In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from the “Pine Tree State”
#MaineEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #LeadingWithPurpose
Maine or the “Pine Tree State” might be a small state, but it’s making a big impact when it comes to women-led businesses. Over the past two decades, Maine’s women entrepreneurs have defied the odds, leading the nation in revenue growth & ranking second in job creation among women-owned businesses. From bustling metropolitan hubs to scenic coastal towns, Maine’s women entrepreneurs are transforming industries and driving economic growth. According to a study by American Express, Maine women were highly successful in creating jobs and generating revenue, even though fewer businesses were started by women here than in most other states.
Trailblazers of Maine: Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way in Business
This impressive growth underlines the creativity, resilience & entrepreneurial spirit of Maine’s female business leaders. The state is consistently recognized as one of the ‘top 10’ best places for women-led startups – thanks to its supportive business environment and strong community networks. However, challenges like limited access to capital persist, making these achievements even more remarkable. Today, Maine’s enterprising women are shaping the state’s economy and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs, proving that with vision and determination, success is boundless.
Here’s presenting some enterprising women entrepreneurs from the “Pine Tree State”.
> Ashey Tucci, Founder, Aristelle
By launching Aristelle in 2012 in Portland in 2014, Ashey Tucci has helped thousands of women from all across the country – to discover underwear & lingerie to perfectly suit their size, shape & age.
Their goal is – to inspire and empower women to embrace their shapes and feel great about themselves. They believe that boosting self-confidence and self-image helps their customers become more successful & happy in everything they do!!
Awards have come their way too. Aristelle won the lingerie industry’s Best of Intima Marketing Award (2014) – for its innovative ad campaign using women of different ages, shapes and sizes, as well as Best Concept Store in North America (2015). In 2021, Aristelle was awarded a Best of Intima for ‘Best Online Activities’ and a Curve award for ‘Instagram Excellence’. Both awards highlighted Aristelle’s commitment to the lingerie industry, providing superior customer service through social media marketing and engagement.
After a career in software and financial services sales covering New England & New York, Ashley Tucci traded her corporate life and began her journey as a small business owner in the heart of Portland’s Old Port taking over Aristelle.
A native Mainer and graduate of the University of Maine, she is passionate about creating an environment that provides women access – to the most beautiful lingerie from around the world in a safe, supportive & encouraging environment.
> Stephanie & Katie Stafford, Co-founders, Bella Funk
Founded by New Hampshire natives and sisters, Katie Stafford and Stefanie Moody, Bella Funk established its first boutique in 2006, in Littleton, New Hampshire. The boutique quickly gained recognition and popularity for its commitment to quality pieces and its spotlight on local artisans.
Bella Funk offers a carefully curated collection of women’s clothing, accessories, beauty & gifts for those embracing a creative lifestyle. Bella Funk takes pride in featuring small-batch, handmade works made locally and domestically, fostering a sense of community and connection with the surrounding art scene.
So, Bella Funk is more than just a brand – it’s a celebration of sisterhood, craftsmanship,
and empowered living. They offer beautifully crafted products that empower women
through an inspired lifestyle. With a commitment to mindfulness and small-batch
makers, they curate a collection of products that honour the art of handmade and the
stories behind them.
> Jocelyne Kamikazi, Founder, Burundi Star Coffee
Born the daughter of a coffee farmer in the Ngozi province of Burundi, owner Jocelyne Kamikazi’s cafe and coffee shop features fine blends sustainably sourced directly from farmers in Burundi.
Unlike many other girls in Burundi, when she was 15 she joined the family business. Her job included – cherry picking, weighing the day’s harvest, and keeping records.
Then she grew up and, after marriage she left the home and came back. After holding many posts, she became USA representative of the IWCA (International Women Coffee Alliance, Burundi Chapter. That was when she opened her cafe, Burundi Star Coffee in Portland, where she sells coffee sourced directly from her home country. She feels proud to have found a way to marry her old life to her new one, and to bring opportunities of sustainable business, education, healthcare, and more to her people back in Burundi.
You can stop in for high quality ingredients and top-notch service at their Portland location. Burundi Star Coffee is additionally a Black-owned business.
> Hayley and Kevin Ward, Co-founders, Coastal Creamery
Owned and operated by wife and husband duo Hayley and Kevin Ward, one can say that Coastal Creamery ice cream shop is a labour of love and a celebration of sweet memories!! The couple’s journey began in 2011 – when they met while serving up scoops of ice cream in Boston’s historic Quincy Market. From there, their shared passion for ice cream and each other blossomed – leading to the decision to open their own shop in 2023.
At Coastal Creamery, they satisfy your sweet tooth with Homemade & Maine-made Ice Cream, Homemade Cookies, and our famous Coastal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches.
They strive to source products from other Maine & New England small, family-owned businesses. So, together, the duo aims to create a space where customers can make their own sweet memories & traditions.
> Denise Cole & Dean, Co-founders, D. Cole Jewelers
This family-owned legacy in the heart of Portland’s Old Port since 1981 – D. Cole Jewellers is led by matriarch Denise Cole and her husband Dean. It was started by the couple after they had been selling jewelry at craft shows in college and over their summers starting in 1977. They opened their first seasonal store in 1980 in Saco and then moved to the Old Port in 1981.
They have remained there and expanded twice (within the same space). Their family has grown too – to include their son Ryan, daughter Emily, daughter-in-law Lindsey, and Denise’s brother Jeff. Now, the three talented jewelers create many pieces like – dazzling engagement rings and custom designed wedding bands…breathtaking, wearable works of art!! They also work with many different artists from around the country.
This award-winning shop specializes in handcrafted platinum, gold, and sterling silver pieces. With three skilled jewellers, including Denise’s son Ryan and daughter Emily, every creation is meticulously crafted in-house, ensuring unparalleled quality and attention to detail.
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