Buoy Pops is a small, family-owned business on the New England coast, where lobster fishing is an important part of the region’s heritage. Anne & Peter Taylor, owners of Buoy Pops, have lived in Harpswell, Maine since 2002. Buoy Pops are made in their home, which also houses their chocolate creating space. Anne has been a passionate chef who learned French cooking as a child at her mother’s knee. Pete comes from a long line of avid sailors. They joined passions to make something simple, classic, and delicious to share with others.

As a longtime high school business teacher and current small business advisor, I’ve spent my career helping others chase their dreams, build meaningful careers, and discover the confidence that comes from learning real-world skills. But at some point, I realized I wanted to do more than just teach entrepreneurship—I wanted to live it, and most importantly, to do it for my own kids.

The Sweet Life Kettle Corn Company is my way of building something lasting—not just a business, but a legacy of opportunity. I started this company to show my children what’s possible when you combine passion with purpose. I want them to see that hard work, creativity, and a commitment to community can lead to something truly sweet.

More than that, I wanted to create a space where all kids—not just my own—can grow. Sweet Life provides flexible jobs for local teens, especially those balancing academics, sports, and extracurriculars, giving them the chance to develop work ethic, confidence, and business skills they can carry for life.

I’m Jordene Trueh, founder of Backriver Blends, based in Topsham, Maine. My journey into food entrepreneurship was inspired by my Jamaican heritage and a personal mission to create safe, flavorful meals for my family—especially after my daughter developed severe food allergies.

With nearly 30 years of experience in both the nonprofit and business sectors, I bring a strong background in leadership, operations, and community engagement. While I don’t have formal culinary training, I’ve been mentored by experienced food entrepreneurs and supported by local programs like the CEI Women’s Business Center and Dirigo Labs. These experiences have helped me build a business grounded in authenticity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Living and working in Maine has connected me to a community that values quality, innovation, and local roots—and that’s exactly what I aim to reflect through Backriver Blends.

Grounded Confections is dedicated to providing chocolate that is not only beautifully hand-crafted, but also compassionate of the world we live in. By partnering with like-minded suppliers and prioritizing sustainable practices, we strive to create a delicious chocolate bar without compromising our impact on the environment. We focus on partnering with suppliers who share the same values such as preserving the habitat of the orangutans and are conscientious of the communities our ingredients are grown in. Grounded Confections is committed to this vision for a better world. Our name reflects our focus on creating chocolate that is not only delicious but also grounded in mindfulness and compassion.

At the heart of our business lies our pride of being a woman-owned and operated small business, crafting artisanal, high-quality chocolate with care and precision. Each bar we produce is a testament to the passion and dedication of the women who pour their hearts into every step of the process. This love and creative energy is imbued in every bar.

By choosing to support small businesses like Grounded Confections, you are supporting a network that uplifts other small businesses. We collaborate with other small businesses and entrepreneurs as much as possible, fostering a community where everyone can thrive. Your support helps us to invest in these partnerships, creating a ripple effect of positive impact. We thank you for your support and invite you to enjoy one of the many chocolate bars we offer.