Issuu

The Style Issue S T Y LE + B E AU T Y

FA SH IO N M EETS M IN DFU LN ESS I N BAI LE Y REN ÉE’ S SLOWCRAFTED CO LLECTIO NS LI F E + C U LTU R E

TH E WAVE IS PO RTL AN D' S PREM I ER N EIGH BO RHO O D WO RK SPACE HOME + DESIGN

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S E P TE M B E R 2 02 5

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Being Your Best is Always in Style "Be who you are and you will find the very best in you." These lyrics from the song "Be Who You Are" by Michael Franti, which I heard him play for the first time in concert this summer, perfectly sum up how I feel about the style scene in Portland right now. The song isn't about personal style, specifically—it's an anthem for all the individuals trying to stay true to themselves while finding their way in this crazy world. But isn't style an important part of discovering and embracing who you are? It's the unspoken first impression, the thing about us that instantly says "This is not my whole story, but it's definitely part of it." The same is true for Portland. The style that's embodied by our artists, designers, and makers helps to shape what we are all about as a collective community. It's an important piece of our identity, and in my opinion, unmatched by any other city. In the pages of this year's Style issue you'll meet four inspiring creatives in different realms: fashion designer Bailey Renée, stylist Wade Stephens, furniture maker Cliff Webster, and communications expert Katie Wolitarsky, all committed to bringing their sense of style to who they are, what they do, and to all of us. So come along as we celebrate some movers and shakers in the style scene in Portland and beyond. We hope you'll see that they don't simply style as an occupation. They style to live their passion and purpose, and in doing so they remind us to be who we truly are, too.

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Rebecca Abramson rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Meghan Morrison | meghan.morrison@citylifestyle.com C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Julia D'Agostino, Maria Mylena, Coco McCracken

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

E M I LY H A R R A D O N , P U B L I S H E R @PORTLAND.CITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Portland City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Portland area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Portland City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

24 38

Featured

24 32 38 8

Silhouettes & Storyboards

Portland-based stylist Wade Stephens talks sourcing chaos, Maine aesthetics, and his dream of pushing fashion forward

The New Classic

32 On the Cover

Departments

A model shows off a piece from Bailey Renée’s “Growing Edges” collection on the shores of southern Maine.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

City List

Locally Sourced STYLE + BEAUTY

Maker’s Studio HOME + DESIGN

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Hot Spot LIFE + CULTURE

Events

With roots in craftsmanship and a flair for custom, Maine Bunk Beds delivers timeless furniture and a story in every build

Threaded with Meaning

How a quiet brand born in a New York apartment grew into a Maine-made label of elegance and calm

Not Your Average Office

The Wave is Portland’s chic new co-working space that puts community first

Photography: Maria Mylena

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1: Emory Campbell gets ready for the Portland Kids Duathlon. 2: Santa throws out the opening pitch at the Sea Dogs’ Christmas in July game. 3: Angela Smith and Elyse Archer at Archer’s She Sells + Superhuman Selling conference in Portland. 4: Lori Voornas’ last day on air at 94.9 WHOM. 5: Fashion designer Jill McGowan tells the story of her brand at the STITCH runway show. 6: Annie Olson smiles near the end of the Back Cove Backyard Ultra. 7: A team enjoys trivia night at Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub.

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Powers Media House has opened Studio120, a new 1,500-square-foot production studio at 1 Industrial Way in Portland. The space features a cyclorama wall, podcast studio, and flexible content creation setups. Founded by Mitchell Powers, Studio120 is designed to serve local creators, agencies, and small businesses. Formerly part of a brewery, the unit now joins neighboring tenant Soma Metalwork in the reconfigured building. Studio120 is now open and booking clients. powershouseofmedia.com Photography by Powers Media House

Rising star Randall Goosby helps kick off the new century of the PSO, appearing in the opening concert of its 101st season. Acclaimed for his “exquisite tone and sheer virtuosity” (The New York Times), Goosby joins the PSO to perform Tchaikovsky’s only violin concerto—athletic and dramatic, full of passion, irresistible lyricism, and impressive turns. As counterpoint to Tchaikovsky is Brahms’ triumphant First Symphony with rich harmonies and victorious finales.

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ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WADE STEPHENS

SILHOUETTES & Storyboards PORTLAND-BASED STYLIST WADE STEPHENS TALKS SOURCING CHAOS, MAINE AESTHETICS, AND HIS DREAM OF PUSHING FASHION FORWARD

Stylist and designer Wade Stephens didn’t study fashion or follow a linear path into the world of wardrobe. Instead, he carved out a niche for himself through music, curiosity, and a whole lot of hustle. Based in Portland, Stephens has worked on everything from indie films to liquor campaigns, all while building his own brand and aesthetic (@alittlehouse_ on Instagram). We caught up with the self-taught stylist to talk about how he got started, what a typical day looks like, and why he dreams of pushing fashion far beyond the commercial frame.

“I’d love do more creatively adventurous styling in the future—something that encourages discovery, that lets people think differently about how they wear clothes.” 18

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Let’s start at the beginning—what sparked your interest in styling in the first place? I used to do music production for about a decade when I was younger, and there’s such a strong connection between music and fashion. The deeper I got into music, the more I immersed myself in that culture, and fashion just became part of it. Eventually, I started making clothes, and then naturally that evolved into styling. At first, I was just dressing myself and my friends. I got into the industry because my former partner was an art director, and she helped connect me with people. I started out doing PA work and then moved into assisting stylists on jobs like L.L. Bean, and eventually I landed my first campaign styling for Subaru with Best Wishes Productions. That opened the door for me.

Did you have any formal training? Nope, I’m completely self-taught. We live in an age where observation is education—you’ve got YouTube, Instagram, and so many other tools to learn from. I watched a ton of old runway shows from designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Yohji Yamamoto, and Junya Watanabe. I learned a lot just by watching how garments moved and how people styled them.

What does a typical day in your life as a stylist look like? I wake up and pick an outlandish outfit off of my rack, usually something silhouette-heavy and all black. I consult the deck, which I’ve usually gotten a day or two before my prep days, full of references and criteria for what I need to buy for each character. I get in the car and head right for Speckled Ax, which is the best coffee in Portland in my opinion. Then comes sourcing, which is by far the most time-consuming part. I’ll spend days hitting every box store within 30 miles of Portland. I tend to avoid shopping locally when I know I’ll be returning 99% of it, because it just doesn’t feel ethical. Once, before I was styling, I helped return $2,000 worth of plates and cutlery to a small shop downtown, and the owner nearly cried. CONTINUED >

Emma Brego in the “Tether” dress and “Nodule” bag. Photo by Tadin Brego for *A LITTLE HOUSE FW24. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RT L A N D M E

Stephens working on a campaign for Maine Spirits.

After sourcing, I go home and start piecing together outfits, photographing everything, creating folders, emailing and texting back and forth. It's a lot of waiting, because decisions have to go through producers, agencies, and clients. Next is shoot day. I load everything into my car and head to the set, which is sometimes a studio, a ski resort, or even a fancy house in Cape Elizabeth. Once we’re there, it’s dressing people, making sure everything’s approved, managing wardrobe changes, and keeping track of continuity for editing. Afterward, I return the bulk of what I bought. Returns are always fraught. Cashiers hate to see me walk in with four huge bags and a giant receipt dangling out of my bag.

Do you ever make clothes for a shoot? Definitely. Especially for Halloween campaigns, which are always tricky because we shoot them in the summer and seasonal gear is impossible to find. I end up sewing a lot myself, dyeing fabrics, distressing garments. One recent shoot, my partner and I spent five sleepless nights working on wardrobe. It was wild, but fun.

Stephens styling on a shoot with Knack Factory.

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

How has living in Maine shaped your creative perspective? It’s had a huge influence. Every shoot I do is Maine-centric. Clients want to see “Maine,” and even if I wanted to push a different aesthetic, the work is rooted in representing this place. There's something mythical about Maine that people outside the state are fascinated by—the beaches, the lobster, the ruggedness. So our film and advertising work kind of has to reflect that. I think the winter aesthetic is the most distinct: cable knits, flannels, Bean boots, layering on top of layering. People say I dress like a vampire, so I’m not pulling directly from that, but I can still appreciate the vibe.

Where do you go for inspiration or to shop for yourself? I make most of what I wear, but I love places like Material Objects on Congress Street. They’ve got a wide range of stuff, from wild to conservative. Moody Lords also has a great vision, and I love going to Renys. The ambiance there just feels like a true Maine experience.

Who are your biggest style influences? Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. She’s a singular genius. Her work is all about discovery and play, and her sensibility for silhouette is unmatched. I also love Martin Margiela, who brought upcycling into the public eye in the '90s. He was way ahead of his time in terms of sustainability. Now he makes sculptures and is done with fashion. I really respect that. My favorite stylist is Michiko Kitamura, who has a sensibility for eccentricity that feels rooted in another world. Her work in the movie Ichi the Killer is what made that film the visual freak show that it was. The bright colors and dissonant textures really scratch an itch in my generally monochrome world. She has this kind of manic nihilism about her work that really touches and inspires me as a creative. As for up-and-comers: I love Chitose Abe at Sacai, Ryota Murakami at Pillings, and Danial Aitouganov and Imruh Asha at Zomer. They’re experimental and thoughtful but still wearable. They’re not pandering, they’re playful.

What’s your dream project?

Emma Brego in *A LITTLE HOUSE FW24. Photo by Tadin Brego.

Editorial fashion campaigns, without a doubt. I’d love to reinterpret a runway collection or style a cover shoot for Beauty Papers Mag or Acne Paper. I love what brands like Loewe and Jacquemus are doing by pushing the boundaries of how brands interface with customers. Right now, my work is modest and populist, and I’m okay with that. But I hope I get the chance to do more creatively adventurous styling in the future—something that encourages discovery, that lets people think differently about how they wear clothes. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RT L A N D M E

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The New Classic

With roots in craftsmanship and a flair for custom, Maine Bunk Beds delivers timeless furniture and a story in every build ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HO ME + D E SIGN

When Cliff Webster first told his wife he was thinking about buying a bunk bed company, her immediate response was: “Absolutely not.” CONTINUED >

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It was 2024, and Webster had recently left his job at Wayfair after a long stretch of remote work from Maine. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had left Boston for Georgetown in the summer of 2020, shortly after the birth of their first daughter (they now have three). The move, a long-held dream accelerated by the pandemic, was a return to Maine for both of them: Elizabeth grew up in Augusta, and Webster’s father’s family is from the Brunswick area. They settled in Yarmouth, and when Webster’s former employer called everyone back to the office, the daily commute from the coast to Boston felt like a betrayal of everything their move was meant to preserve. So, he pivoted. For four months, he met with business leaders all over the state trying to figure out what was next. Eventually, it wasn’t a meeting but a Google search that sparked something real. “I typed in ‘Maine businesses for sale,’” he says, laughing. “And the second one that came up was a custom e-commerce furniture company. Given my Wayfair background, it felt serendipitous.”

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HO ME + D E SIGN

“People associate Maine with summer camp, vacation homes, beach That business turned out to be Maine Bunk Beds, a Buxton-based woodshop that builds made-toorder, solid hardwood bunk beds and bedroom furniture. Cliff and Elizabeth officially took over in May of 2024, bringing with them a deep knowledge of e-commerce, a strong branding vision, and a childhood full of summers in Maine. “There’s just so much story to tell,” he says. “People associate Maine with summer camp, vacation homes, beach days, ski trips. That’s exactly where bunk beds live: in bunk rooms made for cousins, guests, and generations.” A focus on generations is the foundation of Webster’s rebrand. The new tagline for Maine Bunk Beds is “Made for Generations,” a phrase that encapsulates both the durability of the product and the timeless joy of sharing space. “It works on a few levels,” Webster explains. “Yes, these are beds that last. They’re solid hardwood, built to be sturdy as hell. But it’s also about family. We work with so many grandparents and parents designing spaces for their kids and grandkids to come back to. And on top of that, we try to be really mindful of our environmental footprint. We use low-VOC paints and lacquers, no formaldehyde, and sustainable materials.” The couple’s two older daughters, now 5 and 3, share one of the company’s bunk beds every night—a fitting symbol of how their lives, and Webster’s career, became centered on home and family. About 90% of the company’s orders are custom. “A lot of our customers are people who need something specific, like a certain color, height, width, or storage solution,” he says. “You’d be surprised how many summer homes have slanted ceilings, hatch doors, or odd window placements that we have to accommodate.” Some clients send in floor plans while others just call with a vision. “We’ll sketch things out, build the beds in order, and send photos of the unpainted product before finishing. That step is a really great touchpoint, and it makes it much easier for us to make any changes before we paint.”

days, ski trips. That’s exactly where bunk beds live: in rooms made for cousins, guests, and generations.”

Though the bunk beds are the star of the show, the shop, called Joy Valley Woodworks, also produces classic Shaker furniture for other Mainebased brands like Chilton and Shaker Furniture of Maine. “We have nine guys in the shop, many of whom have been working together for years,” says Webster. “Some of them even went to high school together. It’s a tight-knit crew.” While the Shaker line adds a layer of diversification, Webster sees big growth potential on the bunk bed side. “It’s a classic design that’s meant to be timeless. It’s got that campy, cozy nostalgia without being too precious or over-designed.” CONTINUED >

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Style-forward simplicity is exactly why the brand has become a go-to for boutique hotels and interior designers. Recent projects include the Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor and custom orders for hotels as far-flung as Jackson Hole and Malibu. “There aren’t a lot of companies that do what we do,” Webster says. “We can turn around oneoff builds with custom configurations, which is exactly what places like Salt Cottages need.” For that project, the team adapted the beds to allow foot-of-the-bed access and to fit within quirky floor plans. “They’re photographing them this week,” he adds. “We’re excited to share those images and do some cross-posting.”

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HO ME + D E SIGN

Interior designers also make up a growing share of Maine Bunk Beds’ client base. “We’ve had designers incorporate built-in shelves, phone caddies, beadboard paneling—you name it,” says Webster. One of his favorite recent builds included full-sized quad bunks with beadboard detailing for a house on Great Diamond Island. “It’s not something we normally do, but it came out amazing.” The idea of Maine-made furniture carries weight, both aesthetically and ethically. “There’s a long tradition of craftsmanship here,” says Webster. “From Thomas Moser to backyard woodworkers, what ties it all together is this unapologetic commitment to quality. It might cost a bit more, but there’s pride behind every piece. Someone here in Maine is building it from start to finish, and they care deeply about what they’re putting into the world.” Webster’s not on the shop floor much these days; instead, he’s steering the brand from behind the scenes, handling everything from marketing and storytelling to sales and brand building. He worked with a copywriter on the rebrand, launched a new website in April, and has doubled down on social media and outreach. “We’re also reconnecting with interior designers, building up a trade program, and starting to play with merch, like t-shirts, hats, and things like that to extend the brand.”

“Someone here in Maine is building it from start to finish, and they care deeply about what they’re

CONTINUED >

putting into the world.” S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RT L A N D M E

Despite the momentum, Webster is careful not to scale too fast. “We don’t want to grow at the expense of quality. Right now, our focus is just getting every order absolutely perfect. Word of mouth is powerful, especially when you’re doing something this niche. If we do our job right, people will tell their friends, and the reputation will build naturally.” It’s a sentiment that matches the company’s product: thoughtful, timeless, and built to last.

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HO ME + D E SIGN

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SHOP LOCAL S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RT L A N D M E

How a quiet brand born in a New York apartment grew into a Maine-made label of elegance and calm

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA MYLENA

Threaded with Meaning 32

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Bailey Renée in her studio.

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Portland-based designer Bailey Renée is embracing a pace defined by slowness, stillness, and intention. Her namesake label, Bailey Renée, is a contemporary womenswear brand rooted in natural materials with heirloom quality, timeless silhouettes, and a strong sense of place. “It all began in a tiny New York apartment during the height of the pandemic,” she says, describing the brand’s unexpected origin story. “I had nowhere to go but the local bodegas, and one day I picked up a bunch of avocados and started experimenting with natural dyeing.” The results—soft pinks from avocado skins, dyed onto blank hoodies and tees—quickly resonated. “I started posting the pieces online and people reached out asking to buy them,” she recalls. “I put together a very makeshift website, but as a trained designer, I felt pulled to take it further.” That pull led her to a partnership with a natural house in India that eventually introduced her to a woman-owned sewing studio, where she began producing her own designs using botanically dyed fabrics and artisanal techniques. “They’re the ones who really helped me bring my designs to life,” she says. The growth of Bailey Renée has been slow and steady, much like the creative ethos at its core. “I didn’t have any grand business plan in mind. It was just a series of really small steps that grew into something bigger. It felt very kismet, but it was slow-burning— it took almost two years before anything came to fruition.” Eventually, what started as a personal outlet for Bailey took off as a full-time business. Originally from a military family that moved every few years, Bailey found grounding in creativity from a young age. “Art and fashion became a way for me to process and reflect on what I was CONTINUED >

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FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

“Art and fashion became a way for me to process and reflect on what I was experiencing during a time when life felt like an ever-changing landscape.”

experiencing during a time when life felt like an ever-changing landscape,” she says. “It became a visual language, one that allowed me to express who I was when words no longer felt like enough.” After stints designing for LoveShackFancy and Coach, she left New York and eventually landed in Portland, which immediately felt like home. “When I got here, it just clicked,” she says. “There’s this quiet clarity in Maine, a rhythm that really influences how I design and live. Being surrounded by a community that values mindfulness, sustainability, and creativity has felt like a gift to me.” Bailey’s quiet intention is especially evident in her capsule collections, often shot on the windswept shores of South Portland beaches. “I’m always looking for ease, longevity, and a quiet beauty in the things I make.” Capsule

collections, she says, allow her to work at a softer, more intentional pace. “I’m not designing to meet a calendar. I’m designing when something feels ready to be shared.” Each piece goes through months of sampling and refinement, with some designs taking up to nine months to perfect. “The fit, the fabric, the feel on the body—it all has to align,” she says. “There’s often this moment of knowing, when I try something on and it just lands.” Bailey’s home studio mirrors the calmness of her collections: white walls, sheer curtains, and oversized pinboards filled with sketches, fabric swatches, and inspiration. “I keep it minimal so I can build out the world of the collection as freely as possible,” she says. “And as the brand has grown, so has the studio. There’s a different energy now with stylists, CONTINUED >

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“Style is how you move through the world— it’s less about what.

you’re wearing and more about how you carry yourself.”

collaborators, and interns coming in and out. It’s been fun to see it evolve.” Mindfulness and sustainability are central to every decision Bailey makes. “Living slow is creating slow,” she says. “I’m thinking about care—for my partners, for the production process, for the longevity of each piece.” From working with small-batch artisans to using plant-based dyes, Bailey sees her work as a collaborative ecosystem. “It’s about building something that feels human and connected.”

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Bailey recently launched her newest capsule, Growing Edges, featuring new silhouettes, hand-block printing from a multi-generational studio in India, and a fresh range of botanical hues. “It feels like a new chapter,” she says. And even her Spotify account is part of the brand’s storytelling. “I make a playlist for each collection,” she says, smiling. “I want people to feel something when they wear my clothes. Like when you hear the right song at the right moment.” When asked what style means to her, she answers without hesitation: “Style is how you move through the world. It can be quiet or bold, but it’s always honest. It’s less about what you’re wearing and more about how you carry yourself.” Like her work, Bailey’s presence is calm, reflective, and full of intention. In a fashion landscape often dominated by noise, her quiet approach feels like a breath of fresh air. Find Bailey Renée’s latest collection online at shopbaileyrenee.com, stocked at boutiques like Loom in Freeport and Maravilha on Peaks Island, and in pop-ups around Portland, Camden, and Rockland.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RT L A N D M E

Not Your Average Office The Wave is Portland’s chic new co-working space that puts community first Tucked inside the historic Nissen Building on Portland’s East End, just a block from the buzz of Washington Avenue, The Wave doesn’t look—or feel—like your average co-working space. There’s no crowded bullpen of desks or corporate branding. Instead, you’ll find sunlit windows, thoughtfully curated artwork on the walls, and a fridge stocked with LB. MINI-MART’s wellness-forward snacks and drinks. The aesthetic lands somewhere between boutique hotel lobby and modern coffee shop. It’s intentional, calming, and just a little under-the-radar. “We actually tried to avoid calling it a co-working space at first,” says operations manager Katie Wolitarsky, laughing. “We were throwing around phrases like ‘community workspace,’ but ultimately, yeah, it’s a co-working space. Just a different kind.” Wolitarsky, a public relations consultant by trade, helped shape The Wave after being approached by the building’s owner, Jake Edwards. Formerly the home of The Body Architect gym, the second-floor space sat vacant after the pandemic. “Jake thought the neighborhood needed something more community-oriented,” she says. “He asked if I could help with branding and concepting, and it kind of unfolded from there.”

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY COCO MCCRACKEN

H OT SP OT | L I FE + C ULTURE

From the start, The Wave was designed for a different kind of working professional: one who might not want to work from home, but also isn’t looking for a traditional office. With 26 desks, no private offices, and a structure built around memberships and multiday punch passes, The Wave emphasizes connection over anonymity. “There’s something powerful about being able to just turn your chair around and ask someone a question,” Wolitarsky says. “You might be a digital marketer chatting with someone running a DTC business, or a copywriter getting feedback from a designer. That kind of interaction is something you don’t get working alone.” Most of the members are freelancers, consultants, and creatives, often with ties to larger cities like Boston or New York but now based in Maine. Others are hybrid workers negotiating remote flexibility. “I think people really want to be out of the house again,” Wolitarsky says. “They’re not necessarily craving a corporate office, but they do want structure and community.”

While Portland has a growing list of co-working options, few are located on the East End, and none with quite the same vibe. Membership at The Wave includes access to six phonebooth-style workspaces, three meeting rooms, a rooftop patio, and even showers. There’s also a steady rotation of local snacks and drinks and a conference room available for rent or use by members’ companies. Those interested in more casual use can purchase 3-, 5-, or 10-day passes. “Because we’re not on a prime foot-traffic corner, and the door is locked, we’ve leaned into that speakeasy feel,” Wolitarsky explains. “Google figured us out eventually, but for a while, we weren’t even using the word ‘co-working’ on the website.” The name “The Wave” comes from Washington Avenue (W.Ave.), a nod to the street and to Maine’s coastal energy. “We had fun with the branding,” Wolitarsky adds. “There’s a wavy ‘W’ on the elevator. It’s subtle. Kind of an ‘if you know, you know’ thing.” A big part of the space’s success comes down to Wolitarsky’s personal investment in building the culture. She curates a balance of full-time and part-time members and caps growth to avoid the dreaded co-working conundrum of “nowhere to sit.” She also organizes informal programming: happy hours, breakfast pop-ups, a writing group on Wednesdays, and events with organizations like the Portland Society of Architects and Held. “I don’t want it to feel corporate,” she says. “But I also want people to know what the person across the room does. That’s what makes it work.” CONTINUED >

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Wolitarsky and Edwards collaborated with Evan Carroll of Bild Architecture, interior designer Kaitlyn Payne of Basic Space, and Jesse Hutchins from Nest Carpentry on The Wave’s design, along with a tight-knit crew of contractors familiar with the building and its businesses. It was a slow buildout, complete with lots of night and weekend work, but it gave the team the flexibility to get it right without the pressure of a tight timeline. Memberships are straightforward with basic and premium (parking included) options available, along with discounts for teams (visit waveportland.com to see current pricing). While day passes are priced slightly higher than some of the city’s other offerings, the focus is on creating value through environment and community. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Wolitarsky says. “We’re small by design. If someone’s not using the space as much as they thought, they might cancel, and then come back a month later with a punch pass. That flexibility matters.” Looking ahead, Wolitarsky is interested in growing The Wave’s role as a neighborhood hub, whether that’s through rotating local art, creative collaborations, or simply making the most of their rare rooftop patio. “At the end of the day, this is still a co-working space,” she says. “But I want it to feel like more. A place where you can belong, be productive, and still feel like you’re part of something.”

H OT SP OT | L I FE + C ULTURE

We help clients navigate their discovery of what hasn’t been imagined. An algorithm may extrapolate trends, but it can’t anticipate innovation and changing tastes. In other words, it can’t discover what hasn’t been imagined. By contrast, as local experts, we combine real-time data with firsthand insight to provide a clearer, more accurate picture of a home’s true value that is forward-looking.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

SE PT E M BE R 5T H

A Taste of Ireland Merrill Auditorium | 7:30 PM Performed by former World Irish dance champions and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland transports the audience through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live jaw-dropping a cappella tap battles and heartwarming story telling. porttix.com/whats-on/a-taste-of-ireland SE PT E M BE R 7 T H

September 2025 Full Moon Walk 138 Pine Point Road, Scarborough | 7:00 PM Join the Eastern Trail Alliance for a free and guided full moon walk along the Eastern Trail on the Scarborough Marsh. This event is free, but registration is required in advance and limited to 25 people. Kindly note that pets are not allowed at this event. tinyurl.com/ scarborough-marsh-full-moon SE PT E M BE R 9 T H

Bonsai Workshop Definitive Brewing Company | 6:30 PM Grab your friends, grab a drink, and come make tiny trees! Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out. Instructors will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree. tinyurl.com/bonsai-definitive SE PT E M BE R 2 0 T H

Portland Bulls N' Broncos Cross Insurance Arena | 4:00 PM Some of the top riders from across the country will compete for big prizes—and even bigger bragging rights—at this high-energy showcase featuring three powerhouse events: bull riding, bareback horse riding, and saddle bronc horse riding. Whether it’s your first rodeo or your fiftieth, you won’t want to miss this high-octane return of western action. crossarenaportland.com/events/detail/bulls-n-broncos SE PT E M BE R 2 1 ST

Swamp Dogg SPACE | 8:00 PM From producing classic soul for Atlantic Records to iconic album covers and making Richard Nixon’s “enemies list” to kickstarting Dr. Dre’s career, “the original D-O-double G” might be the most interesting man in the history of American music. More than fifty years after his debut album, Swamp Dogg is still re-inventing himself, and is still as radical as ever. tinyurl.com/swamp-dogg SE PT E M BE R 2 8T H

Oktoberfest Dinner at Frith Farm 61 Ash Swamp Road, Scarborough | 2:00 PM Celebrate fall with an authentic Oktoberfest extravaganza, featuring traditional Bavarian dishes made with farm-fresh and local ingredients, pretzel-making, story-telling, and a variety of Oktoberfest brews. Enjoy the afternoon with friends and family, surrounded by the beauty of the farm. This event promises to be a memorable, once-a-year experience, filled with good food, great company, and, of course, live music. tinyurl.com/oktoberfest-at-frith

EVE N TS

WE ARE PORTLAND TRUST COMPANY

Amelia Dow, CTFA, CEO and James MacLeod, Esq., President

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.

FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, WE SPECIALIZE IN: Trust and Trustee Services ◆ Investment Management ◆ Retirement Finances ◆ All things fiduciary ◆ and more

Visit PortlandTrust.com for the way wealth should be. (207) 558-6220 www.portlandtrust.com Two City Center, Portland, ME 04101

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