Be Part of What We're Building

Now YOU can become a Tender Loving Empire investor and help power the creative community you love.

Check Out Our Wefunder

Invest in TLE on Wefunder

We’ve built TLE over 18 years to support local makers, artists, and musicians. Now, through Wefunder, you can become an investor and help us grow.

  • Jump in for as little as $100
  • Be part of a community-owned future
  • Enjoy VIP perks
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Why We're Fundraising from Our Community

Back in 2006, we were living in a tiny SW Portland apartment, screenprinting t-shirts and album covers in the second bedroom and promoting shows for bands we loved at local venues. We saved our tip money from our service industry jobs in a shoebox under our bed marked “Tender Loving Empire” 

In 2007, we took what we’d saved in that  shoebox and opened our first store — 800 square feet packed with handmade displays and the work of every creative person we knew. No business plan. No budget. Just a deep belief that the vibrant Portland creativity we were surrounded by deserved a home.

Against all odds, it worked! It worked because you showed up. Artists, customers, neighbors — you believed in us even when we were still figuring it out ourselves.

But today,  as Tender Loving Empire enters into its next chapter, we’re coming right back to the community that built us.

You can now legally invest in Tender Loving Empire with as little as $100 through Wefunder. As a thank you we’ve created lots of cool incentives and perks for investors. Together, we can ensure Tender Loving Empire thrives for decades to come—growing a future where creativity and community continue to flourish.

💛 Brianne & Jared

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Investing in TLE on Wefunder

How It Works

  • Anyone can invest, not just wealthy insiders
  • Create a free Wefunder account and verify your identity to invest.
  • Minimum investment is just $100
  • It’s not a donation — it’s an investment with long-term potential (and risks)
  • It's an investment in Tender Loving Empire, not Wefunder
Explore Our Campaign

Questions?

Why is Tender Loving Empire raising money this way?

Because we want you—the people who’ve supported us from day one—to own a piece of what we’re building. Instead of turning to banks or big investors, we’re inviting our community to help us grow, stay independent, and keep creativity thriving in Portland and beyond.

What will my investment help accomplish?

Simply put: your investment helps us survive, thrive, and grow. It funds new opportunities for artists, supports living-wage jobs, and keeps our stores and label alive for years to come.

Why now?

This is a pivotal moment. If we hit our goal, TLE can grow stronger and reach even more people. If we don’t, the future of Tender Loving Empire becomes uncertain.

Your support now truly makes the difference.

How much can I invest?

Anyone can invest as little as $100—yes, really! Many supporters invest $500, $1,000, or more to amplify their impact and share in more of TLE’s potential upside.

Why should I invest?

Because you believe in creativity, community, and good business—and you want to see them thrive together. If we grow, you grow with us. You’re not just donating—you’re becoming an owner.

How do I know Wefunder is legit?

Wefunder is an SEC-registered funding portal that has helped 2,000+ companies raise over $700M from everyday investors. It’s regulated, secure, and designed to make investing in small businesses simple and legal.

Where can I find details about risk, terms, and how it all works?

We love that you’re asking this! For the full breakdown and official answers, check out our Wefunder FAQ.

Still curious?

Feel free to email us at customerservice@tenderlovingempire.com
with the subject line RE: TLE Investments and we’ll get back to you.