Jay & Peter, JP GEneral

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. 

Nestled among the shops on SW Capitol Highway, directly opposite Consign Couture, is a gem of a shop that is so wonderfully curated with housewares, gardening tools, jewelry, cards, and objects that beautifully blend function, practicality, and thoughtful design with style and beauty that you just might want to move in. Yes, we’re talking about JP General, and this week we are thrilled to feature founders/owners Jay Quiggle & Peter Tolin-Baker on the blog! 

What are your names, and what do you do in life?  Tell us about yourselves!

We’re Jay Quiggle & Peter-Tolin  Baker – the current owners and founders of JP General in Multnomah Village.

Where are you from, and how did you end up in Portland?

After twenty-two years in New York City working in the luxury retail, beauty and fashion industries, it was time for a change and we wanted to come back to the west coast. With family and history in the Portland area it was an obvious choice to resettle to and we haven’t looked back.

The pieces in your shop are so beautifully curated. What do you look for when choosing new vendors/products?

When determining what products to carry we look for locally made items when possible and focus on usefulness, design quality and sustainability.

What is the most challenging part of buying, and what is the most fun?  

Buying is both an art and a science with a dose of luck; the challenge of interpreting and balancing what customers want with what you want can be tricky. The fun comes with discovering new vendors, seeing customer’s enjoyment with the product and creating a memorable store experience.

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration? 

Inspiration comes from a range of resources and experiences including music, food, art, fashion, travel, design and people. 

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

We are proud to be a locally owned and operated LGBTQ+ business in Multnomah Village. We have appreciated being able to partner with local non-profit organizations including Meals on Wheels People, Neighborhood House and New Avenues for Youth and actively participate with the Multnomah Village Business Association.

What does “thoughtful consumption” mean to you?

Being aware of who you are buying from, where the product is from, who made it, how it was made and how it got to you; an emphasis on quality versus quantity.

Can you share a couple of tips for summer entertaining? 

Keep water flowing – water pitchers filled, handy water glasses for hydrating during summer heat. Add a simple garnish for refreshing flavor – cucumber strip, or lemon and limes.

If you are entertaining outside, check the setting in advance at the same time that your event will be – adapt set-up plan as needed to work during event time – consider lighting, arrivals and departures, temperature changes during event.

What are your favorite summer recipes? 

Iced Tea made with our new JP General Hibiscus Berry Crush organic loose leaf tea. Find the recipe here. 

Fresh Garden Greens & Peas with Cilantro Yogurt dressing (secret recipe from our sales associate, Debbe Hamada)

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

Nature – Washington Park, including The Japanese Garden and The Rose Garden

Food – Food Carts, a quintessential Portland experience. A favorite pod is The French Quarter in Multnomah Village

Architecture – pick a historic neighborhood and go for a walk – e.g. Goose Hollow, Irvington, Multnomah Village of course!

Three small businesses you love? 

ComeUnityPDX in Multnomah Village – unique hybrid of gallery, retail and community center.

Mad Sass Soap Co. – our neighbors, beautifully handmade on-site plus retail store and available at local marker faires. 

Folly Portland – hats off to our friend and business owner, the talented Sarah Bibb and her amazing fresh style and energy inherent to her clothing brand 

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

Reading – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Listening – Calm Down, a song by Nigerian singer Rema and Selena Gomez , The Age of Pleasure album by Janelle Monae. 

A simple luxury that you enjoy?

Sitting in our backyard, enjoying the view while reading a book or having time with friends and family.

JP General is located in Portland at 7868 SW Capitol Hwy. Shop online or in-store AND Follow along on instagram at @JPGENERALSHOP

Learn more about JP General

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