Success Stories

Client Success Stories

Café Luna – Falmouth

After living in Maine nearly 25 years, Juliann Joy identified a gap in the local dining scene and stepped up to fill it. She opened Café Luna on Route 1 in Scarborough in early 2024, creating a cozy spot for healthy breakfast and lunch options.

Sneak peek of Café Luna’s new Falmouth location, opening in May 2025.

Driven by determination and a deep connection to her community, Juliann describes owning a small business as incredibly rewarding, even with the daily challenge of keeping everything running smoothly.

As momentum built, so did the possibilities. Juliann began exploring the idea of expansion and turned to the Maine SBDC for guidance. She connected with Business Advisor Chris Cole, who supported her through the planning process and offered valuable direction along the way. With additional backing from Bangor Savings Bank, she gained even more confidence in moving Café Luna forward.

Now, just over a year after launching her first location, Juliann is preparing to open a second Café Luna on Route 1 in Falmouth in May 2025. She remains focused on staying busy, serving her community, and continuing to build something meaningful, one meal at a time.

For more on Café Luna, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram!

Winnie’s Beauty Salon – South Portland

When Winnie Ogweta opened Winnie’s Beauty Salon in South Portland, she set out to do more than style hair. As the first Black-owned salon in South Portland, and one of just a handful across Maine, her business represents an important milestone and a new opportunity. As a licensed hairstylist, Winnie wanted to create a space where clients could find both quality service and inspiration to pursue their own careers in the beauty industry. Read More

Owlbear’s Rest – Westbrook

For Patty and Matt, Maine is where they built their family and careers. Now, they are preparing to open their dream business. Owlbear’s Rest brings people together through great games, good food, and a welcoming community. With an extensive library of board and roleplaying games, cozy seating, and a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring local producers, Patty and Matt are creating an inviting space where play is encouraged. Read More

Evergreen Grooming – Hampden

For many years, Veronica Page, a Maine native, worked as a dog groomer for others, but she wanted the opportunity to provide better service on her own terms. She dreamed of opening a place of her own but didn’t know where to start.

Kevin Browne Architecture – Falmouth

Kevin Browne is the founder of Kevin Browne Architecture (KBA), a residential architecture firm based in Falmouth. They focus on thoughtful and lasting designs that cater to their clients’ unique needs.

China Lake Provisions – China

Mike Brown envisioned creating a welcoming space where the community could find high-quality, locally sourced food. That vision became China Lake Provisions, a deli, pizza, and sub shop offering a variety of healthy foods and local goods.

When Mike and his team first set out to open their business, they faced a major hurdle: securing financing. Unsure where to start, they turned to the Maine SBDC after a recommendation from their local chamber of commerce.

Mandy’s Paw-sitive Strides – Patten

Mandy’s Paw-sitive Strides is a dog-walking business owned and operated by Mandy Lyman, a dedicated animal lover in Patton, Maine. Mandy provides 30-minute walks for dogs, ensuring they receive exercise and care while their owners are busy. Fully licensed and insured, Mandy has also participated in dog obedience classes to deliver top-notch service.

Mandy came to the Maine SBDC in April 2023 with a dream of starting her own dog-walking business. Mandy wanted to contribute to her community and earn her own income. Her initial goal was to attract 3 to 4 regular clients and work 4 to 6 hours weekly, but she needed guidance and resources to make it a reality.

SimKit – Scarborough

It’s a well-known truth that the most successful businesses solve real-world problems. That is exactly what Dr. Jason Hine, Emergency Medicine Physician in Maine set out to do by forming his company, SimKit.

Unlike specialists, emergency physicians must be prepared to perform a wide range of procedures, often at a moment’s notice and under pressure. Some of these procedures are complex and rarely performed, which can lead to “skill decay.”

Fore & Wharf – Portland

Dylan John and his fiancé Ellen turned their passion for style and community into Fore & Wharf, a boutique located in the heart of Portland. Specializing in thoughtfully curated men’s and women’s clothing, the shop embodies the charm and lifestyle of New England. Dylan’s vision was to create a store that celebrates coastal living while offering high-quality, unique pieces to be enjoyed by all.

Arranged by Amy – Greater Portland

Amy Smith, an occupational therapist (OT) for nearly 30 years, saw a recurring need among her older adult clients. She noticed many with cognitive and physical challenges struggled to stay organized, impacting their independence and daily functioning. Realizing she was in a unique position to help, Amy decided to start her own professional organizing business in early 2023, Arranged by Amy.Read More

For more on Café Luna, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram!

Recent Success Stories