After several years working in the coffee shop industry, Saylor DesJardin knew she enjoyed the fast pace, the customer relationships, and the sense of community that comes from serving familiar faces each day. She also had a clear vision to open her own brick-and-mortar coffee and bagel business.
She recognized that moving from idea to ownership would come with major decisions. She needed help shaping a business plan, understanding financing options, navigating licenses and permits, and evaluating whether buying an existing business was the best path.
That’s when she turned to Maine SBDC after hearing about it from a friend. Working with Business Advisor Ali Lane, Saylor developed her business plan from the ground up. She then began exploring possible acquisitions, including Flexit Café in Ellsworth, where she had been working part time. She saw Flexit as an opportunity to build on work she already loved and turn it into something of her own.
Saylor and Ali worked through valuation and the acquisition process, helping Saylor move forward with confidence and make informed decisions about the purchase. Now operating Flexit Cafe through Jardin’s Java LLC, Saylor offers coffee, breakfast, lunch, and baked goods for customers dining in or taking meals to go.
Saylor says the support was practical, responsive, and consistent throughout the process. “I would recommend SBDC for nearly all small business questions. I don’t think I ever asked a question that we couldn’t find an answer for, or Ali didn’t already know the answer.”
In February 2026, Saylor successfully purchased Flexit. Since taking ownership, one of the things she values most is the community she has built with both customers and staff. She also understands the realities of running a seasonal business in Maine, especially the challenge of keeping income steady during the slower winter months.
Looking ahead, Saylor hopes to continue growing the cafe’s menu, with plans to add homemade bagels and install a hood vent to support future expansion. With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for what comes next, she is focused on building a business that continues to serve Ellsworth with quality food, coffee, and connection.