Sappy note ahead... because ya'll showed the heck up for us!!

I am so grateful for the community that surrounds Seagrape! As many of you know, the last 2 months have been a whirlwind at the shop. Between a flooded basement, thousands of dollars in damages, lawyer fees, a broken HVAC system, supply shortages, and price hikes due to tariffs and inflation, to say we’ve had a rough time staying afloat is an understatement. Thank you for seeing us through the rough patches and showing up to celebrate the incredible milestone that is TEN years since the shop’s been open in Portland! 

It’s really uncomfortable to ask for help, but being vulnerable is a muscle we all need to stretch during these unpredictable times. I’m so grateful to continue to show up in community and create spaces that are so needed—spaces where queer, creative, magical, and curious babes can come to gather, find lovingly made tools, and meet friends, teachers, and comrades that share their values. 

I started the business in 2009 in my college apartment with absolutely no resources— during a recession—because the excitement and magic of Pleasure called to me so loudly I couldn’t ignore it. I continue to be in a magical relationship with the entity that is Seagrape, and although I don’t know what the next decade is going to look like for the shop (I'm pretty much always making it up), I will continue doing what I love and keep showing up for the pleasure, magic, and community that calls to the beacon I’m tending. 

Thanks for being here, whether you’ve just found us, followed your nose into the Portland shop 10 years ago, or have been here for the last 16 years of this magic! 

With so much love,

Rue