We are a husband and wife small business. Julian has a background in architecture and security system design, and Jen is an elementary music teacher. We started this business on a whim when a friend of ours had a broken laser printer and asked Julian to take a look at it. He quickly fell in love with all of the ideas and items he could create, his first being a map of Casco Bay. We had our first fair in October of 2022 and quickly realized that we had something that people were interested in. We quickly grew not only as a small business, but as a couple. At that first fair we had only been dating for 6 months, later that year we got engaged, and we have now been married for over a year and have a beautiful daughter. We took a step back this past spring, as Josie was born three months premature and we were in the NICU with her for 93 days. We have now been home for almost as long, and are loving that we can get back into our small business and have already started shows for this fair season.
Anna Soaps & Body,LLC
Posted by Jane Holmes & filed under .
My journey into natural skincare started with a personal struggle—sensitive skin that reacted to almost everything. As a child, even basic skincare products would leave me with red, blotchy spots. My mom could only wash my face with water, which inspired my lifelong curiosity about skincare ingredients. As I researched, I discovered that many common ingredients were major culprits for skin irritation. Determined to find a solution, I began exploring plant-based alternatives and eventually started crafting my own soaps and creams.
The transformation was immediate—my skin no longer felt tight, inflamed, or dry. As a licensed esthetician and hairstylist, I was constantly exposed to harsh chemicals that further aggravated my skin. Despite using high-end, expensive products, nothing worked until I committed to creating my own formulations. These handmade products were not only gentle on my skin, but also provided the nourishment it craved.
Today, I blend my passion for skincare with my professional expertise as a certified formulator, with distinctions in cosmetic compliance and formulation skills. As a long-time member of the Handmade Soap & Cosmetic Guild since 2005, I’m dedicated to creating products that meet the needs of people with sensitive skin—just like mine. My inspiration comes from nature and the belief that our skin deserves protection and care without harmful chemicals.
Every product I create is a reflection of my personal journey and my mission to help others discover the power of natural skincare.
Harpswell Island Designs
Posted by Ann Grout & filed under .
From a lifetime on the water sailboat racing and cruising, a costal lifestyle has forever been a source of enjoyment, community, and fun competition! I’ve always had an interest and respect for the tradition of nautical flags. Their history has captivated my attention for years as I’ve raced and cruised with family and friends coast to coast and port to port visiting different yacht clubs. Now, I’m combining my nautical passion and years of professional experience in the textile and garment production industry by launching my business on the coast of Maine. A curated assortment of authentic Yacht Club burgees and International Code flags, complimented with nautical designs and custom projects. My indoor/outdoor pillows are carefully engineered with quality materials and a construction process to ensure exceptional durability for longstanding enjoyment and use.
Mayfly landing Net Company
Posted by Joshua Brown & filed under .
Hello, My name is Josh and I love wood working, among other things. Woodworking has always been a important part of my life since I was a child I had always been drawn to making and creating things with my hands. I am formerly trained as a cabinet maker and working in construction for several years. I served for 6 years in the Marine Corps as a field radio operator with a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011. After getting out and trying a few different things, I became a Nurse. I worked through Covid in Colorado as a Emergency room Nurse. After stepping away from the military and ER nursing in 2022, I found myself struggling with residual depression and anxiety. Shortly after, I moved to Maine and started Mayfly Landing nets; through the bending, hand planing, and sanding I had found something I had been missing. I had found purpose and a way to deal with the left over unpleasant feelings. Most of my proceeds got to supporting Veteran organizations.
Tentacle Teether
Posted by Maxwell Lloyd & filed under .
We’ve held many different jobs in entertainment and marketing and even had our own business while living out in California, making stop motion animation advertisements. We first started working in entertainment in NYC, for a reality TV production company (which is where Kat and I first met); the desire to make movies took us out to LA where we quickly got involved with making online commercials. It was during a trip up to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where we got the idea for the Tentacle Teether, they sold a toy that was not for babies that our son was obsessed with. 5 years later we moved to Maine and as luck would have it, right as we decided to try to make it, we found a medical grade silicone manufacturer right here in Maine… the rest is history!
Fletchers’ Mill
Posted by Jody Fletcher & filed under .
Fletchers’ Mill has a beautiful collection of gourmet salt and pepper mills, rolling pins, muddlers and more kitchen accessories. Our sophisticated and elegant designs are created and manufactured in New Vineyard, Maine.
Our Story
At Fletchers’ Mill, we take immense pride in being “Made in the USA.” Our journey began in 1971, when brothers Wayne and Earl Fletcher dared to dream big. They transformed their vision into reality by mortgaging their homes to acquire an old mill that once served as a blacksmith shop. The legacy of craftsmanship lives on, as we continue to manufacture timeless items, including wooden nickels, tool handles, toy parts, salt & pepper Mills, kitchen tools and many other wooden products that echo the tradition of the Fletcher brothers.
Today, under the leadership of Jody Fletcher, Maine Wood Concepts (parent company of Fletchers’ Mill) proudly celebrates over 50 years in business. Our entire process, from raw logs to the final product, takes place in-house, ensuring quality and care every step of the way. Maine Wood Concepts champions sustainable forest practices in our supply chain, creating a brighter future for our workers and communities. Our commitment to sustainability nurtures both the environment and the economy and we proudly recycle all wood waste and by-products, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
It is our people who infuse magic into every creation, pouring their hearts into each product as if it were for their own family. Fletchers’ Mill employees not only cherish our products but also recommend them to their loved ones. Together, we are building a community of support for American jobs and businesses. From our family to yours, thank you for being a part of this inspiring journey!
SMC Fiber Studio
Posted by Susie Cooke & filed under .
Greetings, my name is Susie Cooke and I am the sole maker behind SMC Fiber Studio. I have been felting since 2010, when I moved back to my home state of Maine after living in the desert for many years. I worked my way through needle felting, wet felting and nuno felting, learning the different techniques and working on the skills necessary to create wearables on a larger scale. As there are limited resources for learning wet felting locally, I am self taught using what knowledge I could find through books, local resources, and the internet. In 2018 I opened my business Su-Z-Q Felts, which later became SMC Fiber Studio.
I specialize in OOAK felted wearables and home embellishment items made in the nuno and wet felting techniques. I use only the softest merino fibers for the wearables I make which include scarves, mittens, and jackets and source my fiber from as close as Maine to as far away as Australia. My decorative home items are made with durable wools in natural tones, perfect for any home and include baskets, pillows, wall hangings and table embellishments to name a few. My work is inspired by the Maine coast’s natural beauty where I live and recreate, and the seasonal changes our area enjoys throughout the year. I prefer earth tones and the natural textures that wool, silk and cotton provide in my pieces.
Johnson Turning
Posted by Eric Johnson & filed under .
I started woodturning in my grandfathers shop years ago. He was a carpenter and there was always a distinct smell of sawdust in the shop. To this day I still enjoy turning on the lathe and turning a handmade item from a square block of timber.
I have honed my skills as a woodturner tremendously since those days in my grandfather’s shop. Today I pursue the craft with the goal of every item being handed to the next generation. A salad bowl can last generations if the proper care is maintained. Rolling pins can be passed from mother to daughter.
Sit. Stay. Forever.
Posted by Steve Whitney & filed under .
At Sit. Stay. Forever. I’ve spent the past decade building a wellness brand that enhances the health and happiness of pets and their families. My focus has been on creating high-quality, organic pet products, including beds, toys and grooming essentials. We prioritize safety and use organic, chemically safe and sustainable materials to ensure the best for our furry friends. My company has successfully evolved from selling to traditional brick and mortar pet stores to a robust digital marketplace, thanks to a strong online presence and targeted digital marketing strategies. This transition has been instrumental in achieving consistent annual sales growth of over 15%, driven by effective use of Amazon and Google, SEO, and pay-per-click advertising.
Portland Pudgy
Posted by MICHAEL METCALFE & filed under .
Our Story: Embracing a New Chapter with Portland Pudgy
A New Beginning with a Time-Honored Brand
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to take the helm of Portland Pudgy, a brand renowned for its dedication to safety and versatility on the water. This new chapter for Portland Pudgy (PP) comes under the umbrella of our primary company, Triangle Design Group (TDG). With a deep-rooted passion for maritime adventures and a commitment to continuing the legacy of Portland Pudgy, I embarked on this journey with enthusiasm and a vision for the future.
Passion for the Sea, Commitment to Safety
My connection to the ocean began along the rugged coast of Maine, where my wife Jenny and I have spent countless hours exploring and cruising. As coastal cruisers aboard our 36-foot wooden schooner, Black Pearl, we understand the importance of having reliable and safe equipment. This respect for the sea inspired us to ensure that Portland Pudgy remains synonymous with safety and reliability. Our boats are designed to handle any situation, providing peace of mind for all who venture out on the water.
Leveraging Engineering Expertise and Innovation
At Triangle Design Group, we bring extensive manufacturing planning capabilities and a team of skilled engineers to support the Portland Pudgy product line. My background in mechanical engineering, combined with the expertise of our team, ensures that each boat meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Our collective training has taught us the importance of precision, durability, and innovative problem-solving—all key elements in our boat designs.
Inspiration from the Maine Coast
Living and working in Maine continues to be a constant source of inspiration. The state’s breathtaking coastline, vibrant maritime culture, and resilient community influence the ethos of Portland Pudgy. The spirit of Mainers, who thrive in diverse and often challenging conditions, mirrors the resilience we strive to build into each of our boats.
Dedication to Craftsmanship
At Portland Pudgy, we believe in the power of meticulous craftsmanship. Every boat is a testament to our dedication to quality and our commitment to providing the best possible product to our customers. This dedication is reflected in the careful selection of materials, the precision of our manufacturing processes, and the rigorous testing each boat undergoes before it leaves our facility.
Building a Legacy
Our journey with Portland Pudgy began about six years ago when we purchased our first Pudgy dinghy. We quickly grew to appreciate its innovative design, safety features, and versatility. This experience was a significant factor in our decision to acquire the company. Acquiring Portland Pudgy is more than a business venture; it’s about continuing a legacy of safety, reliability, and innovation. We aim to provide boaters with peace of mind, knowing they have a trustworthy vessel beneath them. This mission drives us to continually improve our designs and stay at the forefront of maritime safety technology.
Looking Forward
As we embark on this new chapter, our core values remain unchanged. We are committed to our customers, our community, and the environment. We strive to innovate while honoring the traditions of maritime craftsmanship. Each Portland Pudgy boat is a reflection of our journey, our expertise, and our passion for the sea.