Diane Toepfer, owner of Ferdinand, is like the Fairy Godmother of local businesses and crafty folk. Not only was she one of the only small shops around Munjoy Hill in 2001, (she was originally surrounded by “gnarly biker stores and lots of pawn shops”) but she’s also one of the founders of Picnic, an indie music and arts festival. Designed as a means to showcase the hip DIY scene in Portland, Picnic has been a huge success, and so has the reputation of Toepfer’s storefront.  

Before she put down roots in Portland, she was living in Oakland, California, working at small shops and selling her letterpress cards to wholesalers. One of the coolest things about Toepfer is that she’s a self-proclaimed hustler. “I knew when I opened the shop that I’d have to hustle. But I figured even if I didn’t sell a thing, I had some wholesalers for my card company that would be able to cover the rent.”

Most of the inventory of Toepfer’s shop are either a) made by her b) found by her at flea markets or c) made by local Portland residents. “Small batches suit me. I like that I’m able to make a small amount of items, sell them and then get inspired by something else and do that!” There’s no lack of coolness at Ferdinand. Gold nameplate bracelets (with names like Charlene and Phyllis), refashioned vintage frocks, screenprinted shirts by Toepfer herself and handmade earrings that sell for $5 a pair…just to name a few. Everything is affordable, quirky and unique.

Toepfer also shares the space with Pinecone + Chickadee, who also sell their greeting cards, wares and consigned items in her shop. “They’ve got a really cool eye and bring fun things to the store,” says Toepfer as she points out a pair of neon sneakers. They also help with the store windows, which are always changing and always a highlight of Congress Street. It’s pretty safe to say that whatever Ferdinand is selling, we’re buying.