small victories is based on the concept that we need the little things in life to make us happy and that these little things can be objects. these things can mean even more when they are crafted from start to finish by a human with creative intention. each artist inspired the choice of another artist and if you look hard enough you may be able to see the thread that holds them all together.
the small victories shop is in the Tribute Gallery, which is part of Everett Station Lofts. behind an intimidating gray door and up a flight of stairs, small victories is mysteriously located in the loft of the gallery. when you reach the top of the stairs, you'll find a multitude of treasures handmade by local and international (ooh-la-la) artists.
small victories began on a dog walk. recently laid off and pondering the steps to fulfill “the dream” as unemployed people tend to do, Erin Houlihan passed Brian Wilson's Tribute Gallery and realized it would be the perfect spot to pay tribute to every-day small victories.
Erin is an aging girl from Long Island, NY where she was raised by collectors that never threw anything away. she's been in Portland for nearly 5 years and opening a shop was more in the "ten years from now" category until that fateful walk. Erin's dog and the Small Victories mascot, is named Goblazers, and everyone who calls the dog is forced to cheer for her favorite basketball team. Goblazers is definitely a little thing that makes Erin happy.
Not too long after the dog walk, Erin met Elaine, a bright-eyed, bushy tailed idea-generating machine. Originally from Boston, MA she grew up with parents who instilled in her good manners, the importance of hard work and the fun of DIY projects. Although she is relatively new to Portland, she is already all over the place, like the freckles on her face, involved with various local marketing, technology and charitable associations. Helping others achieve a daily small victory is what that makes Elaine happy – along with manicured mustaches, coffee, and lame puns.
Erin and Elaine met through mutual friends and they continued to run into each other during First Thursday events. It wasn’t until a spontaneous trip to the Alpaca Western Extravaganza that the true amazing potential of their friendship and business collaboration came into fruition. Who knew Aplacas could bring people together?
Sharing a passion to promote amazing artists, a mutual distaste for poor typography, and wide-range of design and DIY skills these two talented ladies quickly have seen their team work produce great results. On a daily basis, those results seem to become limitless.
