Hi! Steph here. 🖤 In 2019, during one of my trips to Portland, Oregon, two of my wedding clients, Angel and Monica, introduced me to a shop called Bridge & Burn. Since it was my birthday, it felt entirely appropriate to treat myself to a proper raincoat, one that was sturdy and would hold up for countless PNW shenanigans.

Fast forward six years, and who would have imagined that I would find myself living right here in Portland, still sporting that same coat? I was thrilled when the crew at Bridge & Burn reached out and asked me to document their flagship store. On an overcast afternoon, I made my way there and got to spend some quality time with the store's managers. If you ever find yourself in this area, I highly recommend stopping by to check out their top-notch selection of threads; you won't be disappointed. If you aren’t able to scope out my time at the store below!

Meet the owner Erik Prowell:

If you had to explain to a 10 year old what you spend your time doing for work…what would you say?

I try to imagine my next favorite piece of clothing and then turn that idea into reality.

What do you spend your time & energy on outside of work?

I love to cook, travel, snowboard, and mountain bike.

Tell us the story behind your brand's name. Do you remember where you were when you came up with it?

I have a degree in computer science and used to work as a software developer. While consulting for various companies, I started a graphic tee brand with a friend. At one point I need to upgrade my computer and instead of buying another PC that was required for my programming work, I opted for an Apple laptop, which was an act of committing to my new creative and entrepreneurial pursuit. The first tee design I did on the new computer featured a hand holding a match under a bridge with the text "Never Look Back' as I had cut the cord from my corporate existence. Running the t-shirt business was an exciting chapter, but my ambitions grew. I wanted to create something bigger, something lasting. When I transitioned to designing real cut-and-sew clothing, I chose the name Bridge & Burn—a nod to that pivotal moment of risk and reinvention. It represents not just a brand but a mindset: leaving the old behind to fully embrace new challenges.

Owning a business isn't for everyone. When you've been in your lowest of lows... What gets you out of the thick of it?

The support of my family and friends is what keeps me going.

How would you like to see the world differently in your lifetime?

There are many things I’d love to see change, but for now, I’d be content if people could truly listen to and value differing perspectives, working together toward meaningful compromise.

Describe the atmosphere you hope to create for people when they visit your store:

The goal was to create a feeling of warm sophistication—a welcoming and inspiring space that invites customers to explore. The attention to detail and carefully curated lighting sets the tone for a thoughtful and elevated experience, where every element feels intentional and designed to make customers feel at home while discovering something special.

What was your first job? If you could take your teenage self out for coffee... what would you tell them about who you are today, what’s important to you & what you’re proud of in life?

My first job was bagging groceries and restocking the dairy aisle at a local grocery store. I'd tell my teenage self to trust my instincts and stay true myself always. I'm most proud of following a non-traditional path and making it work.

Fave quote or piece of advice you've received that has stuck with you?

In regards to advice, I actively seek a wide range of informed opinions. However, I approach all input with a bit of skepticism, ensuring the final choice is entirely my own. I want to take full ownership of the outcomes, embracing both the rewards and repercussions of my decisions.

BRIDGE & BURN // PORTLAND, OR