Midcoast Entrepreneurs: Bright Ideas, Creativity and Enterprise
From restaurateurs to artists, and everything in between, the Midcoast is beaming with creatives and innovators in all mediums.
Since the inception of PenBayPilot.com, a collective goal of our writers has been to spotlight entrepreneurs and their creativity. Now, we have established a hub for our stories about the Midcoast’s entrepreneurs to permanently reside.
We encourage our readers to support as many local business owners as possible across as many industries as you can. Our neighbors need our support, so please browse through this hub for potential purchases or places to eat.
Shop Local Spotlight: ornaments, jewelry from discarded lobster, mussel, oyster shells
SOUTH BRISTOL—Many Maine artists use the concept of lobster in their art, but Tenley Seiders, an artist from South Bristol, actually uses lobster claws, tails, and other parts of the shell in her elegant jewelry and ornaments.
Born in California, she was first inspired to create jewelry from the abalone shells found on Pacific beaches. From there, she delved into working with pearls and semi-precious gemstones. After spending countless summers in Maine, an “a-ha” moment occurred… Read more
‘Wine Fairies of Maine’ are anonymous altruists who help any family in need
THOMASTON—Back in March, 29-year-old Carly Laughery, of Thomaston, had her hands full with three kids and a job at Staples. With so many people around her losing jobs, childcare, and their financial security due to the COVID-19 virus, Laughery looked at ways she could possibly help.
She heard about a mysterious nationwide group called “Wine Fairies,” people who band… Read more
Maine Cater serves as a lifeline to local restaurants and servers
APPLETON—Maine Cater, a recruitment company dedicated to serving New England’s food and beverage industry, has come up with an idea to provide local “restaurateurs, employers, job seekers, and FOH/BOH” with an economic lifeline during a pandemic that shows no signs of stopping.
Husband-and-wife team, Daryle and Orianna Degen launched Maine Cater in Camden in 2017 as a way to supply temporary employees to restaurants suffering from immediate gaps in employment.
“We’ve both… Read more
Vinalhaven’s An Hanna channels creativity, passion for dogs to produce martingale collars
VINALHAVEN — When Vinalhaven’s An Hanna was searching for collars for the sight hounds she raises, she looked for the best, highest quality collar possible that looked good and would keep the dogs safe. Unable to find collars that dazzled her, she opted to create her own collars now sold through her online Etsy store, The Royal Hound, which boasts handmade martingale collars.
“I've always had an attention to detail… Read more
Shop Local: Three handmade goods that are pure ‘Maine’
Given that so many artists were hard hit economically over the COVID-19 virus, Penobscot Bay Pilot puts a spotlight on the hard-working artists and entrepreneurs in Maine. So each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.
The Original Lobstah Trap Beer Caddy
Cumberland, Maine
The back story: The Lobstah Trap Caddy is… Read more
Friendship artist Duff Powell’s driftwood creations remind you of the ocean’s beauty
FRIENDSHIP — Duff Powell, a resident of Friendship, has been an artist and craftsman his entire life, and is sharing his creations made from driftwood found on Maine’s islands and coastlines through an online Etsy store, Driftwood Treasures.
“Everything that I have done in my life has led me to this passion of making beautiful handcrafted tables and furniture from ocean driftwood,” he said. “I really love… Read more
Michele LeGris shares passions for antiques with customers worldwide
OWLS HEAD — Michele LeGris, an Owls Head resident residing in an old cottage by the water, is an enthusiast of old books, which propelled her to an appreciation of paper marbling.
Since 2009, LeGris has been the proud owner of an Etsy store named Red Cottage.
LeGris’ inspiration to open an Etsy store to start sharing her passions with customers around the world stemmed from a love of marbled paper, which… Read more
One shot is all it takes
ROCKPORT—On a cold, wintry day in 2018, Isaac Remsen was driving to work when glancing across the Rockport Harbor, he was compelled to slow down.
“I noticed the inner part of the harbor was completely frozen and there were about five lobster boats stuck in the ice,” he said. “I literally called my boss right then and there and said, ‘I’m going to be a little late; I need to take a shot of this.”
He took his DJI Phantom 4 drone out of the back of his car and sent it flying.… Read more
Stockton Springs artist Chelsea Porter’s quirky way to turn discarded books into art
STOCKTON SPRINGS — Stockton Springs artist and entrepreneur Chelsea Porter has found a quirky way to breathe new life into old books poised to be thrown away, turning the books into distinctive pieces of art.
Four years ago, Porter learned how to fold words and designs into the pages of books from her mother and aunt, who were the first in the family to learn the skill.
Porter is able to create nearly any design imaginable — much of the inspiration for her designs stems from her… Read more
Rockland’s John Coppola: Captain by day, wood turner by night
ROCKLAND — During fishing season, Rockland’s John Coppola can be found on waters from Casco Bay to Penobscot Bay chartering fishing trips for striped bass, bluefish and bluefin tunas.
When he is not at the helm of a boat, wood turner Coppola is in his workshop crafting wooden handmade segmented bowls, bottle stoppers and ice cream scoopers.
Coppola opted to begin selling his Northeast Woodworks products online via Etsy… Read more