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'It's My Pleasure' provides
elegant, specialty store
by Patrice Raplee
Eight-and-a-half years ago, Holly Mulcahey worked for
a national franchising business. One afternoon, Mulcahey decided to
spend her lunch break looking for a romantic gift for her partner. Upon
entering an adult bookstore, she was appalled by the seedy surroundings
and dirty, sticky floor. Mulcahey realized that his was not the kind
of environment she wanted to be in, not to mention, the kind of atmosphere
that sparked romantic feelings. After this grim experience, Mulcahey
decided to start her own business that caters to the elegant and romantic
side of intimacy...a business ultimately named It’s My Pleasure.
Located on 3106 N.E. 64th Avenue, It’s My Pleasure resides in a white,
1920s-style house that is surrounded by a white picket fence and a wrap-around
porch. A state-of-the-art wheelchair access ramp has also been added
after many months of designing and redesigning by Mulcahey and modular
designer Gale Schmidt. The idea was to make the best possible access
for Mulcahey’s customers and try not to take away from the landscaping
and inherent charm of the house; it was successfully accomplished.
Upon entering the shop, the customer is greeted by wood floors and beamed
ceilings. Walls of soft-colored peach set a warm backdrop for the white
wood frame, crown molding and sheer curtains that grace the windows.
This charming, elegant old house is the perfect environment for a shop
that specializes in intimate, romantic personal items.
When asked if women are her main customers, Mulcahey comments, “Portland
needs a place where women can buy sex toys, condoms and other items
of romance while feeling positive and affirmed, especially without being
leered at or made to feel intimidated. Of course men shop here as well
and are more than welcome; I think they prefer an elegant atmosphere
to purchase special gifts for their partners. My catch phrase has always
been that this shop is for women and those who love them.”
The merchandise available at It’s My Pleasure includes various selections
of jewelry and niche magazines. Many of the artists who have crafted
the jewelry and greeting cards are Northwest women. The selection of
niche magazines of small publications is excellent; they range in interest
from teen to mothering, as well as feminist and lesbian to Crone Mags.
The greeting cards are an array of Northwest photographs, paintings
and watercolors. The artisans who crafted the cards and handmade paper
have taken a great amount of time to produce beautiful and unusual work;
the selection is not the largest in Portland, but indeed one of the
nicest. A few small items such as irreverent postcards and bumper stickers
with their cutting edge humor and witticisms inspire a lighter side;
the laughter that emanates from that section of the store obviously
adds to a positive attitude.
There is a separate section for adult toys and personal items tastefully
displayed; this section features articles to “spice up your life.”
Two businesses are located on the second floor of It’s My Pleasure;
the first, a licensed massage therapist and the second, a licensed counselor.
All three businesses seem to work in perfect harmony and lend a feeling
of an inclusive, supportive, wholesome environment. Adjacent to It’s
My Pleasure in what was originally the house’s 1920s garage, is a shop
by the name of Artzee. Specializing in imported posters and framing,
Artzee’s makes a nice addition to Mulcahey’s business.
Whether you need a special item for your partner, or you simply want
to browse the selection, It’s My Pleasure has already been touted by
many a customer as a classy, fun and safe place to shop. Mulcahey smiles
warmly and said, “My customers are made to feel honored and welcomed,
that’s our policy, that’s our inspiration!”
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