Lynne Stewart operates Lynne Stewart Designs, a custom sewing workroom based in Kennebunk that blends fine home décor craftsmanship with imaginative soft-sculpture creations. With a BFA in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design and over 2 decades of experience, Lynne balances her days between client commissions—cushions, pillows, and window treatments—and a line of… Read more »
Posts By: Aaron Cohen
Factory 3 – Portland
In 2019, Patrick Walker Russell opened Factory 3 in Portland’s Libbytown neighborhood with a bold vision: to create a makerspace that would lower the barriers to entrepreneurship for artists, artisans, and tradespeople. Located in a 4,400-square-foot warehouse on Saint James Street, Factory 3 provides tools, training, and workspace for woodworking, welding, sewing, 3D printing, and… Read more »
Amy Lewis Photography – Brunswick
Amy Lewis launched Amy Lewis Photography in Brunswick in 2022 after a slow and steady rollout the year prior. Her business now serves clients across Southern and Midcoast Maine, offering family portraits, senior pictures, weddings, and a growing list of commercial services such as real estate and marketing photography.
Root 2 Salon – Wilton
In December 2023, Madisyn Smith lost everything when devastating floods swept through Farmington, destroying the salon where she worked as an independent contractor. The building was left with no insulation, frozen pipes, ruined floors, and a landlord unwilling to help. What had once been a dream became unsustainable. “I was so unhappy in a building… Read more »
Perakis Ironworks Group – Portland
Sam Perakis is the owner of Perakis Ironworks Group in Portland, where he specializes in architectural ironwork such as railings, fences, and gates. His work also includes sculpture, historical reproduction, repairs, and tool making. With a decade of blacksmithing experience and active membership in regional and national blacksmithing associations, Sam brings deep craft knowledge and… Read more »
Taking Your Marketing from Effort to Impact
By Alison Lane, Maine SBDC Center Director and Business Advisor We all know that marketing is essential in small business, but many owners still find it overwhelming. According to Constant Contact’s 2025 State of SMB Marketing Report, small businesses are investing more time and money in marketing and trying out new tools. Yet confidence has… Read more »
Mourning Ventures – Dover-Foxcroft
Lisa Joy White, LMSW, MThanatology, CT founded Mourning Ventures of Maine in Dover-Foxcroft to offer personalized, evidence-based grief care and advance life planning support to individuals and communities as well as workplace consultations rooted in grief-informed practices. With fifteen years’ experience, Lisa holds a master’s degree and certification in thanatology. She is also a licensed… Read more »
Boldly Lacquer – Machias
Ellie Hammond launched Boldly Lacquer in Machias after developing a nail allergy during the pandemic and struggling to find polish that met her standards. That experience sparked her passion for creating “10-free” nail lacquers, formulated without many of the harsh chemicals found in conventional products.
Preparing for the Maine Winter Tourism Season
Winter in Maine is Changing. Here’s How Businesses Can Adapt. Maine’s winters have always been a magnet for visitors. From skiing and snowmobiling to ice fishing and holiday festivals, the season fuels billions in economic activity. But as anyone who lives here knows, winter is changing, and with it, the way we approach tourism.
Maine Compost Co – Lewiston
Joshua and Olivia Flynn founded Maine Compost Co LLC to tackle a growing problem in their community: food waste. Based in Lewiston, the business offers convenient compost pickup services to residential and commercial customers across Androscoggin County. With scheduled weekly or biweekly pickups, the Flynns aim to make composting easy and impactful for local households… Read more »