Owner of The Lions Eye Tavern

Portland, Oregon

Meet one of our favorite game changers and FoPians, Erin Wagner. She took the impossible, cleaned it up and turned into gold. Her customers love her, her neighborhood loves her, perfect strangers love her. Here’s why:

Who are you?

I am a determined, ambitious, and vivacious Jill of all Trades.

What do you do?

I own and run a community center for folks over 21, aka The Lions Eye

What is your inspiration?

Other people’s hearts. The will of a community to build and grow no matter what the circumstances may be.

How do you do what you do?

I depend on my staff of lovelies, my friends, my family. I take it all in and go from there.

Your magic moment?

It’s all about acceptance and kindness. When I see a familiar face or two people meet with a laugh, it’s a pat on the back.

Your day of awesomeness?

Would have to be sunny and warm.

In 5 years?

In five years, we will still be rocking it. Maybe 6 months in the Bahamas, 6 months here, ha ha (no seriously). Really though, in five years I would like to see this little pocket of Portland be recognized for what it really is, not what people like to think it is. We have great neighbors. We are part of an awesome community. People should know it.

Apart from running the place, what do you do?

I spend time with the ones I love. I watch the Blazers. I play pool. I have fun.

Any like-minded advice?

Research! Know what you’re getting into. Understand that quality really does matter. Most of all though, get to know your customers and appreciate them.

songs?

-Michael Jackson: Rock with you
-Wu tang: Gravel Pit
-Guns and Rose: Just pick one for me
-LAUPER: any and all of it

pdx haunts?

-The Lion’s Eye
-Sushi Sushi
-Nutri Burrito
-Bar Carlo breakfast

5 movies?

-The Wizard of OZ
-Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
-Stepbrothers
-Anything in the cheezey Sci-fi horrendous realm