Portland, ME May 2026

The Ladies Issue

HOME + DESIGN

INSIDE MEYETTE: FURNITURE ROOTED IN CRAFT & LEGACY

JEANNE RAPONE KNOWS HOW TO RENOVATE WITHOUT REGRET

WE ARE PORTLAND TRUST COMPANY

Portland Trust Company is a Maine non-depository trust company focused exclusively on wealth management and fiduciary services. We work with individuals and families, nonprofits, and local governments. We do everything the giant financial services organizations do while providing local and accessible attention to your specific needs.

It’s more than just a name. Portland Trust Company is the only financial institution in the state with “Portland” as its namesake. We love our hometown as much as you do! This is more than a place of business for us; this is our home and our way of life. It’s our promise to treat you as more than a client, but as a friend and neighbor.

Our customer experience is “real,” like walking next door to borrow some sugar or eggs. We’ve created a home for our clients and their assets—managing their money, their lives, and their futures—with peace of mind knowing that we are a fully regulated financial institution. Together, we embrace our Maine way of life.

Real

Estate Is Changing. Work With Someone Leading It.

Anne Hyland represents clients across all market tiers, from first homes to high-end properties, with a strategic approach tailored to each unique goal and opportunity.

As the broker for Scittery Woods Townhomes, she is helping bring 48 energy-efficient homes to Greater Portland , expanding access to thoughtful , attainable homeownership.

Whether buying or selling, work with an agent deeply connected to where Maine is headed .

Anne Hyland Associate Broker at

In Their Element

Kristan Vermeulen is a bona fide powerhouse. The 36-year-old former Mrs. Maine balances raising two children, working full time for an ad agency, hosting the Makers of the USA (@makersoftheus) podcast, writing a book, and managing additional projects that are currently under wraps but should see the light of day soon.

We met for coffee recently, and our conversation reinforced something I’ve reflected on many times: The women in our community are busy building brands, growing companies and leading teams—and they’re doing it all while staying present and intentional.

That spirit is at the core of this year’s Ladies issue.

In addition to Vermeulen, we’re profiling Kelly Flagg of the Associated General Contractors of Maine and Charlee Charron of Rambler Coffee for our Women Making Waves feature, each contributing in a unique way to the women-led growth across our state.

We also highlight Jeanne Rapone of Centerline Design & Build and Carrie Dessertine of Mey & Co. and Meyette, who are both dedicated to making your home not just beautiful but deeply reflective of how you gather, make memories, and create a life within it.

And with ambitious growth comes the need for balance, so we curated a reading list full of female Maine authors for the moments that call for a bit more “me” time this spring.

What ties all of these stories together isn’t just the obvious success of the women leading their fields. It’s the way they allow us in to be a part of the stories and the bigger missions behind them.

So, ladies, this one's for you. As you flip through these pages, my hope is that you reflect on your own journey and mission—and feel inspired to keep building, growing and showing up fully for whatever you're going after. I'm cheering for you.

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rebecca Abramson

rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Maritza Hyland | maritza.hyland@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darren Setlow, Nicole Wolf

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn how

PRESALE:

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Women Making Waves

From

Building the Vision

Principal

Katie Sankare, LCSW

city scene

1: Misty Coolidge, Heather Walker, and Melissa Malone-Soutuyo at Glitter and Goodwill at Cellar Door Winery. 2: Guests at the annual Frost & Valor first responders gala and fundraiser at The Porthole. 3: Damon McToy, Nick Sutton, and George Dvorsky after “I Happen to Like New York” at Good Theater. 4: LyAnna Sanabria and Josh Miranda of Papi at Man and Oak. 5: The Maine Wellness Business Owners Circle meets at East Pine Plant Shop. 6: Groundbreaking at the Scittery Woods Townhomes workforce housing development in Falmouth. 7: A Coffee & Content workshop at Cafe Luna, sponsored by the Atrium with Two Three Social.

If pain, stiffness, or inflammation are slowing you down, there’s now a better way to heal. SoftWave Therapy uses breakthrough technology to activate your body’s own stem cells and natural repair process—helping you recover faster, move easier, and avoid surgery.

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business monthly

Sai Guntaka Launches Cobblestone Coffee & Company

Cobblestone Coffee & Company, a new 40-seat cafe from Taj owner Sai Guntaka, is set to open in South Portland this spring. The cafe will serve Tandem-sourced coffee, espresso drinks, and distinctive Irani chai flavored with cardamom and rose. Chef Adam Williams will lead a menu of globally inspired pastries, brunch items, and grab-and-go options, including dishes like vada pav and dosa, aiming to offer something unique to the local coffee scene.

New Seasonal Seafood Pop-Up By Jordan and Marisa Rubin

Ladyfish, a casual pop-up restaurant from Jordan Rubin—named a Food & Wine 2025 Best New Chef—and partner Marisa Rubin, opens this month and will operate through October in the former Bar Futo space. Conceived as a relaxed, summer-only concept, Ladyfish will offer a menu rooted in approachable seafood classics made with exceptional Maine-sourced ingredients and with touches of Chef Lau’s rich expertise in Chinese, Italian, and Latin American cuisine.

The Evalina Hotel Opens in the Granite Block Building

Named after one of the building’s earliest owners, Evalina Fox, this 15-suite boutique hotel honors Portland’s maritime past while offering contemporary comfort and craftsmanship. Each suite reflects a thoughtful balance of old and new: exposed masonry and original granite lintels pair beautifully with custom cabinetry, decorative lighting, and modern furnishings. The hotel’s intimate scale and distinctive design position it as a new kind of downtown retreat: historic, personal, elegant but unfussy, and unmistakably Portland.

Want to be featured?

More Live Music at Resurgam Music & Arts Festival

The Maine Academy of Modern Music will host the fifth annual Resurgam Music & Arts Festival June 13–14, 2026, in Portland. The free, family-friendly event expands this year with more stages across the Old Port and waterfront, showcasing hundreds of local musicians, artists, and food vendors. Produced with community partners, Resurgam highlights Maine’s vibrant music scene while giving local artists a platform alongside established acts, culminating in a ticketed Sunday performance by King Kyote.

Y%F Coffee Brings New Energy to Congress Square

Y%F Coffee (pronounced YF, drawing from owner Yousif Albadri's name and two coffee cherries on a branch) recently opened in the long-vacant corner space at Congress and High Streets. The spacious cafe will serve house-roasted coffees from Ethiopia, Mexico, and Colombia alongside espresso drinks, Turkish coffee, and specialty lattes. The menu also includes teas, nonalcoholic beverages, breakfast sandwiches, and globally inspired pastries and desserts, with daily hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Whole-Animal Butcher Shop is Coming to Town

Sawyer’s Butcher & Delicatessen, from former Judy Gibson chef Chris Wilcox, is set to open this summer at 10 Cotton Street (formerly Thistle & Grouse). The concept combines a whole-animal butcher shop with a 15-seat sandwich-focused cafe, sourcing exclusively from Maine farms and producing in-house charcuterie. The menu will feature house-made cold cut sandwiches and seasonal specials, alongside prepared foods and pantry items, with limited seating and plans for retail, wholesale, and a butcher shop CSA.

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Best Hair Salon

TRIKHOS hair lab rikhoshairlab.com | 207.712.7342

Lavender salonlavender.com | 207.747.4431

Akari akaribeauty.com | 207.772.9060

The Raven Salon theravensalon.com | 207.536.0163

Dathan Hunter dathanhunter.com | 207.774.8887

Best Lash Studio

Beleza Med Spa & Aesthetics beleza-medspa.com | 207.347.1134

The Princess Lounge theprincesslounge.glossgenius.com

The Pretty You Studio theprettyyoustudio.glossgenius.com

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Maine Lash Girl mainelashgirl.com | 207.571.4613

The Lash Studio & Spa thelashstudio.me | 207.449.6414

Women Making Waves

From storefronts to storytelling to job sites, these women are shaping the way Portland lives, works, and grows

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON

KRISTAN VERMEULEN

FOUNDER, MAKERS OF THE USA

What inspired you to launch the Makers of the USA platform?

I’ve always been drawn to the people behind the product. I realized we were celebrating scale, speed, and mass production, but overlooking the makers, the craftsmen, the small business owners who are the backbone of our communities. Makers of the USA was born out of a desire to shift that narrative.

What does meaningful storytelling look like today?

It isn’t about volume, it’s about resonance. The brands that are breaking through are the ones willing to be specific, transparent, and human. It’s less about perfectly polished campaigns and more about real perspective, real people, real values. The best storytelling today makes you feel something and then gives you a reason to care.

What’s something people don’t see behind the scenes?

How much of this work is built on trust. People see the finished content, but they don’t see the late nights, the travel, or the dozens of conversations it takes to learn someone’s story.

What does “making waves” mean to you?

It’s about creating lasting impact. Sometimes the biggest waves are quiet ones—the story that inspires someone to start something, the brand that chooses to stay local, the consumer who decides to support a maker instead of a mass retailer.

KELLY FLAGG

EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF MAINE

What inspired your path to this role?

I started in the fitness industry on the business side in consulting, planning, and operations before entering construction through a family business. From there, I moved into HR for a large commercial construction company and fell in love with the complexity of the work and the people behind it. After stepping away when my son was young, I returned to leadership development during COVID. When this role opened, it brought together everything I care about—advocacy, training, and supporting the industry—so it felt like the right fit.

Construction is historically male-dominated. How have you navigated that?

I’ve seen a real shift over the past 20 years. Today, the industry needs people who are willing to show up, learn, and work hard. It matters less who you are. My biggest advice is to advocate for what you need. Earlier in my career, I didn’t always do that. Now I encourage others to speak up, because you don’t know what flexibility exists unless you ask.

What’s something people don’t see about your work?

The sheer amount of legislative advocacy. We track thousands of bills at the State House and identify hundreds that could impact construction. We provide testimony and feedback to help

protect and support our members. It’s a huge effort that most people don’t realize is happening.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Staying focused on what matters most for our members. There are so many opportunities and requests, but every decision has to come back to our mission: supporting Maine’s construction industry, promoting safety and craftsmanship, and helping businesses succeed.

What excites you about the future of the industry?

Workforce development. Through the Maine Construction Academy, we’re reaching students as they’re deciding their paths and showing them there’s a place for them in this industry. We’ve already worked with hundreds of students, and the long-term impact on families, businesses, and the state is incredibly exciting.

How has Maine shaped your perspective?

Maine is a community. Even competitors collaborate and support each other. That willingness to come together and solve problems is something I really value, and it’s a big part of what makes this work meaningful.

CHARLEE CHARRON

FOUNDER, RAMBLER

What inspired you to start Rambler?

Like a lot of businesses, it started during COVID. I was working from home and going a little stir-crazy, and I knew other people felt the same. I saw someone selling flowers out of a vintage car and thought, that’s it. I bought a 1961 Ford Econoline sight unseen, turned it into a mobile flower bar, and started popping up around Portland. It was fun, but seasonal, so the idea of combining flowers with coffee came next. The cafe brings people in, and the flowers add something special.

How do you approach creating a feeling in your space?

There’s a sense of security people look for in public spaces now. I wanted it to feel warm, social, and a little European—less people on laptops, more people connecting. There’s a sense of comfort people are really craving right now. When you walk in and see the wall of flowers, it just feels good. It’s a little loud and lively, and very much about being present.

What role does ritual play at Rambler?

It’s everything. Deering Center has this small neighborhood feel, and Rambler has become part of people’s daily routines. Parents come in with their kids before school, neighbors stop by and chat. We know names, we know orders. We offer online ordering, but people would rather come in and have that interaction. That’s been really special to see.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

As a creative, it’s the administrative side— taxes, payroll, HR. Plus, we’re balancing coffee, flowers, and now food: trying to understand what sells, how much to order, how to grow sustainably. It’s a constant puzzle of making it all work without expanding too quickly.

What does “making waves” mean to you?

It’s about showing up for your community in small, meaningful ways. Whether it’s hosting a neighborhood cleanup or just creating a space that makes people feel good, it all adds up.

What’s next for Rambler?

We’re heading into our first full summer, adding outdoor seating, renting the space out for events, and building a coffee cart to bring Rambler beyond our walls.

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER JEANNE RAPONE OF CENTERLINE DESIGN & BUILD SHARES HOW A DECADES-OLD IDEA BECAME A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO HOME RENOVATION

BUILDING THE VISION

When Jeanne Rapone recalls her path to becoming a principal designer at Centerline Design and Build, she laughs at the seeming contradiction in her story. “I never pictured myself as the owner of a company like this,” she says. “Except for the fact that I always envisioned what I have.” That vision—of a place where design, materials, and construction expertise come together under one roof—has quietly guided Rapone’s career for more than three decades. The idea has taken

shape at Centerline’s Main Street showroom in Yarmouth, where clients can work with designers, architects, and builders in a single, collaborative process. For Rapone, the journey there wasn’t exactly straightforward.

Interior design had always been in the back of her mind, but practicality pushed her in another direction. Rapone became the first person in her family to attend college and eventually found herself working in human resources, which left her feeling stuck. At home, she often vented about the job, until one day her husband suggested something simple but life-changing: go back to school for interior design. “And I was like, yeah, why don’t I?” she says with a laugh.

While studying interior design at night, Rapone quickly discovered that her strengths weren’t quite what she expected. Rather than gravitating toward fabrics or decorative details, she excelled at the technical side of design: space planning, scale, and layout. One of her instructors noticed it right away. “She said to me, ‘Jeanne, you’re really good with that scale. Why don’t you play around with the kitchen floor plan?’” Rapone recalls. “And she read me really well.”

Not long after, Rapone made a bold decision: she left her HR job, took a pay cut, and went to work for

“IT STARTED WITH A VISION 30 YEARS AGO, AND IT JUST EVOLVED OVER TIME.”

a contractor, designing kitchens and learning the construction side of the business. The experience gave her a new perspective on how design and building intersect and planted the seeds of an idea that would stay with her for years.

At the time, Rapone imagined a business where everything related to a renovation could happen in one place. A client would walk into a building on Main Street, meet with a contractor, sit down with a designer, and head upstairs to select materials and finishes. “I could see it,” she says. “I could visualize it happening one day.”

Life, however, unfolded gradually. Rapone and her husband eventually moved to Maine, where she continued designing independently while raising their children. Working from home allowed her to collaborate with architects, contractors, and homeowners while staying present for her family. “I had my youngest when I was 40,” she says. “I really wanted to be home with them as long as I could be.”

For years, she focused on drawing plans and consulting on projects. Eventually, as her children grew older, she began expanding the business, bringing in designers who specialized in materials, colors, and finishes. Slowly but surely, the idea she had envisioned decades earlier began to take shape.

Today, Rapone’s role has shifted from doing the majority of the design work herself to leading a team. She estimates that about 90 percent of her time is now spent managing projects and guiding designers. Still, she says, the designer’s mindset never really leaves you. “Once you’re a designer, you’re always a designer,” she explains. Even when she’s just meeting with potential clients, she finds herself mentally redesigning their homes. “There are houses I can’t forget,” she says with a laugh. “I dream about them.”

At the heart of Rapone’s design philosophy is a practical approach to renovation that prioritizes planning, communication, and budget transparency. Over the years, she has seen too many homeowners become overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions involved in a project. “There’s so much to pick

from that it becomes overwhelming,” she says. To simplify the process, she encourages clients to start with what she calls a “roadmap”: a big-picture plan that outlines how a home might evolve over time. “If you start with the roadmap, now we can say, ‘You have $200,000—let’s tackle this phase,’” she explains. “And whatever we do going forward, we’re not undoing something because you have that big picture plan.”

Designing in Maine has also shaped the way Rapone approaches her work. After years of projects in New York, where she encountered everything from ultra-modern apartments to traditional homes, she has found that Maine’s landscape and lifestyle encourage a different sensibility. “I recommend way more windows in homes in Maine than I ever did in New York,” she says. “You just want to bring that outside in.” Many of the homes she works on are older and smaller than the ones she designed earlier in her career, which requires thoughtful planning to make spaces feel open and functional. And Maine homeowners, she says, often gravitate toward simplicity. “People here

want things simpler,” Rapone says. “We don’t want to be flashy.” Her own aesthetic reflects that sensibility. Rapone describes herself as a “black-and-white gal,” drawn to strong contrast and clean design. Lately, she has been especially fond of mixing natural wood with soft paint colors, an approach that feels warm and calming rather than trendy.

When Rapone first entered the field in the early 1990s, women were still a rarity in the design and construction industries. “In 1991, I was probably

“I ALWAYS HAD THE ATTITUDE THAT I’M NOT BETTER THAN THEM, BUT I’M NOT LESSER THAN THEM.”

one out of four women at an NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) dinner,” she recalls. “The rest were the wives of the contractors.” But she never felt intimidated. Growing up as one of five siblings—four of them girls—and with a father who emphasized independence, Rapone developed the confidence to hold her own in male-dominated environments. “I always had the attitude that I’m not better than them, but I’m not lesser than them,” she says.

These days, Rapone hopes more women will enter both the design and construction trades. Beyond representation, she sees those careers as an opportunity for independence and flexibility.

“I’m all about raising women up,” she says. “Every house in Maine needs to be renovated—I can’t do them all,” she laughs.

Her favorite projects are the ones that involve rethinking the spaces homes already have. Instead of large additions, Rapone often enjoys opening up existing rooms and improving how a house functions. “I love taking a space and making the most out of it,” she says. “Opening things up and making the traffic flow make sense for today’s living.”

For Rapone, that process—solving problems, imagining possibilities, and collaborating with a team—is exactly what she envisioned all those years ago.

Making Her Mark

CARRIE DESSERTINE ON CRAFT, LEGACY, AND THE LAUNCH OF MEYETTE

When Carrie Dessertine launched design firm Mey & Co, she built a reputation for thoughtful interiors and custom furnishings for hospitality spaces around the country. Now she’s turning that expertise inward. Her newly launched brand, Meyette, offers both restored vintage pieces and an original collection of furniture designed in-house with longevity, craftsmanship, and sustainability in mind.

For Dessertine, the project has been decades in the making. “This has been something I wanted to do for the last 20-plus years,” she says. With the debut of Meyette this spring, she’s finally bringing that vision to life. We spoke with Dessertine about slow commerce, heirloom design, and building a creative company as a woman in the design world.

MEYETTE GREW OUT OF MEY & CO, YOUR DESIGN FIRM. HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WAS TIME TO CREATE SOMETHING NEW?

Part of it was timing. We had a slight slowdown in projects—some of our larger hospitality work paused around the election and interest rates shifting—and I thought, what can we do with this little bit of lag?

For many of our hospitality projects, we design custom furniture. I love that process, but it’s always within a brand. You’re creating for someone else’s identity. There’s always a little voice saying, “Ooh, I wish it were a little more like this or a little more like that.” We decided to take that opportunity to build some things for ourselves and see if we could launch this. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.

MEYETTE IS DESCRIBED AS “BUILT FOR LIFE TODAY AND LEGACY TOMORROW.” WHAT DOES LEGACY MEAN TO YOU, PARTICULARLY AS A WOMAN IN DESIGN?

I don’t actually use the word legacy very often, but to me it means creating something that continues. When you’re building things, whether it’s a company or a physical object, the hope is that it’s not fleeting.

Historically, those kinds of legacy brands are often named after and driven by men. But there were always women there

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE WOLF

too—they just weren’t the ones whose names were on the door. The hope is that that becomes more normal. Our office right now is six women working away at both ends of this creative endeavor.

IN A CULTURE BUILT AROUND FAST CONSUMPTION, HOW DOES MEYETTE APPROACH SLOW COMMERCE?

It starts with setting expectations. The idea is to build something that lasts much longer than the typical five-year lifespan of mass-market furniture.

Most furniture you can get quickly ships the next day, but the tradeoff is that it doesn’t last very long. We’re trying to do the opposite. Every piece in our collection is made to order, which means there’s a lead time of about 12 to 14 weeks. But it also means the piece is made specifically for you. We’re not producing tons of inventory to sit in a warehouse.

The hope is that it lives in someone’s house for the next 30 or 40 years and maybe gets passed down. It takes patience on the front end, but the idea is that it pays off in the long run.

WHAT MAKES SOMETHING AN HEIRLOOM?

I think it’s mostly about quality and purposefulness, something specially made with a story behind it. Every one of our pieces will have a label that tells you who made it and when. That provenance matters. I always think of a sleigh bed in my house that was the first piece of furniture my grandmother ever bought for herself. On the slats underneath the mattress it says her name and the date because it was made specifically for her. We’re trying to build more things like that instead of pieces that last five years and end up in a landfill.

YOUR ORIGINAL COLLECTION PIECES ARE NAMED AFTER FAMILY MEMBERS. WHAT INSPIRED THAT?

This project is deeply personal. My family has invested in me not just financially but with a lot of patience over the years.

Once the pieces were designed, we started asking ourselves: who does this remind us of? Some names come from my family, some from the families of our team members. When we photographed the collection, we brought in my kids, my mom, my stepfather, and members of the team to model in the images. Furniture is meant to be lived with.

The whole project started to feel very intergenerational, and the naming became part of that story.

ONE PHRASE ASSOCIATED WITH MEYETTE IS “THOUGHTFUL DISRUPTION.” WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IN A PIECE OF FURNITURE?

In interiors we often talk about creating systems—design rhythms that help people

“Every piece is made to order. It takes patience on the front end, but the idea is that it pays off in the long run.”

“If you focus too heavily on what’s happening right now, that’s how things become trendy—and trends disappear.”

understand a space and feel comfortable in it. But what’s most interesting is when that system gets disrupted in a thoughtful way. For example, we designed a simple wood bench. There are lots of benches in the world, it’s not a new typology. But instead of straightforward legs, the legs extend beyond the frame at a 45-degree angle so you see the cut edge and the joinery. It’s about taking something simple and pushing it just enough to make it interesting.

YOUR WORK ISN’T TREND-DRIVEN. HOW DO YOU DESIGN FOR BOTH PAST AND FUTURE?

Honestly, it’s about not paying too much attention to the present. If you focus too heavily on what’s happening right now, that’s how things become trendy, and trends disappear.

We try to learn from the past: how things were fabricated, why they worked, and what made them last. Sometimes there’s a modern improvement. Sometimes the older solution was already perfect. The goal is to design something you could imagine existing 20 years ago or 20 years from now.

MEYETTE ALSO RESTORES VINTAGE PIECES. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO A PARTICULAR FIND?

We find them in a lot of places: flea markets like Brimfield, online auctions, in-person auctions. They’re usually pieces from about 50 to 100 years ago. I tend to pick things that simply resonate with me. Once they come into the studio, we collaborate with local restoration specialists depending on what they need: cleaning, structural repair, or upholstery. We’re also careful about materials, using fabrics with mostly natural fibers and sustainable upholstery wherever possible. The goal is

“Aesthetically, Maine is also more casual. Even though our pieces aren’t inexpensive, they still feel approachable. That balance is really important to us.”

to create something healthy for your home and durable over time.

AS A FEMALE FOUNDER, HOW HAS YOUR LEADERSHIP EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

Leadership is hard. When I was in my late twenties working as a senior project manager in New York, my management style was very different. Now I spend much more time thinking about culture and making sure we function as a team rather than a strictly top-down structure. I want the studio to feel supportive. You invest in people. You want them to be happy and stay and have lives outside the office. I don’t know if that’s a woman thing or just a management thing, but it matters deeply to me.

YOU’VE SPOKEN ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HOW THINGS ARE ACTUALLY MADE. WHY DOES THAT MATTER IN DESIGN—AND ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN ENTERING THE FIELD?

I apprenticed as a furniture maker when I was younger. Even though I went on to get two architecture degrees, those experiences were incredibly important because they taught me how things actually go together. To draw something well, you need to understand how it’s made.

Historically, that kind of apprenticeship and making has often been gatekept as male. I don’t think that should be the case. I’ve been trying to figure out ways for our team to spend time in the shops we work with— millwork shops, furniture shops—learning directly from the makers. Those opportunities matter. The only way to change those systems is to keep passing them down and making sure women are in the room and in the shop, learning the whole process.

HOW HAS PORTLAND SHAPED THE WAY MEYETTE OPERATES?

Maine is a small community, and that’s actually a huge advantage. All of these incredible makers we work with—I can drive to their shops, have a conversation, see the process. Because of that, we’re very transparent about who makes our pieces. We might design a bench, but we’ll also say it was built by Davis Boatbuilding. Portland isn’t the kind of place where you can white-label everything and keep all your contacts secret—everyone knows everyone.

Aesthetically, Maine is also more casual. Even though our pieces aren’t inexpensive, they still feel approachable. That balance is really important to us.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

Three standout releases from Maine women writers to add to your stack

Booked For Spring

Longer days call for fresh books. From windswept coastlines to shadowy stretches of forest, Maine’s women writers are delivering stories that feel as transportive and refreshing as the season itself. These three spring picks—spanning literary fiction, suspense, and poetry—are perfect companions for slow mornings and sunlit afternoons.

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

Elizabeth Strout has a gift for turning the quiet moments of everyday life into something unforgettable. In The Things We Never Say, she returns to familiar emotional territory: family, friendship, and the complicated things we leave unsaid, this time with a Maine backdrop that feels both grounding and haunting. With her signature clarity and compassion, Strout draws readers into the small details that shape a life. It’s the kind of novel you’ll want to linger in, long after the final page.

How to Survive in the Woods by Kat Rosenfield

If your ideal spring read comes with a side of adrenaline, Kat Rosenfield has you covered. How to Survive in the Woods drops readers into Maine’s Hundred Mile Wilderness, where the trees are dense, the stakes are high, and nothing is quite what it seems. What begins as a survival story quickly twists into something darker and impossible to put down. It’s a perfect, fast-paced pick for readers who like their nature a little wild and their stories full of surprises.

Thrown Voice by Isabel Neal

Looking to slow things down? Isabel Neal’s Thrown Voice is the kind of collection that invites you to do just that. These poems move between the intimate and the expansive, weaving together questions of identity, memory, and place with a lyrical touch. Originally from Boston and now based in southern Maine, Neal brings a quiet sensitivity to landscape that feels especially at home here. Dip in and out or read the whole thing straight through. Either way, it’s a beautiful reminder of how powerful a few well-chosen words can be.

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

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MAY 8TH

2nd Annual Imagination Ball

Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | 7:00 PM

This high-energy evening supports CMTM’s Community Fund, helping ensure all children can access inclusive, welcoming experiences through play. Expect great music, groovy live and silent auctions, playful surprises, and the kind of magic that is only made possible when the community shows up for kids and families. Tickets at kitetails.org/imagination-ball-2026

MAY 10TH

Portland Sea Dogs

Mother's Day 5K

Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field | 9:15 AM

Slugger and his Mom will lead the way on the flat 5K course which begins in front of the Portland Expo building and finishes in front of the third base dugout at Hadlock Field. All race participants will receive a complimentary ticket to attend a 2026 Sea Dogs game. Proceeds from the race go to the American Cancer Society. Register at milb.com/portland/ community/mothersday5k.

MAY 12TH

Headshot Happy Hour

Belleflower Brewing | 4:30 PM

Grow your local network, enjoy great drinks, and get a new headshot. Options for attending include a Headshot + Drink ticket (limit of 25 slots) or a Networking Only ticket (free to attend the event with a cash bar; registration ensures you have a name tag). Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

246 Eastern Promenade Condominiums

Only 6 units remain

Completion date is January 2027

Customization options are still available

Please Call To Schedule A Site Tour

Karen McMann: 207-650-7471

Harry McMann: 207-749-6688

246easternprom.com

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CONTINUED

MAY 15TH AND 16TH

All Roads Music Festival

Multiple venues

A two-day, multi-venue festival in Portland’s Arts District, the All Roads Music Festival spotlights emerging national acts alongside Maine talent. With dozens of performances across independent venues, it celebrates the local music scene while connecting artists and audiences in an intimate, discovery-driven setting. Get tickets at allroadsmusicfest.com

MAY 16TH

4th Annual Maine

Wild Wine Fest

Mallet Barn at Wolfe's Neck Center | 10:00 AM

Meet and taste with many of America's top natural wine importers and producers, hang out on the gorgeous grounds of Wolfe's Neck, and stop by local food trucks at the event. There will be two separate attendance windows ensuring that there are no more than 200 people at a time, allowing attendees to talk in depth with the winemakers and importers. Tickets at mainewildwinefest.com

MAY 23RD

2nd Annual Maine Needs Community Walk & Race

Payson Park | 9:00 AM

This family-friendly event brings together students, families, local businesses, and community members for a morning of fun, fitness, and fundraising. The event features a 5K run along with a 3.5 mile run and 3.5 mile walk. Attendees will enjoy visiting with local non-profits and event sponsors, face painting for kids, a DJ, Maine Needs merch for sale, coffee, snacks, and more. Register at maineneeds.org/walk