you get into this business? 

I graduated college with a degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology with sights set towards medical school.  I took a job in the hospitality industry as a way to make a living while doing other things to polish up my med school resume.  As I had feet in these two worlds I really found myself enjoying hospitality and brewing while dreading going to the hospital.  So eventually I decided to stick with brewing and abandon my medical ambitions.  I’ve also always just enjoyed entertaining.  I love to cook and host people so it was a natural fit.

 

You’ve been in the business a while. Any milestones that feel particularly special, or moments you have been especially proud of? What were some of the challenges, and how did you get past them? What lessons or moments stand out? 

First, just getting open was great.  Months behind schedule and over budget it felt really great when we were finally able to open our doors.  Then it was a really good feeling when we could hire a couple of brewers to take some of the load off my brewing partner and myself.  Trying to run a business and also do all of the production ourselves was a lot early on.  Money was definitely a big challenge.  Get multiple quotes and compare prices on everything.  We have saved thousands over the years simply by exploring our options.

 

What is something you’re proud to bring to your community, or to your industry (or both?) 

I really pride myself on being able to provide a space for the community to come together and enjoy being able to give back.  Having pint nights to support school and other non-profits, donating brewing experiences to have parents from local schools come out and brew with us, serving as a CSA pickup/mini farmers market, and just being a safe place for the whole family to come hang out is something I’m really proud of and have enjoyed watching over the years.  

 

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

I most enjoy showing people around and teaching people about Level, beer, and the industry in general.  It’s definitely the host in me, but I don’t ever really tire of just chatting with patrons.

SURAYA

Suraya, please tell us about yourself!  

I am always looking for the beauty in every moment.  I love creating beautiful environments and moments for my family.

What do you like about shopping secondhand?

I love that I can afford better quality items for the same price as new.  I’m building a “Vince” wardrobe at a “Gap” price and I love it!

Do you have a favorite “secondhand score” story to share? Any extra special pieces or moments that have gone on to have special meaning?

My favorite score was a Trail Blazer playoff t-shirt from 1991 that I found at a garage sale in Multnomah Village for $1.  It has special meaning because my dad used to take me to games and I used to work for the Blazers.

You’re making a capsule wardrobe- what are your staple pieces?

White linen shirt.  Black turtleneck. Denim, so much denim (I am a denim collector). Loafers. Black chunky boots.  

What does thoughtful/conscious consumption mean to you? 

I grew up with a mom that washed plastic bags and reused them.  We went to garage sales together.  It’s a way of life that you teach your children is normal and celebrated.  It also means recognizing when objects no longer serve you and passing them on – to great stores like yours!

Will you share a style tip with us?

Pay no attention to sizes or clothing “gender”.   If it fits the way you want it to fit- it’s for you!

 And now, 

What are some of your favorite spots in Portland? 

Our whole family likes wings so we frequent Fire on the Mountain a decent amount.  Upright brewing is awesome, and I really enjoy going to Uptown Market.  

I love just walking our neighborhood.  

You’re making a Portland “must see/do/visit” list: what’s on it? 

The International Rose Garden, I love the waterfront walk from the steel bridge, to the eastside esplanade and over the Hawthorne bridge

Three small businesses you love? 

– Consign Couture of course!  

-Level Beer

-Barre3

The best thing you’ve watched/read/listened to lately?

The Righteous Gemstones

Something you’ve learned recently?

 

I learned how to properly prune my tomatoes for the best fruit

A person you admire? 

 

My father in law.  He’s the best grandpa anyone could ever ask for and a great role model. 

A simple luxury you enjoy?

I love an iced matcha in the afternoon.

 

Level Beer  is located at 7840 SW CAPITOL HWY in multnomah village, with further portland locations on NE 148th AVE and NE Sandy BLVD. follow @LEVELBEER 

Learn more about LEVEL BEER

What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself and your business!
I’m Emily LaPlume, Founder & CEO of Saturday Swimwear — a sustainable women’s swimwear brand designed for real life and real bodies. I’m passionate about creating timeless, comfortable, and eco-conscious swimwear that’s made ethically right here in the U.S.

What inspired you to get into your field of work?
Saturday Swimwear was born from my own frustration trying to find a swimsuit that felt good, looked good, and was functional. My shift towards sustainability came after witnessing the first hand effects fast fashion and overconsumption were having on the environment and developing communities around the world. I set out to prove that you don’t have to compromise between style, comfort, or responsibility. What sets us apart is that we manufacture small batch collections in Los Angeles, use sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® regenerated nylon, and prioritize quality, fit, and function — creating suits that move with you, not against you.

Tell us about a milestone in your work or something that you’re especially proud of!
In 2022, I started what I call my “Artist Series,” where I collaborate with a female-identifying designer to create a one of a kind print for our suits inspired by their connection with nature. It has allowed me to connect with other creatives and tell the store behind the print, encouraging customers to build an even deeper connection with the products they’re purchasing. While it is taking a hiatus for 2025, we are working on some fun stuff for next year!

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration — especially the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From the muted tones of a misty coastline to the vibrant colors of alpine wildflowers, I pull a lot of ideas for color palettes, textures, and even product design from time spent outdoors.

Do you know any resources for textile recycling?
A great option available right here in Portland is Ridwell. There is also For Days’ “Take Back Bag” program and Terracycle. Some cities have their own textile-specific recycling drop-offs!

Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story?
My husband and I recently moved to Portland and during our first day exploring our new neighborhood, we discovered Consign Couture and I was SHOCKED at how well curated and not overwhelming CC felt (I will be the first to admit that secondhand shopping can feel fairly overwhelming for me). I found a pair of pants and shoes that I loved, but ultimately decided to hold off on buying them. The next day, my husband had gone back and purchased both items and surprised me with them for my birthday.

What challenges have you encountered while working to make Saturday Swim more environmentally sustainable? How have you addressed them?
Sustainability is at the core of Saturday Swimwear — from sourcing recycled materials to producing in small batches to minimize waste. One challenge is that eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing cost significantly more, which can make it harder to compete with fast fashion brands. But I’ve found that our customers want to invest in products that they know will last, align with their values, and fit well.

Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?
My go-to is a pair of dark grey straight denim jeans from Whimsy + Row, a black ribbed, cropped tank from Pepper, a thrifted, vintage Palmetto’s Fleece jacket, and my Blundstones. Despite working in the fashion industry, I love simplicity and most of my clothes are grey, black, or forest green.

What do you do in your free time?
You can usually find me outside — hiking, snowboarding, walking my dogs, or camping. I have recently rediscovered my love for reading and can always get down with a good book and a hammock hang.

Three things: The best thing you’ve read, the best thing you’ve watched or listened to, and the best thing you’ve eaten lately?
Read: I’ve been on a serious fantasy kick and just finished Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas.
Watched/Heard: We’re on The Last of Us train (RIP Pedro)
Eaten: Having just moved to Portland, it is hard to choose one thing, but we have been loving the croissants from Baker & Spice in Hillsdale!

(Bonus) A few small, local businesses you love:
Consign Couture (obviously!)
Origin Story
Baker & Spice
Make & Mary

x Emily