Portland, ME March 2024

The Feeling of Home

The word "home" has come to mean different things to me over the years. There's the physical home, of course—the dwelling where one resides (usually filled with all the stuff that makes it ours) and the address associated with it. But as I get older home to me is more of a feeling, an instantaneous knowing that I'm where I'm supposed to be, in that moment and in that place, whether I happen to be traveling abroad or on my street.

In the Danish tradition, this feeling is called hygge (pronounced hue-gah), and for me it's defined by finding myself in a situation where my soul is stirred just right and I'm instantly at peace.

This happened to me when I had the pleasure of visiting Melissa Fuller and Nondas Iacovou of STUDIO89 at their pop-up shop at The Black Box on Washington Avenue over the summer. I walked in and immediately felt the emotion of home. Their hand-crafted furniture, soft goods, and accessories evoke a feeling of being at one with nature by bringing the best of the outdoors inside, and each piece is undeniably infused with the passion and love Fuller and Iacovou have for what they create. You'll learn more about why they started STUDIO89 and what they can offer you and your home on page 18.

Maybe peace at home to you means feeling refreshed and organized, so we're also bringing you ways to update the spaces in your home to maximize efficiency and functionality with The Tailored Closet of Southern Maine and Lemonaid Solutions on page 34.

And finally for our Home issue, on page 28 we bring you the story of the Capozza siblings, the third generation of a family-run Portland company that has prided itself on making your homes their business for almost 50 years.

No matter what "home" means to you and your family, I hope you find a few moments of hygge with us as you curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and the March issue of Portland City Lifestyle. Enjoy.

EMILY HARRADON, PUBLISHER @PORTLAND.CITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

1: Guests mingle at the Beaux Arts Ball in the Portland Museum of Art’s front room. 2: Visitors and teachers at the grand opening of Body Positive Dance Fitness on Brighton Ave. 3: Novel Book Bar & Cafe owners Nate Donovan and Joshua Ames with their coffee roaster. 4: Vintage and thrifted items from 207 Fashion Bus during a pop-up at Maine Craft Distilling. 5: Attendees at the Gear Again Festival discuss repair, upcycling, and recycling outdoor gear and apparel. 6: TR3 guitarist Tim Reynolds and bassist Mick Vaughn perform at Bayside Bowl. 7: Darci Foshay and Desha Peacock at the first annual Come Together event for women.

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ALISON DOUCETTE

Argenta Brewing Heads to West Bayside

Maine-based brewer Ryan Dunlap, who is originally from Nevada, is opening a new tasting-room style brewery specializing in lagers at 82 Hanover Street. Argenta Brewing offers five rotating lagers on tap along with non-alcoholic and gluten-free options. The brewery’s interior, as well as its branding, is inspired by traditional Western saloons. “Argenta Brewing aims to become a modern-day lager beer saloon, a community gathering place with a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” explains Dunlap.  argentabrewingcompany.com

Catface Cafe

Krista Cole and business partner Tyler VanScoy are the powerhouses behind Catface Cafe, a new breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch eatery in Biddeford. Executive chef Mimi Weissenborn is spearheading the culinary program and is excited to offer a seasonal Maine-inspired menu with an elevated modern flair. The cafe will also have a specialty coffee program, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails developed by Travis Gauvin, Sur Lie’s talented bartender, available for purchase.  catfacecafemaine.com

Portland Yoga Project Opens a Second Location

Portland Yoga Project, a yoga and barre studio on Forest Ave, is opening a downtown location at 129 Newbury Street. “PYP has always been more than a place to go to classes—it’s a place to gather, meet like minded people, and create connection. We’re excited to expand our community space to a second location, and we couldn’t do any of it without our amazing staff and students,” co-founders Elizabeth, Jess, and Lauren said.  theportlandyogaproject.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AT 7:30 PM |

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 AT 2:30 PM

Eckart Preu, Music Director

Led by Music Director Eckart Preu your PSO honors one of the most iconic film composers of all time— the great John Williams. Experience his critically acclaimed works live, including selections from Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and E.T.

Another Round is Portland’s First Board Game Cafe

Opening at 549 Congress Street, Another Round will have 250 board games available to play solo, in groups, or with a partner. Founded by media producer Harry Sultan, the board game cafe will offer coffee, espresso beverages, local beers, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages along with pastries and light snacks. Sultan hopes to eventually host discussions with comic book artists and video game designers. anotherroundmaine.com

Dok Mali Opens an Asian Noodle Bar in SoPo

Dok Mali founder and chef Nonglack Thanephonsey is launching a new Asian noodle bar at 171 Ocean Street in South Portland this spring in the space formerly occupied by Judy

Gibson. Called Dok Mali Noodle Bar, the establishment will feature Thanephonsey’s most popular Southeast Asian noodle dishes along with a variety of stir fry noodles, ramen, and noodle soups.

J. Dostie Jewelers Moves to Yarmouth

J. Dostie Jewelers is moving to Yarmouth this spring. The new location will allow for easier access directly on Route One, has ample parking, and will still be within a short drive for their clients in the Portland and Lewiston areas. In addition to high quality jewelry, craftsmanship, and education, the experts at J. Dostie offer jewelry repair, appraisals, and custom remounting. jdostie.com

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.

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

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.

Real Estate Agency

Lucy Tucker - Keller Williams Realty yoursouthernmainemove.com | 207.239.1336

The Hatcher Group - Keller Williams Realty thgmaine.com | 207.775.2121

Chris Davis - Real Broker LLC placesinmaine.com | 207.756.2442

The David Banks Team - RE/MAX by the Bay davidbanksteam.com | 207.773.2345

The Reside Group - Compass Real Estate compass.com/agents/the-reside-group | 207.209.4192

Home Builder

Knickerbocker Group knickerbockergroup.com | 207.633.3818

BrightBuilt Home brightbuilthome.com | 207.747.4822

Centerline Design & Build centerlinedesignme.com | 207.847.3458

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

O'Brien Wood & Iron obrienwoodandiron.com | 207.332.8498

Sylvain + Sevigny sylvainsevigny.com | 207.536.0235

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA FULLER

FROM THE LAND

STUDIO89’s modern handmade furniture promotes intentionality and wellbeing

For Nondas Iacovou and Melissa Fuller, the creative partners behind STUDIO89, woodworking started as a hobby and quickly became a passion. “Our excitement with the creative process never stops,” says Fuller. “We design all day, from our morning coffee until we sit down to rest at night. We love the process, and we hope our love and excitement for what we do comes through in our pieces.” The couple, who met at the University of Vermont in 1989, followed clinical careers in physical therapy and audiology to Hawaii, New Mexico, and Alaska before settling back down in Maine with the dream of designing and making furniture full-time.

STUDIO89 follows three guiding principles: make things that last, limit negative environmental impact, and create a network that benefits Maine's economy. “Having lived in a part of Alaska with no trees or access to wood, we learned to appreciate even the smallest piece of material that we could find,” explains Fuller. “We try to bring forth the beauty of the material through thoughtful use.

CONTINUED >

Time-tested, traditional joinery ensures the piece will live at least as long as the tree that gave us the wood, allowing it to have a useful presence even after it's been cut down.”

Iacovou and Fuller draw inspiration from their respect for the materials they use, which are sourced from local sawyers, lumberyards, and fabric shops, for their thoughtful designs that place an emphasis on authenticity and intentionality. “When creating STUDIO89 collection pieces, we look to balance function, the

material’s natural beauty, and durability,” says Iacovou. “We ask ourselves: How can iconic shapes be made fresh and new? How can we make this STUDIO89? For example, we recently found an old stone fireplace mantel, turned it upside down, and discovered the shape for a drawer handle,” he adds.

When a client approaches STUDIO89 looking for a custom piece, the partners present various design elements while honing in on the desired function and aesthetic. “We ask whether the piece feels heavy

“There’s a humble quality of life here where hard work is rewarded by the beauty that surrounds us. The feeling that Maine gives us, and the reason that we came back, is this relationship with nature.”

or light, if it blends in or stands out in the room, and what type of flow it creates in its space. Everyone’s imagination is active and co-creative, and the process becomes a true collaboration with the client,” says Iacovou. “The final project holds the client’s intention, excitement, and energy as much as ours, so that once in its place, it resonates with the space and feels like it belongs, as if it has been there for a long time.”

See more of Iacovou and Fuller’s work at studio-89-design.com

Willard Beach Wonder

STEPS FROM THE SHORE, THIS SINGLE-FAMILY HOME OFFERS STUNNING VIEWS

Built in 2009 by Russ Doucette Homes, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom single-family home just steps from Willard Beach blends coastal charm with a contemporary, open concept floor plan. Each room of the triplex property offers stunning views of Casco Bay while decks on both the second and third floors provide an extra dose of salty sea air. The residence, which was thoughtfully constructed to handle the coast of Maine’s various conditions, features an elevator ideal for multigenerational families or as an alternative to single-level living. Situated within walking distance to several local businesses in the popular Willard neighborhood including Scratch Bakery and Willard Scoops, the home is just a short drive from Portland's vibrant streets and popular restaurants.

Listed by Katie Hogan of The Reside Group at Compass Real Estate. Contact katherine.hogan@compass.com for more information.

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON AND KATIE HOGAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STRUCTURE REAL ESTATE MEDIA

Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage firm and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

All staging by Whitney and Co.

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE CAPOZZA FAMILY

SIBLINGS JOE, KATIE, AND TIA TACKLE THIRD GENERATION OWNERSHIP WHILE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE CAPOZZA FAMILY BUSINESS

SIDE

BY SIDE

When Joseph “Buddy” Capozza started a tile business in his garage in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that three of his grandchildren would be leading the company fifty years later. For siblings Joe Capozza III, Katie Capozza, and Tia Green, the family business was simply

strengths to the business,” explains Katie. The three co-owners benefit from a built-in sense of accountability and ownership. “I trust them implicitly, and I don’t think they’re ever doing something to advance themselves over everybody else,” says Tia. Of course,

“IF IT’S IMPORTANT TO OUR EMPLOYEES, IT’S IMPORTANT TO US.”

a part of their upbringing, though not necessarily their destiny. “Our parents were big proponents of doing whatever we set our minds to,” Tia says. “My early career was aligned with the company, and I always thought if I was doing this for other people, I’d love to work and benefit the family.” Joe followed a similar pattern: he was working in commercial sales for a larger company when he realized his skills could be applied to the family business. When Katie joined Old Port Specialty Tile Co. (a division of Capozza Floor Covering Center) at age 20, she didn’t think she was going to stay more than a few years; almost 20 years later, she’s still at it.

Working together as siblings and business associates gives Joe, Katie, and Tia a unique perspective. “We have the same values, but we each bring unique

working with family has its challenges. “When you’re asked by your brother, sister, mother, or wife to do a business task, it’s not the same as being asked by someone who reports to you,” Joe explains. “Fortunately,” Tia chimes in, “We don’t take each other too seriously, and we have a lot of fun.”

One key way the Capozza family business differs from corporate companies is the culture. “Nobody is a number here,” explains Joe. “We care about everybody that works with us, and we always try to do what’s best for our team,” he adds. Tia places an emphasis on the familial side of things: “If it’s important to our employees, it’s important to us,” she says. “If somebody wants to coach their kids’ sports team and they need a shorter day, of course—we want them to have that opportunity.”

CONTINUED >

Joe, who recently became chair of Maine’s Institute for Family-Owned Business, thinks his grandfather would be proud to see how the company has grown over the last half decade. “My grandfather started the business because he left another company and needed to support his family,” Joe explains. “When I consider all the people that work with us, whether they’re employees in-house or subcontractors that we partner with, it’s amazing to think that our business is their main source of income to provide for their own families. I think my grandfather would be proud that something he started kept us all together and has grown even bigger than the family.”

In recognition of Capozza's 50th anniversary, the team is planning a celebration event in the fall and asking key partners to donate to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and

Joe Capozza III, President of Capozza Floor Covering Center

Tia Green, Capozza Vice President and Director of Operations, Residential Division

“IT’S GROWN EVEN BIGGER THAN THE FAMILY.”

the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Capozza's longest standing philanthropic partnership (their first donation of $100 came from Buddy Capozza in 1995; they've raised over $323,000 to date). The company is committed to matching up to $25,000 for a total contribution of $50,000. “I think it says a lot about the family that they’ve grown and reshaped the business over three generations, and instead of celebrating their accomplishments, the first thing they did is choose to donate to a community cause,” says Theresa Rosmus, who has been with Capozza for 20 years. “It speaks to who they are, not just who they want to be. Compassion was very important to the man who started this company, and the third generation is showing up for the community. It speaks volumes, and it shows what this family is about.”

Katie Capozza, Capozza Vice President and Manager of Old Port Specialty Tile Co.

Capozza Floor Covering Center's showroom on Warren Ave.

Three generations of Capozza company presidents

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

A P L ACE FOR EVERYTHING

Heather Shattuck-Heidorn, owner of The Tailored Closet and PremierGarage of Southern Maine, and Stephanie Treantos, founder of Lemonaid Solutions, are on a mission to help Mainers maximize their spaces. It’s the perfect partnership: The Tailored Closet offers custom-designed storage solutions for the home while Lemonaid Solutions implements organizational systems that keep clients on track. We sat down with both women to learn more about how they’ve solved storage challenges across the state.

TWO MAINE BUSINESS OWNERS WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE STYLISH STORAGE SOLUTIONS

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LEMONAID SOLUTIONS

Empty Space

The owner of this new build found her clothing inventory was outgrowing her closet space. Luckily, there was an empty room attached to both the bedroom and bathroom that could be converted into a larger closet to store her clothing. The Tailored Closet added drawers, a built-in hamper, and plenty of hanging space while using shelving to frame the windows to preserve a feeling of openness in addition to natural light. Shaker finishes and gold matte hardware add an elevated feel while keeping in line with the rest of the home’s aesthetic. In the client’s former closet space, deeper shelving was added to accommodate blankets, linens, and bedding. “When you’re considering any closet or storage design, you really need to think through the details around how it will function when in use. Where will deeper clothing storage be? Does the use of a space for hanging clothes impact any walkways or windows? How deep should the shelving or drawers be for your intended use? These are the sorts of questions we bring to our design process so that our clients can have storage that really works for them,” explains Shattuck-Heidorn.

Dormered Design

The busy young professionals who reside in this home had a variety of medium-sized closets they hoped to use more efficiently, while also considering the dormered ceilings that are frequently found across Maine. The Tailored Closet was tasked with incorporating a built-in vanity to help maximize space in other areas of the home, which was ultimately centered under a window for maximum natural lighting. Drawer stacks were added to the primary walk-in closets while ensuring the narrow space still had a usable walkway. In the dormered child’s closet, a clever system combines a full-size hanging section, a drawer stack, and shelving. Lemonaid Solutions joined the project once the closets were completed to help the family make the most of their newly designed storage spaces. Treantos divided the closets into zones and categories that made sense for the family’s everyday life. “The closet needed to make sense in terms of what went where. Even with a new design, putting items back into the space isn’t always easy for clients,” she explains. “As a busy professional and mom, the client’s top pain point was the lack of time to create a functional system that would last.”

Credit: Marissa Elise Photography

Basement Blueprint

Treantos was approached by a client with a large basement who lacked functional storage space. When she arrived at the client’s home for a consultation, the basement floor was covered in boxes, so she contacted The Tailored Closet to build a system that would get everything off the floor and make use of vertical space. The team developed an open cabinet storage design so that the client could see everything and make use of the organizational systems Treantos developed. “We designed this in our garage cabinetry line,” explains Shattuck-Heidorn. “The heavier density material is an inch thick, so it’s meant for projects where the shelving could be supporting hundreds of pounds of weight. We use it most often in the garage and heavy-duty storage spaces, and occasionally in pantries,” she adds.

CONTINUED >

Budget-Friendly Built-Ins

Simple, clean, and efficient was the goal of this closet project in which Treantos and ShattuckHeidorn worked together to maximize their client’s daughter’s available space without breaking the bank. “When organizing, we take into account the person we’re organizing for,” explains Treantos. “In certain cases, a client may not refold everything, so we use baskets to conceal items. It’s an easy way to keep the space looking great with minimal upkeep,” she adds. Before heading to the design phase with The Tailored Closet, Treantos took inventory of the daughter’s clothing while defining what would hang and what would remain folded. The daughter didn’t need drawers or high-end finishes in the closet, so The Tailored Closet designed beautiful and sturdy built-ins that offer ample storage space. Once the build out was completed, all the daughter’s clothing fit into the redesigned space.

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MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND

Sparkle and Soul Mental Health Charity Event

Maine Studio Works | 4:00 PM

Meet local artisans and mental health nonprofits, listen to discussions on mental health, add to the community mural, make t-shirts and paint canvases, enter charity raffles and art auctions, do yoga, eat delicious tacos, and make new friends! A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to AFSP Maine. tinyurl.com/sparkleandsoul

MARCH 6TH

Sea Glass Craft Night

Lone Pine Brewing | 6:30 PM

Local artists will walk you through how to make beautiful crafts out of sea glass. You'll leave with 2-3 sea glass canvases—no experience required. The canvases are great to show off or to give as gifts, but they’re also an excuse to have a few drinks with great people while making something beautiful. tinyurl.com/sea-glass-crafts

MARCH 12TH

Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick's Day Tour 2024

Cross Insurance Arena | 7:00 PM

Dropkick Murphys proudly remain Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have created the kind of music that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally. Openers include California-based Pennywise and The Scratch, a 4-piece act from Dublin, Ireland. statetheatreportland.com/events/dropkick-murphys

MARCH 17TH

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Commercial Street | 12:00 PM

Catch exhibitors including the Irish American Club, the Maine Irish Heritage Center, the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, and the Stillson School of Irish Dance at this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade route follows Commercial Street from the Portland Fish Pier to Bell Buoy Park. irishofmaine.org

MARCH 17TH

Paddy's Plunge

East End Beach | 5:30 AM

Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with the 22nd annual Paddy's Plunge into the ice cold waters of East End Beach while raising funds for the Portland Firefighters Children's Burn Foundation. Afterwards, head to RiRa for a traditional Irish breakfast along with 50/50 raffle and live auction to support burn survivors in Maine. Registration link TBA.

MARCH 21ST

POP Annual Fundraiser

O'Maine Studios | 7:00 PM

Join Portland Ovations for a dynamic evening wholly unique to the organization and its commitment to gathering people, sharing cultures, and creating community through the power of live performance. Enjoy food by some of Portland’s most exciting chefs, delightful libations, and live performances. All proceeds benefit Portland Ovations educational programs. portlandovations.org/event/pop-2024

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