After many years in the restaurant industry and a decade in an office job, Andy Day was ready to build something of his own and reconnect with the energy of downtown. He missed interacting with the public and being part of Downtown Bangor’s vibrant business community. After months of planning and preparation, Andy opened Oh, Grow Up!, a candy and novelty shop at 21 Central Street in Bangor, in January 2026.
Owning Oh, Grow Up! has given Andy the chance to shape the kind of customer experience he wants to create, from the products on the shelves to the atmosphere inside the shop. He especially enjoys watching people react when they walk in for the first time and discover something unexpected.
Seeing customers discover something unexpected has been one of the most rewarding parts of opening the store. At the same time, Andy has had to adjust to the unpredictability of running a new retail business, where customer traffic and day-to-day demands can shift quickly.
He reached out to Maine SBDC in June 2025 after a friend who had opened a media business recommended the organization. As Andy worked to turn his idea into a viable business, he wanted support with his business plan, financial projections, and the many steps involved in launching a new retail operation. Support from his family throughout the process also helped him move forward with confidence.
Working with Business Advisor Alison Lane gave Andy both structure and practical feedback as he prepared to open. Alison helped him work through the startup checklist, strengthen his business plan and financial projections, and stay on track through each phase of the opening process.
“Alison was very supportive and thorough in navigating me through the opening process, including providing detailed notes for improvements in my business plan,” said Andy.
That guidance helped him move from concept to launch, and Oh, Grow Up! has already made a strong impression within the community. The shop has received enthusiastic responses from customers and has given Andy the opportunity to be back in a downtown environment he knows and enjoys.
Looking ahead, he is optimistic about what comes next for the business. He sees a bright future for Oh, Grow Up! and encourages other entrepreneurs to seek support when starting out. Reflecting on his experience, Andy said working with Maine SBDC was especially valuable as he was “striking out on my own” and navigating the many challenges of launching a new business.