Summer 2015

Best-Sellers in Portland, Oregon By Julie McCallum

betsy & iya | http://shop.betsyandiya.com

Betsy Cross started her handcrafted jewelry line, betsy & iya, in 2008. By 2011, Cross decided it was time to expand to a lifestyle boutique with her husband and business partner, Will Cervarich. Their shop is 800 square feet of the old Ideal Theatre building in the Nob Hill neighborhood.

The company has 17 employees, which includes a retail team, production team, office and marketing team and two shop dogs.

In addition to the house line of jewelry that’s made onsite, betsy & iya carries products made by other independent makers from around the world. The selection includes clothing, candles, bags, hair ties, nail polish, body care and jewelry.

“There’s a definite overarching visual theme to what we carry, but we also strive to include enough variants to satisfy a variety of tastes,” said Anna Reed, marketing and social media strategist.

“The betsy & iya store is all about how you feel when you walk in the door,” Reed continued. “We want the shop vibe to always be welcoming; everyone who walks in the door gets greeted with a smile and we try and tell as many people as we can about our story and the stories behind the products we carry.”

BEST-SELLERS

• Home Décor: Prints by Banquet Workshop
• Kitchen: Bottle openers by Maple XO
• Stationery: Cards by Sapling Press
• Apparel: Locally made garments by Make It Good Apparel
• Jewelry: betsy & iya
• Miscellaneous: Candles by Sydney Hale Co. and Coconut Bath Soak by Herbivore Botanicals

Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.