page and pine: Building Community One Book at a Time

page & pine: Building Community One Book at a Time

When page & pine opened its doors in downtown Puyallup, it was born from a simple but powerful intention: to bring something meaningful to the community. Its founder, Emily Foster, had long admired the charm of downtown and felt inspired to contribute in a way that would make a positive impact. A thoughtfully curated bookshop felt like the perfect fit.

More Than a Bookstore

page & pine has carved out its own niche by focusing on connection. Putting tremendous energy into hosting events that bring people together, the team puts tremendous energy into hosting events that bring people together, turning the shop into a gathering place where conversations spark, friendships form, and shared experiences flourish.

Their shelves are intentionally tailored with the community in mind, and visitors often comment on how thoughtful and inviting the selection feels. Paired with their emphasis on meaningful in-person engagement, page & pine has become more than a place to buy books. It’s a space that feels personal, intentional, and alive.

Starting From Scratch

Like any new venture, opening page & pine came with its share of challenges, especially since it was Foster’s first time launching a retail shop. Securing the right downtown location was a big first step. Then came the mountain of logistics: applying for grants, determining inventory, establishing utilities, selecting point-of-sale systems, and trying not to let a single detail slip through the cracks.

One of the most transformative decisions, however, was hiring the right team. Having people who truly believe in the vision and bring their own strengths to the table has been invaluable. Their support has turned early hurdles into opportunities and helped create the warm, welcoming environment the shop is known for today.

A Meaningful Connection with Sound Credit Union

The relationship with Sound Credit Union (Sound) began through the local baseball community, thanks to a friend whose son played in the same program as Foster’s. That connection led to Foster meeting Joanna West and Wendi Plain from Sound’s Business Lending & Services team—relationships that proved invaluable in providing support during the early days of building her business.

The relationship with Sound quickly stood out as something deeper than standard banking. Every interaction felt personal. Whether reviewing financial details or handling simple day-to-day needs, the Sound team consistently made Foster feel heard, valued, and supported as a business owner.

One moment in particular left a lasting impression: after rescheduling a meeting because Emily’s mother was recovering from surgery, she arrived to find flowers waiting for her from the Sound team. That thoughtful gesture, rare in traditional banking, captured the heart of Sound’s unique approach: building meaningful relationships in a way that is genuine and personal.

Looking Ahead

The future of page & pine is rooted in growth, community, connection, and creativity. The shop plans to continue hosting a wide range of events, both literary and beyond, to welcome new faces and foster a sense of togetherness.

Foster and her team are committed to continually refreshing their shelves with their readers will love, discovering new authors, and collaborating with local makers and writers. As the shop evolves, the mission stays the same: to make page & pine a place where people feel welcome, inspired, and truly part of something special.

Sound’s Commitment

At Sound, we’re honored to work with business owners like Emily Foster, bringing innovation, collaboration, and opportunity to our communities. Our commitment to local businesses enables us to build meaningful connections and stronger communities as we stand together through all waves of life.