ss
Virgo Moon is where the precision of biology meets the magic of the cosmos. Based in Maine, Jilly creates artisanal, small-batch confections that serve as edible meditations on planetary archetypes and seasonal rhythms.
Every recipe is grounded in the landscape of Maine, incorporating locally harvested berries, honey, and botanicals – like lavender and juniper – to bridge the gap between historical apothecary traditions and modern holistic wellness. It is a fusion of the practical and the mystical, offering a sensory experience that invites you to taste the energy of the current moment.
Jilly’s Story
Raised in Coastal Massachusetts, I grew up with a dual appreciation for astrology and biology, crafting seasonal botanical products long before my move north. Once settled in Maine, I discovered a unique creative outlet in confectionery, allowing me to blend these lifelong interests. While I am self-taught in the confectionery arts, I bridge that creative passion with professional rigor. I approach my studio like the laboratories I once studied in – maintaining detailed lab journals and precise protocols – and I am ServSafe Manager Certified to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
My primary inspiration is drawn from the historical traditions of astro-herbalism – a discipline that originated in the SWANA lands of my mother’s ancestors – and the rugged, seasonal rhythms of the Maine landscape. My story is defined by this multidisciplinary background, allowing me to transform botanical inspiration and local ingredients into meaningful, carefully engineered products that honor the heritage of my adopted home.
ss
I have always loved creating recipes in the kitchen. When we found our pups were allergic to chicken, I went to work to create a healthy grain and gluten free treat with no preservatives or by products. They love Maine Blueberries, and peanut butter so after many attempts, I got it right! I sent them as a gift to our breeder who then sent them to her vet. I was told I need to market these immediately and thus spawned PBJ Dog Biscuits. We have expanded our biscuits and now make training treats, Maine Blueberry Himalayan Cheese Sticks, and Cat treats and working on doing more.
ss
I have always been a gardener, lover of the outdoors and crafter. My love of flowers has always been with me. I worked in my own greenhouse when I was younger and then at a florist as a floral designer later. I started my business as a hobby 12 years ago. It started with pressed flowers, rocks and inspirational saying. It was a way for me be creative as a stay at home mom. I started doing local craft shows. I discovered persevering flowers in resin in 2016 and as they say the rest is history. I use Maine flowers grown, gathered and dried by me. I slowly grew my business as my children grew up. I have very fond memories of hand sanding my pocket hugs during baseball and football games and practices on the sidelines. I am so grateful for the flexibility it has offered me as I grew.
I love experimenting with different techniques with resin which is how my ocean line came in about 6 years ago. I use sand and shells from different beaches along the coast. Maine winters are so nice starting seeds and working with all the flowers I have pressed and dried through the spring and summer. In the summer you will find me in the garden, at the beach or in my kyack-always connecting with nature.
My pocket hug line is my favorite. These small hearts carry a big message. It can bring people together in a time of celebration, memories of joy or difficulty. I’m happy to talk about customized messaging also. Thanks for looking, Lorraine
ss
I started Backyard Garlic with a friend 10 years ago. We first worked together building a vegetable garden at our kids’ elementary school, and it didn’t take long for us to realize we wanted to start a food business together. At the time, I was living in New Hampshire, and we attended several food and agricultural conferences sponsored by UNH. At one of those events, we met a garlic farmer who soon became our mentor.
For many years, Backyard Garlic was my second job—and really, my second career. That changed last year when my business partner retired from the garlic biz to pursue other dreams, and I took the helm (the bulb, as it were) on my own. Since June 2025, Backyard Garlic has been my only job—and it’s been fantastic.
I love the food, the farming, the craft and maker side of the work, the community, and the seasonality and variety that each year brings. I feel incredibly lucky to work this hard and be as successful as I am, and I’m excited to keep growing the business in the years to come.
ss
I have lived in Maine my entire life. I have held many jobs over the years, including care giver, mill worker, production stitcher and mental health worker. My happy place has always been creating, or enjoying the outdoors and animals. A few years ago I enjoyed learning how to make laminated cutting boards as a Christmas gift project and was hooked. I have become obsessed with the beauty of wood and creating fun and useful items.
ss
In 2005 I was given a loom from a family friend. I took a weekend lesson and then took off weaving! With the support of my husband, I started participating in craft shows in 2010. My inspiration comes from following the love of weaving that my friend had.
Using mostly traditional patterns that I have slightly altered, I create fabric. My love of color is shown in my products.
ss
I have always been someone who enjoys creating and working with my hands, and cooking has long been a way for me to bring people together. It’s something I’ve always been drawn to, especially when it comes to sharing food with family and friends and creating that sense of connection.
While I don’t have a formal culinary background, I’ve spent years learning through experience. Experimenting, adjusting, and paying attention to what works. That hands-on process is something I value, and it continues to guide how I approach everything I make.
In my day-to-day life, I balance a full-time career I truly enjoy while also working toward my Bachelor’s degree. Building Batch’s BBQ Sauce has been a way for me to create something of my own alongside those commitments, and to grow something meaningful at my own pace.
The name “Batch’s” comes from my maiden name, Batchelder. Growing up, I was often called “Batch,” and the name felt like a natural fit for something so personal. It was also my grandfathers nick-name.
ss
I founded Matinicus Salt Farm as a way to create something meaningful that reflects my connection to Matinicus Island, where I spend my summers. As a 10th-generation link to the island, it has always been an important part of my life. My path has been shaped through hands-on experience and a commitment to learning over time. I find inspiration in the island’s landscape, the seasonal shifts, and the pace of life on the coast.
ss
Kat is an illustrator, lover of the outdoors, and cat mom based in Saco, Maine. Her illustrations celebrate the places, both urban and wild, that bring us joy, peace, and comfort in New England. Kat’s illustrations are inspired by New England’s diverse landscapes and her experiences in the outdoors hiking, skiing, and biking. She began her illustration journey ten years ago in the White Mountains of New Hampshire when she first popped her head up above the treeline, heard the wind rustling through the scrubby pines and saw the incredible views. She was hooked. When an old injury flared up and kept her from hiking, she began drawing the mountains that had become her refuge.
While trying to be as sustainable as possible is important, I’ve recently decided to step up my environmental efforts and make a commitment to the natural world that I value so much. Kat Maus Haus has recently become a member of 1% for the Planet, a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations across the world, all working toward a better future. We donate 1% of annual sales to non-profit organizations that are working to preserve and protect our planet. In 2025 we supported The Nature Conservancy of Maine, RESTORE: North Woods, and Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
ss
Eco Hive is committed to providing a reusable solution to plastic waste, using locally sourced bee’s wax. Wax, resin and Jojoba oils are blended and used to penetrate cotton fabric. It is our goal to create a fun, colorful product that people of all ages are excited to use.
Eco-Hive exists because choice shapes the world.
a single wrap will not change everything-
but it changes something
and “something” when chosen again and again,
becomes a tide that shifts shores.
