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 »
Posts Tagged: starting a business
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 »
Within the Whale – Topsham
Jessica Woodend turned a lifelong passion for marine education into a traveling business with a unique twist. Based in Topsham, Within the Whale brings marine mammal science directly to Maine schools, libraries, and summer camps, featuring a life-sized inflatable humpback whale named Chunk. Students can step inside the whale to explore anatomy and ocean conservation… Read more »
Simply Breathe Therapy – Lewiston
After working in telehealth and seeing firsthand how deeply COVID affected people’s mental well-being, Annette Williams knew she wanted to do more. When a friend offered her space to expand her practice, she launched Simply Breathe Therapy, a Lewiston-based counseling and consulting agency focused on helping individuals across Maine work through both current and historical… Read more »
The Belle of Belgrade – Belgrade
After just one visit to Belgrade Lakes, Lyndee Waldbauer knew she had found something special. That moment led to a cross-country move, and eventually, the launch of The Belle of Belgrade. The concierge-style business curates extraordinary experiences that celebrate the beauty, creativity, and calm of lakeside Maine living.
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.
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
MainelyNP Primary Care – South Portland
Amy Brown, a dedicated nurse practitioner from South Portland, Maine, has always been passionate about healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she dreamed of providing more personalized and comprehensive care to her patients. This dream led her to establish MainelyNP Primary Care, a direct primary care practice offering a subscription-based model… Read more »
Maine Coast Creamery – Winslow
Originally from Haiti, Ismael Thadal immigrated to Maine in 2007. He met Molly Hodgkins, a Maine native, in 2014, and they bonded over their shared love of ice cream. Ismael and Molly began making ice cream at home, working on perfecting their unique recipes with the help of friends, family, and community members who served… Read more »