Before opening tea and clothing shop Barnes and Morgan, Amir Morgan had a deep connection with tea. He grew up in households where it was offered upon entry, and his professional travels to countries like Taiwan and Sri Lanka for textiles and materials presented an abundance of tea experiences. When it came time to blend his two passions into a business, Morgan wanted a space in Old Town—a place he calls the “cultural hub of the city.” 

Barnes and Morgan is known for its wool felt hats and garments designed by Morgan himself. It also hosts “Measurement Monday,” a regular event that allows people to come to the shop, learn their own clothing measurements, and enjoy live music or a DJ. “The goal is to help people explore their identity through clothes and show them various looks that they might not have considered.”

Your opinion on Portland style? I wouldn’t say Portland isn’t stylish, but it’s selective. People feel out of place in Portland when dressing up. 

Favorite part about winter? Dressing in layers

Favorite place(s) in the city to clear your mind? Walking on NW 23rd, or skateboarding downtown when no cars are down here

Go-to restaurants to take out-of-towners? Kann, or Matador for the chicken nachos

Food you hate that everyone seems to love? Eggs

A retail store you like? Cargo. They have a lot of interesting things from around the world.  

Favorite Oregon road trip? Alvord Desert. I camped there for the first time during the pandemic. 

Favorite book? The Quran

Favorite TV show? Peaky Blinders

Eternal playlist song? “Love Yourz” by J. Cole

Local winter dish you love? The mussamun curry from Thai Champa food cart on Burnside

Who’s your hero? My parents 

Best advice you’ve received? Always focus on what you can control and what matters.

Worst advice you’ve received? To go to the Oregon Coast in November

Scariest career moment? Moving from North Carolina to Southern California with no job

What’s your mantra? It sounds morbid, but “one day you’re going to die” ... the idea that one day, this will end. Nothing’s guaranteed. 

The best gift you’ve received? The parents that I have; the upbringing, the morals, the values they instilled in me

What excites you the most about the city’s future? I’m excited for the future Old Town-Chinatown. There’s a lot of community and creative support here. 

Three words that describe Portland? Portland is Portland. You can’t make Portland something it’s not—you can only add to it.

Three words that describe you? I’m just Amir.