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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 2007)
DECEMBER. Z. 2W JUStjOUt, 1? northwest Not Your Run-of-the-Mall Jewelry Store Beaverton has rapidly expanded in the past few In addition to custom creations, A’kasha is also A’kasha is an ideal venue for holiday shopping. It one of five jewelry retailers to sell LifeGems. In the is also an official retailer of the Until There’s a Cure words of Smith, “LifeGems are the perfect way to jewelry line. A’kasha designates the proceeds of any “I’ve always wanted a coffeehouse, but I’m total ly new to owning my own business," said a slightly years. A’kasha The Fifth Element, the newest gay- remember a loved one or to Until There’s a Cure product as an owned jewelry store to open in the once quiet sub build a living family tree.” unrestricted urb, is contributing to the town’s transformation. LifeGems are created from the business donation to Our House of Portland. Although many Yet there was one dream Thompson left un fulfilled until April—entrepreneur. overwhelmed Thompson. “But I’ve been pulling shots at home since the ’80s.” A’kasha’s co-owner Steven Smith is a 2003 carbon of people or pets. alumni of the Gemological Institute of America’s Customers may create a dia graduate jeweler program in Carlsbad, Calif. Prior mond with a lock of hair or the to relocating for graduate school, he was the co cremated ashes of a loved one. owner of a small retail store in Oregon City. He The biological debris is sent to entered the jewelry industry by starting a gemstone a laboratory, and a diamond is created through A’kasha the Fifth Element is in Beaverton at "Touchstone is a way for me to reach back with collection at age 10. a scientific process similar to the process found in 12602 S.W. Farmington Road. For more the Portland queer community and other commu nature. The price of a lasting memory is compara information ble to the price of a traditional diamond and may www.akasha.zoomshare.com. watch retailers offer Until There’s a Cure Thompson has a list of attributes she loved about products, A’kasha is the only Touchstone and hopes to preserve—namely its role vendor in the Portland area that in the community as a neighborhixxJ gathering spot. has designate».! Our House as a ben She has invited several community groups with envi eficiary of the money. ronmental roots to hold meetings at the coffeehouse. call 503-643-5101 or visit be created in a variety of colors and cuts. According to Smith, “A’kasha is not your run- Touchstone Takes Two What qualifies serial outdoor hobbyist Karen Thompson to run her own business? casting and precious metal clay workshops. Her love for coffee, naturally. Thompson, a 46-year-old Northwest and is offering kxise leaf tea. She also plans to create a garden in the shop’s large yard in the summer. The new decor is based on her own affinity for earth tones. But two derails from Touchstone’s past will a dedicated patron of Touchstone Coffee remain unchanged—the presence of baristas Bilyeu House, a lesbian-owned establishment in and Tiffany Richardson. Northeast Portland. Touchstone mainstays who were hired to help Both were original ensure the success of Thompson’s pursuit. equipment in April from Becky Bilyeu, The location will also draw in the old shop’s Thompson had several careers. She was customers. At 445 N.E. 70th Ave., it’s just six a forester for the federal government, an bkxzks from the original location. aquatic ecologist, a hydrologist and an envi ronmental planner. The lesbian outdoorswoman also keeps her Touchstone Coffee alum Tiffany Richardson (left) and Karen Thompson, the shop's new owner, hope to entice a late-night crowd into the neighborhood joint. like the spot to draw an evening crowd of tea drinkers native who resides in Ridgefield, Wash., was Before purchasing the business name and A’kasha co-owner Steven Smith is contributing to a suburban social consciousness. Thompson also has a few of her own inventions she’d like to try out on the local clientele. She would of-the-mall jewelry store." In addition to unique jewelry from local artisans, it offers metal smithing, nities I’m interested in connecting with,” she said. self busy with a variety of activities including A grand opening event is planned for Dec. 21, with promises of giveaways and live music. For more information call 503-262-761 3 or visit www.touchstonecoffeehouse.com . © cross-country skiing, kayaking, photographing nature, backpacking and playing guitar. By J edediah C havez and J aymee R. C uti
