HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO THE ORIGINAL CONSIGN COUTURE MUSE!

CC Muses: In Greek mythology, the muses were Zeus’ daughters and the goddesses of the arts, sciences, and literature. Today, in fashion and beyond, a muse is a source of inspiration. Next up in our “Consign Couture Muses” series, we are so pleased to introduce our community to the original CC Muse, Tamara’s mom (and mentor in business!) Laurie Young.

From Tamara: Happy Mother’s Day to all – and especially to my mom!

 I wanted to take a moment to thank my mom for everything she’s ever done and also to remind everybody here that Consign Couture is a culmination of what I’ve learned from watching my mom run her own business and have her own store since I was born.

 A little over 13 years ago, my mom and I were having lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I told her that I was planning to quit my job and wasn’t sure what to do next. Without skipping a beat, she said:  “Why don’t you open up a resale store?”

After lunch, we went around and checked out storefronts and within a couple of weeks Consign Couture had a sign duct-taped to the window and 12 consignors.

My mom has a huge heart and will take the time to help anyone who comes into her orbit. She’s fearless, has an incredible work ethic and will. not. give. up. She has a never ending drive to make things happen. She’s a riot and brings curiosity and childlike innocence to everyone she meets. 

 

 

We’re excited to introduce you to Laurie Young! 

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

My name is Laurie Young – I’m Retired.

You ran multiple businesses. What inspired you to start them and what was meaningful to you about them?

I started my first shop in Half Moon Bay in 1979. It lasted 8 years until my husband got transferred to east bay. I was the Oregon state sales rep for a giftware company for 25 years- I put on and attended trade shows in Seattle.
All of my business were such a challenge to be the best at being creative and the top of my game. Owning a business brings such personal fulfillment as you can be your own boss and make it as great as you want it to be with a lot of hard work.

Tell us about a milestone in your business or something you’re especially proud of.

I opened 3 different stores in Depoe Bay over 16 years and expanded several times. I was proud to have people from all over come shop at my store.

Being an entrepreneur and building a business has been compared to raising a child. Does that feel like a reasonable comparison?

Owning a store is similar to raising a child as it is 24/7: all encompassing and rewarding at the same time.

Tamara credits you not just with her entrepreneurial spirit but with the inspiration to start Consign Couture. How did the idea come about? Are you a big secondhand shopper?

Consign Couture came about when [Tamara] was back on her own and did not want  to go back into the corporate world. The goal was to find a business that she would not have to invest a lot of money in upfront.   We started with the idea of a children’s store- but after visiting some and watching kids run amok- we changed that idea fast.
I have not been a big second hand shopper but I am a big sale shopper. Spending six months in the desert recently has changed that and I  have become a secondhand shopper.

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration? 

I am inspired by other great business with their displays and creativity.

What keeps you going on tough days?

What keeps me going is the drive to be the best I can be on all levels and make a difference to someones life.

Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story

My favorite secondhand shops are in California- my last favorite item was a very large bra that I got to toss on the stage  to a great guitar player during a performance by a 13-piece band. Currently my favorite are tops from Johnny Was (brand that Tam introduced me to) because of the comfort and fit.

Tell us about your favorite outfit- what makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?

My favorite outfits are anything comfortable- probably pajamas. I currently do not shop much as I live the retired life in shorts and bathing suits and in the process of downsizing my wardrobe.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I like to garden- I love flowers – I go to the gym, travel the world and cruise.

Three things: favorite book, favorite movie, and favorite thing to eat?

Book: I am not a reader, but I like to listen to  audible (audio books). My favorites are biographies like Oprah Winfrey’s or Sally Field’s.

Snack: I won homemade ice cream for year- and gave it up as I watched the pounds come on but frozen yogurt has always been my favorite treat – and also bran muffins from Tim Hortons in Canada.
Movie: My favorite movie is Pretty Woman.

Favorite places to shop?

Probably my favorite local business are Costco and Trader Joes. I love their flowers.

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