What’s your business name and what do you do?
Rustic Arrow is a carefully curated lifestyle shop featuring contemporary & boho clothing, unique baby brands, jewelry, plants, crystals and gifts. We support local makers, female owned and fair trade companies and brands that give back. We are constantly motivated to bring in products that bring joy and cultivate comfort and peace.
How did you learn your craft?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I come from a family of small business owners. I worked in retail on and off since I was old enough to work but after college I worked in International Management & Consulting. When I moved to Maine 20 years ago and started a family, I took off the corporate hat and started to invent ways to make it possible to stay at home with my kids. After consulting for several business & retail based organizations, to open my own business.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love the freedom to be creative. I love walking into my store and making the decision to repaint a wall or remerchandise the windows. I love decorating and I love to hear peoples' reaction to the space and the products.
What do you enjoy least?
Projecting sales for January, February & March!
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
That owning a business is not a full time job. It is a lifestyle. It is something that you & your family have to be fully invested in or it won't work. I feel like owning a small business in Maine is a commitment to the community. If you do it right, you have customers who become friends and friends who become advocates who become partners. I feel very lucky to be part of a supportive community.
What’s one artist you look up to?
Local - Sue Worthing, Owner of Jubilee Beads
What do you do when you’re not creating?
Travel & garden
Night owl or early bird?
Night Owl, please don't call before I've had my morning coffee!
What's your favorite place in Maine?
Wolfes Neck State Park. When I am there, I am always reminded how lucky I am to have landed in Freeport.