From noon to 5 p.m. on October 12th, businesses on NE Glisan Street, from 70th to 74th Avenues, will host the inaugural “Gored Gourd Gala on Glisan,” featuring food, music, and retail specials. Over 15 vendors and four bands will join the collection of events sponsored by the local businesses as they welcome the community for a family-friendly fall event. People will find vendors in pop-up tents on both sides of NE Glisan Street between NE 71st and 72nd avenues, along with other promotions by area shops.
The businesses Wildcard Barber, Hinterland, and NightOwl Custom Apparel will present live music on the back patio behind the shops from 12:15 to 4:30 p.m., featuring Base Band, Tragic Lovers, and Diludead. Booth vendors on the sidewalk include Sam Pletcher Goods, Wolf Tea Creations, Yellow Heart Sunshine, Cat Around Stamp, The Way Home Shop, Smash Me Daddy (smashed burgers), Rose City Rec Room, Sister Garden PDX, Think Tank Woodworks, EAB Crafts (crocheted items), Pet Bloc Mutual Aid, Mending Bloc Mutual Aid, and People’s Free Library. Additionally, the majority of businesses on NE Glisan, from 70th to 74th avenues, will open for the event with fall specials on October 12th. Attendees will find other vendors providing face painting and tooth gems. Wildcard Barber will host a flash tattoo artist to offer permanent inking from a set library of artwork.
The NE Glisan business community hopes people will attend their Sunday afternoon inaugural “Gored Gourd Gala on Glisan.” They intend to keep this as a new tradition that attracts neighbors within walking distance and others in the wider community to visit this growing commercial corridor.
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On August 18th, the Way Home Studio will open next door to the Way Home Shop as a rentable event space for classes and gatherings. The four studio co-owners came together based on a common need for flexible space to host their sessions. The group’s community-building approach to business includes making the space rentable at an affordable rate to other educators or people needing room for gatherings. The storefront at 8435 SE Stark Street offers a long multi-purpose room and a back area for smaller groups.
The space formally housed an alarm company that relocated to a larger storefront next door. The Way Home Studio team replaced the flooring with a shock-absorbing base layer and a durable laminate surface. One wall will offer a 20-foot wide full-length mirror with a ballet bar for those needing dance space. Groups renting the studio can also use 30 company-provided chairs and five folding tables in various configurations to meet their particular needs. People will have access to coffee, tea, and free wireless internet. The rooms rent together by the hour on a sliding scale based on the time of day. Weekday rates range from $10 to $25 per hour or $15 to $30 per hour on weekends. Full-day pricing is available, and they offer a 10% discount for elders 65 and older, first responders, veterans, and people from the BIPOC community. The current rate card and calendar are available on the company’s website, thewayhomestudio.com.
This space grew out of the success next door at the Way Home Shop. “I had a dream back in February when this space became available next door to my shop,” explained Gergana Kirilova, who owns the shop and is a partner in the studio. Her limited meeting space in the back of the Way Home Shop was often reaching capacity, but expanding to the vacant adjoining shopfront on her own would not have kept it as active as she knew it could be. “I sent an e-mail to all my folks saying, ‘Who’s in? Let’s build this healing center where we have more space for our gatherings.’ Little by little, I connected with these wonderful women,” said Kirilova. Her visions resonated with Amanda Cheer, Ida Cavewoman, and Lindsey Peck, who she knew from the community that formed around her shop. “I think we all came together because we see the need for a true community space that brings people together for a healing center. We’re all practitioners, artists, or healing folk in some capacity, and we were looking for a place for ourselves while also making sure that other practitioners in the area have a space to do the same that’s reasonably priced,” remarked studio partner Ida Cavewoman.
The Way Home Studio owners. (from left to right) Lindsey Peck, Amanda Cheer, Ida Cavewoman, and Gergana Kirilova
Based on the group’s shared interests and expertise, the Way Home Studio will focus on renting to people fostering healing for individuals and the community. These uses include community gatherings, educational workshops, health and wellness classes, cultural events, support groups, healing circles, seasonal celebrations, crafting groups, and offering self-care resources. However, they are open to hearing about other potential uses as long as renters follow their principles regarding equitable access and respect for people in attendance. Public events in this space are viewable on the Way Home Studio’s website or via a calendar link. The Studio team invites interested community members to view event descriptions and follow the signup links available in most listings.
In addition to the core group of partners, other practitioners have shown interest in this space, with several securing time slots. Co-owner Amanda Cheer noted that the early interest is already rounding out the types of activities planned for the studio. “We already have quite a few [people] that are excited. I know we have a couple of yoga and Reiki practitioners. So we have some stuff already on the calendar.” They also have people interested in using the space for book signings and other one-time events. Because the rental rate includes the back room with padded armchairs, a couch, and an under-counter refrigerator, they expect some people will reserve the studio for counseling and small groups needing a private room. Eventually, the Way Home Shop and Studio will connect through an existing door so eventgoers can transition between the storefronts without going outside and give people a place to move to after the scheduled session.
People interested in seeing the space and learning more about the group running it can attend the grand opening event on Sunday, August 18th, from 1 to 5 p.m. It is free to attend without prior registration, and they will provide light refreshments.
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In December 2023, Gergana Kirilova opened The Way Home Shop on SE Stark Street just east of 82nd Avenue. The 1200-square-foot storefront at 8437 SE Stark Street sells tools for energy healing and craft items from local artists and creators worldwide. A small events room in the back of the shop provides space for Reiki healing sessions and educational events.
Gergana Kirilova left the corporate world last year, looking for something more spiritually fulfilling. “Back in September, my husband and I were just eating ice cream with our little one, and I said, ‘Oh, one day when I retire, I want to open up a hippie store.’ And he said, ‘Why wait?’ So here we are,” explained Kirilova. Growing up in conservative Nebraska, Kirilova and her family were part of the small, tight-knit community of people open to natural healing. However, her interest in expanding her knowledge began a decade ago. “I started taking things a little bit more seriously back in 2011 when I first got my Reiki certification,” said Kirilova. That Reiki training progressed through the levels until she reached teacher status. At some point during last summer, Gergana Kirilova realized that there was a conflict between her professional life and what she had learned through the energy healing community. She quit her job and started looking for a shop to rent.
When searching for a place to open, Kirilova discovered that not all property owners were interested in housing her business. “It was hard for me to find a location. I never thought getting somebody to allow you to open up a business would be the biggest hurdle,” explained Kirilova. The search area expanded beyond her neighborhood until she found this space in Montavilla with an encouraging landlord and community. “The owner of the building has been so wonderful and so nice. Everybody that’s stopped by that is from the neighborhood has been very welcoming,” said Kirilova.
Kirilova has filled the shop with energy-healing items sourced from around the world, including natural stone jewelry made by artists in Morocco, Egypt, and Iraq. Much of the clothing comes from Nepal and Tibet. A Portland creator crafts the wands made from wood and stone that fill the display case. Shane Reaney soaps are available at the shop alongside many giftable items. “You don’t necessarily have to use them for energy healing. Jewelry can always be used for gifts. You can just say that the stones are pretty,” remarked Kirilova.
The Way Home Shop is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. They offer free-to-attend classes, with some instructor-run events only asking for a modest donation. Gergana Kirilova encourages people to visit the shop to explore and ask questions. “The main reason for the store is to develop a community and make it feel homey. I want people in the store to feel warm and welcome. A place where they can find resources, not just the tools that we sell, but also find guides. Basically, a place where people can gather.”
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