I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, crafter, and blogger living in rural New England. As seen in Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Magazine, and more! | Tutorials, DIY, crafts, parenting tips, recipes, money saving tips, product reviews, local product features, New England living, intentional living, and more! |
Happy Small Business Saturday! Just wanted to hop on here real quick and share just a few of my favorite small businesses and makers, most of which are based right here in New England. Quite a few are having sales today, so please go check them out and support them if you can!
Small Business Saturday Picks
Wiglesworth's Mercantile - Wiglesworth's Mercantile is one of the newest shops in Portsmouth, NH. The owner Anne is committed to only carrying items made right here in New England, and this week she is giving back to local charities with every purchase at her store (I love that so much!).
Mermaids & Madeleines - Heather from Mermaids & Madeleines makes the most beautiful, bright coastal-inspired jewelry around. She's also such a positive, happy soul and a joy to follow on Instagram.
Wolfeboro Candle Company - Carrie from Wolfeboro Candle Company makes wonderful candles, and this season is offering Gift Boxes too (our Hand-Etched Snowflake Ornament is included in the Large Gift Box).
Maine Rope Mats - Maine Rope Mats makes amazing recycled lobster rope mats and products. We personally have two of their mats and love the fun it brings to our doorways.
S.Lynch Knitwear - Samantha isn't actually from New England, but is a New Englander at heart and it shows in her beautifully made knitted items. I just love her chunky knit hats and her craftsmenship is beautiful!
Daytrip Society - Daytrip and Datyrip Jr., both in Kennebunkport Maine, are some of my favorite stores around. They are beautifully currated and have such thoughtful and unqiue gift ideas.
Watts in Maine - Watts in Maine is best known for their Perfect Catch Cuff, but also offers other jewelry and accessory items as well. They also have made donations to help with Shark Research.
Sewcialite - Roula of Sewcialite hustles so hard every day, working fulltime and creating the most amazing coastal-inspired rope creations and jewelry in her spare time.
As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England! I decided to start a little series to showcase some of these great New England Makers and I'm excited to share the wonderful Kylie Watts from Watts in Maine for the first interview!
Watts in Maine: The Perfect Catch Cuff
Watts in Maine is known most for their Perfect Catch Cuff, made from brass lobster gauges. Recently they've expanded and also offer Maine and nautical inspired earrings and necklaces as well as recycled lobster tag accessories which benefit local lobstermen and their families.
Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
Kylie Watts: I currently work full time as an Office Manager at a pediatric dental office and do what I can after work and on the weekends with my Watts In Maine business. My husband was born and raised on Vinalhaven Island in Maine, which serves as a huge place of inspiration for my pieces. The idea of turning the lobster gauge into a bracelet actually came from our many visits to VH. I am also a born and raised Mainer! I have a love for fashion, accessories, and jewelry.
Kylie Watts of Watts in Maine
How did you start Watts in Maine? Had you been making lobster cuff bracelets for a while or was this a new leap for you?
KW: In the fall of 2014, I told my husband I wanted him to make a brass lobster measure into a bracelet. I had mentioned it before, but we didn't follow through on it. We bought a couple and started forming them and refining the process over a few weeks. By November we had secured our first store, k colette, in Portland's Old Port. I was flirting with another nautical idea before that, but it never made it out of its initial stages.
What does a typical day look like for you?
KW: I work from 7:15am-5:30pm at the dental office. On my lunch break and after work I read and return business emails. My evenings are spent printing invoices, preparing orders, updating social media, and trying to fit in normal daily living tasks.
What is your favorite part about owning your own company?
KW: I love having the freedom to do and create what I want. It's so exciting! I also love connecting with other local small businesses. It's nice to build relationships with others who are going through similar situations/struggles.
And least favorite part?
KW: The financial part! Keeping track of the business side-ew. :)
What has been the most exciting moment for Watts in Maine since you started?
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
KW: Spend time building your social media following, find a mentor or someone who can show you the ropes, and build your business at your own pace.
What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
KW: My long term goal is to be able to focus on my business full time and only have one job. I'm hoping to expand upon what Watts In Maine offers and could be doing that in the very near future! Stay Tuned :) I'm not sure if I want a store front down the road, or where I see the business going. To be honest, I take it one day at a time.
Do you own a New England-based business and would like to be featured in an upcoming interview? Or would you be interested in having me style, review, and feature one of your products? Please drop me a note.
