Nell Bostwick, ComeunityPDX

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. 

ComeUnityPdx, located in Multnomah Village a block above Consign Couture, is not your average boutique. This space is all at once a shop, a gallery showing off prints and work by featured artists, and an event space.  Not only can you find tees, stickers, pins and more celebrating Multmomah Village, Portland, and Oregon Pride with humor and style (not to mention beautiful pieces by local artists and craftspeople), but the shop supports the community in a very tangible way, too: 20% of sales support local organizations doing good.

We are so lucky to have Nell Bostwick, owner and founder of @comeunitypdx as a neighbor and a champion of our community, and are equally pleased to feature her on the blog today.

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

HI I’m Nell Bostwick, owner, founder, creator of ComeUnityPDX, business woman, boss lady, community leader, mom to 2 kids and 2 dogs, youth sport advocate !! … 

Where are you from, and how did you end up in Portland? Tell us about your experience opening ComeUnityPDX.  How did you get started, and what made you want to open a shop like this? 

I’m what you might call a corporate refugee. I come from 25 years in corporate retail. But being SUPER disenchanted with that world, I really wanted my next chapter to be something that was more of a benefit to the community. so pre-covid the concept of ComeUnityPDX was created ( slightly different than what it is now) with a slight pivot, in Dec of 2020 ,I opened in the little spot on Troy and the ComeUnityPDX as it is now was born!!! . Figuring if I could survive opening retail in such a crazy time, there was hope for my concept.

What brought you to Multnomah Village?

 I grew up in this area, by Johns Landing and had fond memories of growing up, eating at Fat City in the 80’s … I have continued to love the charm of the village, and know it’s not like anywhere else in PDX. after moving back home in 2013 from an extending stay in SF ( college + corporate life ) we were lucky to land back in my favorite hood !!  

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration? 

My community, nature, family and honesty …Im pretty straight forward, no BS, but with a lot of love sort of person and that is what is reflected in my shop

What is something you are proud to bring to our community? 

 A continued sense of pride, its strong here already but with fun stickers and cool tees you can be loud about it. Also i’m a connector. I love to bring folks together – I love first Fridays and all of our events. I love giving back to the community so that’s why donating back is part of the ethos of the brand. [ComeUnityPDX donates 20% of the proceeds of every sale to local organizations!) 

What are your favorite summer spots in Portland?

 When I’m not in my shop, I’m on the water paddling (Willamette narrows) or in nature (Washington Park)  or at a sport event for my super active kids.

Can you share a favorite summer recipe with us?  

Jalapeno vodka (homemade) with soda, fresh lime and fresh pineapple – lots of ice !!! 

What are your top tips for summer entertaining?

Always have good music, good drinks and comfy seating!

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

Multnomah village !!! The Rose gardens, and Washington park. Out of town? the beach!!!! Waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge and Trillium Lake 

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

Watched: The last season of Ted Lasso

Read:  The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (from Annie Bloom’s Books!) 

Something you’ve learned recently?

To be kinder to myself. 

A simple luxury that you enjoy?

A pedicure.

ComeUnitypdx is located at 3536 SW Troy Street B in Portland. Shop online or follow @comeunitypdx

Learn more about ComeUnityPDX

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