In the heart of Salem, Oregon, a young girl named Becka discovered her passion for buttons in the early 1980s. Inspired by her childhood hero and local Oregon legend, Ramblin Rod of the Ramblin’ Rod Cartoon Show, Becka’s love for these small, yet powerful, circular expressions of art and creativity took root.

It was in 1991, at the Boys and Girls Club on Summer Street, where Becka’s journey truly began. In the art room of this beloved community institution, she created her very first button, unknowingly setting the stage for a future filled with purpose and creativity. The Boys and Girls Club, with its proud slogan “Great Futures Start Here,” proved to be a catalyst for Becka’s passions, nurturing her love for buttons and laying the foundation for the incredible journey that lay ahead.

Fast forward to 2011, fueled by her unwavering passion, Becka founded Becka Makes Buttons, a pinback button-making company in Tacoma, Washington. This small venture marked the beginning of a transformative path that would eventually lead her back to her hometown of Salem, Oregon, in 2021. It was here that Becka opened the Button Shoppe, a charming 300-square-foot space on Commercial Street that quickly became more than just a place to purchase custom buttons; it evolved into a vibrant hub where individuals from all walks of life could come together, express themselves, and connect through the art of button-making.

As the Button Shoppe grew in popularity, it began to attract a diverse group of creative individuals, affectionately known as “Button Buddies.” These Button Buddies brought their unique perspectives, talents, and stories to the space, enriching the atmosphere with their presence. The shoppe became a sanctuary for self-expression, where people could explore their creativity, share their experiences, and find a sense of belonging.

Becka watched in awe as the Button Shoppe took on a life of its own, shaped by the collective energy and ideas of the Button Buddies. It became clear that the 300-square-foot space was no longer sufficient to accommodate the growing community and their vast interests. Inspired by the passion and potential of her Button Buddies, and driven by the same spirit of creativity and connection that had been nurtured in her since childhood, Becka set out to find a larger space that could serve as a true creative hub.

Thus, Radness Ensues, the Button Buddy Collective, was born. This community center aims to be a place where new ideas can flourish and thrive through the collaborative efforts of those who gravitate towards it. The Button Shoppe, now nestled within Radness Ensues, continues to be the heart of the collective, a testament to the power of buttons in connecting people and fostering creativity.

Radness Ensues is a culmination of Becka’s journey, tracing back to those early days in the art room. It is a manifestation of the connections, creativity, and community that buttons have brought into her life, and a tribute to the role that early experiences played in igniting her passion. The collective is shaped by the diverse individuals who frequent the space, each contributing their unique skills, passions, and experiences, just as Becka’s own experiences shaped her path.

At its core, Radness Ensues is dedicated to building a safer, sober, and inclusive space for the community, with the community. Accessibility is a top priority, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported, echoing the inclusive spirit that nurtured Becka’s early passions. The collective is committed to evolving and adapting to the needs and desires of those who call it home, creating a dynamic and ever-growing ecosystem of creativity and connection.

As you step into Radness Ensues, you become part of this incredible journey that began with a young girl’s love for buttons and the nurturing environment that sparked her creativity. Whether you’re a longtime Button Buddy or a curious newcomer, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community ready to embrace your unique story and creative spirit. Here, you have the opportunity to explore your passions, learn from others, and contribute to the collective’s ever-evolving tapestry of ideas and experiences.

So, suppose you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey of creativity, connection, and community. In that case, we invite you to visit Radness Ensues and experience the magic of the Button Buddy Collective for yourself. Come as you are, with an open heart and a curious mind, and let the power of buttons guide you toward personal growth, empowerment, and belonging.

At Radness Ensues, your story matters, and your creativity has the power to inspire and shape the world around you. Join us on this incredible adventure, and together, let’s create a radder, more connected, and compassionate community, one button at a time.