Meet Maggie Peng, owner of Pink & Tan
Maggie Peng inside her shop, Pink & Tan
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting Pink and Tan, located at 604 Dempster St. in the Main-Dempster Mile.
The shop offers beautiful, unique and well made objects, carefully curated by makers across the globe. The offer a selection of home goods, decor, furnishings, and gifts designed to bring beauty, intention, and comfort to your daily life
Can you share some of the history of the Pink & Tan?
MP: Pink & Tan was born from a deeply personal moment of transition.
At the start of the pandemic, my family and I made an unexpected move and found ourselves living in a nearly empty apartment in Evanston. As an architect and interior designer, I was driven to create beauty and comfort with the few things we had—seeking out small, intentional ways to make our space feel like home. As we became more rooted here, I began seeking out special pieces—handmade, small-batch, and vintage items that carried a sense of history, care, and individuality. Each object I brought into our home added warmth and character, helping to shape a space that felt both personal and peaceful.
That process of collecting—of curating meaningful objects that enrich daily life—is at the heart of Pink & Tan. Our store reflects that same philosophy: a thoughtful blend of artisanal craftsmanship, timeless design, and quiet beauty meant to be lived with and loved.
What can folks expect if they come to your store?
MP: We offer everyday essentials, art and décor, pantry goods, and children’s items—all curated through the lens of thoughtful design. Whether it’s a hand-thrown ceramic bowl, a small-batch pantry staple, or a beautifully made toy, each piece is selected for its function, form, and the story it tells. We believe that the objects you live with every day should be as inspiring as they are useful.
How do you set yourself apart from other retail shops?
MP: Our customers often tell us that Pink & Tan brings the world of design to Evanston—and we’re proud of the role we play in our community. There’s a deep thoughtfulness in how we add value to their lives. Many of our customers are regulars we know by name. We love helping them select pieces for their homes, often reviewing photos of their spaces and offering personalized design guidance. We’re also honored to help them find meaningful gifts for partners, friends, and family. It’s not uncommon to hear that we’re the go-to shop for special gifts, because our customers know they’ll leave with something just right—something beautiful, unique, and deeply considered.
How does the Main-Dempster Mile support your business?
MP: We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such inspiring small businesses in our little corner of Evanston. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here—we have a running chat with our neighboring shop owners, and that everyday connection makes us feel truly supported. We’ve loved participating and hosting some of the local events here that not only strengthen our community ties but also bring more people through our doors to discover what makes this neighborhood so special.
Any specials or services (or a fun fact) you’d like people to be aware of?
MP: Our gift registry isn’t just for weddings—it’s for any celebration worth remembering. Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday, a new home, or a meaningful life event, you can create a personalized registry filled with thoughtfully selected pieces. It’s a beautiful way for your loved ones to give you something you truly want and will cherish.
And if you’re gifting or purchasing one of our vases, we’re happy to make it extra special with a custom floral bouquet, designed in-house to complement the piece and the moment.
What is your favorite thing about running a business in Evanston?
MP: At our core, we are a people business. My favorite part of this journey has been building a small but mighty team—creative, multi-talented individuals who bring heart and thoughtfulness to everything we do. We genuinely love our customers; they are the reason we exist. When someone walks into our store and leaves feeling inspired, seen, or simply delighted by the experience, that’s our greatest reward.
