Kazeem Lawal of Portland Trading Co.
Portland Trading Co. is one of the premier specialty shops in Maine carrying an expertly curated selection of menswear, women’s wear, accessories and home goods. The founder is Kazeem Lawal, a sharply dressed and impeccably mannered gent who exudes tons of charm and charisma. A direct reflection of his own persona, Portland Trading Co. is known for stocking a refined assortment of carefully picked style and living essentials – in addition to some unexpected finds. The store also carries some choice selections from Onassis, and on a recent trip to Maine, we tracked him down for a quick interview.
What is the overarching shopping concept behind Portland Trading Co.?
We strive to cover the ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS across men, women and home. Portland Trading Co. is truly a lifestyle store for these three key areas.
You have a very unique past – African heritage, born in California and then an Electrical Engineering degree. How did you end up in the retail business?
In a nutshell, I was following my heart and truly making myself vulnerable to it. My mother told me long ago that I am more like her (entrepreneurial) than my father, and I finally accepted the point she’s been making all along. I am happy I embraced that side of me. So, we will see where Kazeem ends up next, but I have been lucky so far and I thank my forefathers for their guidance. Ultimately, I chose the retail business because I love being in a creative environment and equally important, I love the interactions with customers that come to the shop.
Can you give us an idea of the wide range of items and merchandise carried at your store?
When I say ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS across the three segments – it is not just about basics, it also has to do with thoughtfully looking at each category and determining what are the “must haves” – for example, I feel every man needs a navy blazer/sport jacket. A woman needs to have a comfortable and versatile pair of stilettos with that perfect minimal dress.
How would you describe your own sense of style? Would you say you have a Maine-influenced style aesthetic?
I am to my core a classic man as far as style, but where Maine comes into play is how I mix things up: a classic tailored sport jacket mixed with a plaid top coat or plaid shirt. So I mix things up a lot, but I’m really all about the classics: tailored sport jacket, pants, ties, etc. (both new and vintage).
With the fall season in full swing, what menswear pieces are you most excited to show your dapper customers?
The versatility of the garments coming in on the men’s and women’s side is exciting, brands from Portugal, USA and South Korea and of course, I am really excited about all that lies ahead with Onassis – casual lounge chic and tailored at the same time. Really cool stuff. And on the home front, we are launching a funky, staple piece to keep all of your liquor organized. We also have beautiful goods coming in under our Private label program, PTC.
Being that you’re a man who is well versed in the sartorial arts, what do you consider as the main difference between fashion and style?
Interesting question. Fashion for me is time sensitive, but one’s style is timeless with room to play on the fringe and keep things fun.
For anyone doing a tour of Portland with you, what are three places that would definitely be on your must-go list?
Food, at this point in time, is the absolute foremost thing to do in Portland. Then afterwards, some nature and some shopping. That said, I will say, Eventide Oyster Co (amazing lobster roll, raw Oysters, etc.); for nature, tons of trails for hiking; and for shopping, of course, Portland Trading Co.
Looking forward, are there any plans to open up additional branches of Portland Trading Co?
My hope and dream is to open another small shop on the east coast, somewhere close enough to New York, but also with a southern hospitality vibe. We shall see if the universe is willing.
Lastly, any special projects or collabs coming from you that we can look forward to?
Stylish yet simple goods on the men’s and women’s side, but on the home front, that’s where we have some fun goods coming in – prints, unique home goods, etc.
Portland Trading Co. is located at 157 Middle St, Portland, ME. For more information, visit www.PortlandTradingCo.com
