Anna Margaret is in the process of bridging one of Portland’s longstanding divides: Eastside vs. Westside. Margaret—who’s in the process of legally ditching her former surname “Fickle” (“No man names anymore,” she explains)—is the founder of Branch Birdie, a textile-heavy shop that’s winding down in the cozy insider-y Montavilla neighborhood, gateway to East Portland.
She’s starting her new venture, Le Souk Le Souk, with a new location in the heart of Nob Hill, where the neighborhoods are lusher and pricier, and where there seem to be more suburban or tourist shoppers than natives. We asked her to split the difference.
MERCURY: How will Le Souk Le Souk differ from Branch Birdie? What will you keep?
ANNA MARGARET: Branch Birdie [BB] was where I was at five years ago: a mom with two littles. Hence the playroom and kids’ section. Le Souk Le Souk [LSLS] is where I am now: still a mom of course, but beyond the baby stage and into that fun middle school, “Let’s go shopping and daydream together” stage. I’m starting to rediscover my own dreams and steer a bit of my focus back onto myself again. I am really excited to express myself, and my passion, with a new concept shop! But don’t worry, my favorite designers are crossing the river with me: Ulla Johnson, Ace & Jig, and Psyche Jewelry.
- Mona Johnson
- Anna Margaret