Posts By: Aaron Cohen

Emily Carle FNP Mobile Direct Primary Care – Freeport

Emily Carle launched her mobile direct primary care practice in Freeport to reimagine healthcare delivery. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, including work as a medical missionary, EMT, ER nurse, forensic nurse, and now as a nurse practitioner, she knew she wanted to build something different. She envisioned a model rooted in authenticity, community… Read more »

Timber Candle Bar & Boutique – Caribou

Located on Route 1 in Caribou, Timber Candle Bar & Boutique is redefining retail in Northern Maine by blending handcrafted home fragrance products with immersive, experience-based retail.

Twinkle Time Cleaning – Millinocket

Elizabeth Pio launched Twinkle Time Cleaning in Millinocket to create the kind of opportunity she once struggled to find herself. In recovery for over a decade, she overcame significant personal challenges to rebuild her life. Today, she uses that experience to support others through employment and compassionate service.

Lynne Stewart Designs – Kennebunk

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 »

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 »