I grew up in the white mountains of New Hampshire. Spent a lot of time playing by rivers and in the woods and swimming in lakes as well as skiing and hiking. I lived out west for several years before coming home because of the water. I have lived in some of the most beautiful places in the country And inspiration from them. I am very curious about nature and love to draw inspiration From it. I like to infuse my work with that feeling of being connected to the natural world.
Keyes Pottery
Posted by Laura Keyes & filed under .
My first memory of working with clay was when I was 11 yrs old and visiting my sister at college. She worked in the ceramics studio and I was immediately entranced. Walking into that huge space, looking at the rows of wheels, smelling the clay, it was magic to me. She helped me throw a few small bowls, which my parents still have today.
I have always been a very tactile person, and have been drawn to different careers that utilize my hands such as baking and massage therapy. I rediscovered my passion for working with clay when I started working as a studio assistant for Mangum Pottery. After 5 years of working and studying with them, as well as taking workshops at Arrowmont Craft School and Penland Craft School, I launched my own ceramics business.
My work is influenced by textiles from around the world, repeating patterns in nature, and geometric shapes that can be found everywhere when we slow down and take the time to look. I love the meditative process of carving into the clay and seeing the repeating patterns and textures form on the surface of the pot.
Playful Jewels
Posted by Sandy Bryant & filed under .
I founded Playful Jewels over 14 years ago, driven by a passion for creativity and craftsmanship. After taking a few jewelry-making classes, I was captivated by the intricate processes involved in transforming raw materials into wearable art. My love for the beach and the natural beauty of sea glass has profoundly influenced my design aesthetic, which often reflects the serenity and organic forms of the ocean. Through Playful Jewels, I aim to create pieces that embody both elegance and a deep connection to nature.
Shimmerwood Beverages
Posted by Josh Ahadian & filed under .
My background and passion is in music, more specifically creating communities through music. Before Shimmerwood, I received my Masters in Music Business, attending NYU and working for companies all throughout the music industry. I fell in love with concerts and festival, the way they exuded positivity and community, it’s something I knew I wanted to be a part of and create myself.
I had the privilege of working for the agency that coordinated Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, where I worked in the marketing department. My job was to create surprise and delight moments for campers at the festival, as I tell people the story now my job was to spread positivity. When I graduated from NYU and didn’t have a job lined up I moved back to New England and found myself in Maine more and more. While I loved the hustle and bustle of NYC, there was an even greater charm in Maine.
In 2019, I went back to Bonnaroo as a camper with my now business partner where we were both at a crossroads for the next stage of our lives. We both weren’t drinking and smoking like we used to but still wanted to go out, socialize and feel like we could be part of communities without the pressure to have to have an alcoholic drink in our hand. After attending Bonnaroo together, we both came up with the idea to start Shimmerwood so we could create a product that is nonalcoholic and be socially accepted. My personal goal with what I am doing at Shimmerwood is to build health conscious communities with a drink that they can enjoy on their own and with their friends and family.
Gallery 35
Posted by Jennifer Vance & filed under .
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!