The Ladies Issue
HOME + DESIGN
LEADING WITH PURPOSE: SHANNON RICHARDS ON BUSINESS, BALANCE, AND BUILDING A LEGACY
STRONG FLOORS. BOLD FOUNDATIONS.
Bold Moves and Big Ideas
As soon as Shannon Richards greeted me for our meeting at her office at Hay Runner in Portland, I knew I was dealing with a powerhouse. "Can I get you a coffee?" she asked with a smile and bright eyes as she showed me around her Old Port digs. We sat down in her conference room, fresh pastries on the table, her staff milling about in the adjacent workspaces. It was 10 a.m., and I immediately had a sense that this woman had already accomplished more that morning than I had in the entire previous workday.
As Richards started to share her story, I had no doubt that I was going to like her. She is everything I admire about the women in our community—a visionary serial entrepreneur, multi-faceted business owner in a male-dominated field, and mom to a large blended family, with a savvy sense of style to boot.
The best part? She still manages to sleep at least eight hours a night. Richards is just one of the many accomplished women we are proud to feature in our second annual Ladies issue. Our editor, Becca, sat down with her to learn more about the vision behind Hay Runner, how Richards contributes to the Portland business and creative communities, and what she does to find balance in her busy days. We also spoke with Brooke Harris at Maine Aesthetic Medicine, Hallie Mitchell at Vivid Design Studio, and Bibi Pillet O'Connell at CosMed.ink. They're just a few of our favorite female partners making an impact on our community through their businesses and efforts to give back.
I hope you're as inspired as I am after by these leaders. Do you know a woman in Portland doing great things in our community? We'd love to hear from you. Please reach out and share their stories with us so we can consider them for a future issue.
EMILY HARRADON, PUBLISHER @PORTLAND.CITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Abramson
rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Meghan Morrison | meghan.morrison@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lauren Lear, Josh Johnson, Samantha Dalhborg / Studio Citrine, Sarah Szwajkos, Kelsey Carmichael
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
THURSDAY,
inside the issue
Vivid Vision
Hallie Mitchell on building a business and elevating Maine’s visual landscape
Beyond Skin Deep
Bibi Pillet O’Connell’s journey into medical tattooing and its life-changing impact
Shannon Richards’ approach to streamlining real estate, supporting creatives, and leading by example
How Brooke Harris is blending science and self-care in the world of aesthetic medicine
Richards, founder of
Josh Johnson
city scene
1: Participants at Portland Yoga Collective’s Yoga in Action Community Discourse event exploring attachment and aversion. 2: Kelsy Hartley and Caitlin Hopkins of Two Maine Mermaids at the 2025 Women’s Wave at Willard Beach. 3: Artist Sarah Demers sketches during the Pet Artists Day in Residence at the Francis. 4: Patrick Dempsey greets guests at the new Dempsey Center at Rock Row Health Campus in Westbrook. 5: Winners of Maine Restaurant Week’s Incredible Breakfast fundraiser: Christian Bassett, champion Georgia Macon, and Isaac Aldrich. 6: Rose Lehane Tureen and Scotty Downs of the Fife Irish Dancers perform at the Porthole. 7: Hannah Richards, director of brand management at Ethos Marketing, speaks at the IndieBiz EDU Summit.
business monthly
Sherman's Opens its 10th Maine Bookstore
Maine's oldest bookstore is opening its 10th location in the Saco Valley Shopping Center at the end of the month. "We decided to open our store at this location because it offers a unique mix of downtown walking access and shopping center parking," Sherman's owner, Jeff Curtis, told MaineBiz . The new location will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Portland's New Food & Drink Venue for Special Events
The Downtown Social, a new food and drink venue owned and operated by Social Events LLC, has opened at 128 Free Street, occupying the building that previously housed the Dogfish Bar & Grille. Downtown Social presents a versatile two-floor venue with custom catering, a full bar, cafe seating, a stage, an
Elevating Medical Aesthetics in Southern Maine
Nestled in the heart of Scarborough, C. Skin Co. is redefining aesthetic medicine through education, prevention, treatment, and maintenance. Through a science-first approach, the team blends their skills to take clients on a new skincare journey—one where C. Skin becomes a partner in skin health and medical aesthetics. The company’s expert practitioners combine advanced techniques with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to ensure subtle yet transformative enhancements.
Sødt Brings Swedish & Danish Candy to Portland
Led by Danish transplant Nikoline Ostergaard alongside her mother and sister, Sødt is a new candy shop offering a mix of hand-picked Swedish and Danish sweets by weight, embracing Denmark’s “Fredagsslik” (Friday candy) tradition. The shop stands out with its high-quality treats, featuring less sugar and fewer artificial ingredients than typical American candy. The 600-squarefoot space is at 119 Cumberland Ave. in the location formerly occupied by Sticky Sweet. sodtme.com
The Portland Symphony Orchestra’s 101st Season
Wondering what the Portland Symphony Orchestra is performing in 2025 and 2026? For the organization’s 101st season, both classical and POPS! options are available, including Tchaikovsky and Brahms with Randall Goosby, Dawnland to the Planets: The Music of the Wabanaki and Holst, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Movie Night with the PSO, Rick Steves’ Europe, and more. Find tickets at porttix.com
Branding & Identity Systems
Logo Design
Websites
Campaign Design & Collateral
Packaging Design & Sourcing
Advertising Design (Brochures, Flyer's, etc.)
Social Media
Management & Content Creation
Illustration & Graphics
Murals
Vehicle & Food Truck (Wrap Design)
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.
Wedding Planner
Confetti & Cocktails Events Co. confettiandcocktailsevents.com
Olive and Co. oliveandcoevents.com | 207.468.6040
Churchill Events churchillevents.com | 207.878.2277
Pinch Me Planning pinchmeplanning.com
Wed in Maine wed-maine.com | 413.320.7335
Women's Health
Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health roottorisephysicaltherapy.com | 207.200.1626
Coastal Women's Healthcare coastalwhc.com | 207.885.8400
Dr. Corina Dunlap drcorinadunlap.com
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Higher Ground Women's Health highergroundwomenshealth.com | 207.331.6341
Virago Wellness viragowellness.com | 207.558.5539
VIVID VISION
HALLIE MITCHELL ON BUILDING A BUSINESS AND ELEVATING MAINE’S VISUAL LANDSCAPE
Hallie Mitchell’s journey into the world of design wasn’t exactly conventional. As the founder of Vivid Design Studios, a thriving Portland-based creative agency, her path has been one of unexpected turns, relentless ambition, and a deep commitment to the local creative community.
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VIVID DESIGN STUDIOS
Mitchell’s interest in art and design took root early, though not without its hurdles. “I got kicked out of art school in like fifth grade,” she recalls with a laugh. It wasn’t until high school, under the mentorship of teacher Jeff Bell, that she realized she had a real knack for visual arts. “He asked me, during my freshman year, if I wanted to join AP Arts.” That push led to pre-college programs and, ultimately, an early start at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D).
Originally set on painting, Mitchell had no idea what graphic design entailed until a chance conversation changed everything. “One of the regulars at the bar I worked at, Ken Murphy, was a graphic
designer. He told me, ‘You should take a graphic design course.’ I did, and I found I had a knack for it.” That realization led to an internship at Ethos Marketing, which quickly evolved into a junior designer role while she was still in school.
Mitchell’s passion and work ethic soon opened doors beyond Maine. One of her most formative experiences was working under a mentor, Drew Hodges, whose projects spanned Broadway productions and large-scale entertainment branding. Hodges was an adjunct professor at MECA&D, and Mitchell was determined to work under him. “I got really motivated,” she says. “When everyone else was
“WHEN EVERYONE ELSE WAS SUBMITTING ONE TO THREE DESIGNS, I’D BE SUBMITTING THREE TO FIVE.”
submitting one to three designs, I’d be submitting three to five.” That hustle paid off, landing her opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns in New York City, including a branding project for the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit at the Oculus and several Broadway shows.
But despite the allure of big-city projects, Maine called her back. Mitchell launched Vivid Design Studios in 2020, which quickly became a go-to agency for local businesses and national brands alike. “I was getting a lot of new clients,” she says of her early days as a freelancer. “I got to the point where I realized I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.”
Vivid has since grown into a tightknit, all-female team, something that happened organically but has become a defining part of the company culture. “It wasn’t intentional, but it’s a really comfortable environment for everyone,” Mitchell explains. “We’re super transparent with each other, and my team has been so supportive in growing this business with me.”
Her agency has left a mark on Maine’s visual landscape, working with brands like Oakhurst Dairy, Gifford’s Ice Cream, and Portland Old Port. One of her most visible contributions is the illustrated mural on Forest Avenue for Oakhurst.
Being a woman in the design industry hasn’t always been easy. “At first, people doubted that we could do it,” Mitchell admits. “I had to really validate my work. I’d think to myself, ‘I’ve literally done all this Broadway work, what more do you want from me?’” But as Vivid’s reputation has grown, she’s been able to let the work speak for itself.
Looking ahead, Mitchell sees both challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly with the rise of AI in design. “We’re fully embracing it, but not to the point where it’s doing the work for us,” she clarifies. “We still give it a lot of art direction.”
Her advice to aspiring designers? “Stay organized, set up your systems early, and intern or work somewhere first so you have something to base a business off of.” As she expands her studio and brings on new talent, Mitchell remains committed to both her craft and her community. “There’s just something about Mainers. We get each other.”
BeyondSkin Deep
BIBI PILLET O’CONNELL’S JOURNEY INTO MEDICAL TATTOOING AND ITS LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN LEAR
Bibi Pillet O’Connell
Founder of Cosmed.Ink
When Bibi Pillet O’Connell first discovered medical tattooing, she had no idea it would become her life’s work. Initially a journalist, her journey took an unexpected turn when she began assisting her father, a veterinarian, in tattooing identification numbers on puppies. That early experience with precision and ink sparked something in her. “I was always artistic,” she says. “I loved calligraphy, colors, and design.” Later, after her children grew older, she trained in cosmetic tattooing, a field that eventually led her to specialize in medical tattooing for skin-related traumas such as scar camouflage, skin grafts, and post-surgical reconstruction.
Medical tattooing is an evolving field, offering solutions for those with compromised skin. Unlike traditional tattoos, dermopigmentation procedures use smaller ink molecules and nano needle cartridges, making them semi-permanent. “Restorative tattooing offers a range of achievements,” Bibi says. “With stretch marks, for example, dry needling requires a minor trauma by stimulating collagen production and promoting tightness and regeneration."
Her work extends beyond aesthetics; it’s deeply emotional. “It’s a path to healing,” she says. “I often come in at the end of a long medical journey—I’m the light at the end of the tunnel.” Through the Ink for Pink foundation, for example,
Bibi provides medical tattooing (along with semi-permanent eyebrow and eyeliner tattooing) at no cost to breast cancer patients. These services, often completed post-mastectomy or after chemotherapy, help restore confidence and a sense of wholeness.
With advancements in technology, Bibi now offers scar concealing, radiation mark cover-ups, scalp and alopecia micropigmentation, stabilized vitiligo, semi-permanent makeup, and more. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand into tattooing for children with cleft palate scars. “It’s about restoring not just skin, but confidence and identity,” she says.
Here, three of Bibi’s clients share their experiences with the transformative impact of her work.
Tony Morelli Scalp Micropigmentation
“I never really knew that medical tattooing was a thing, but I’m so glad that I reached out and took a chance. I was initially referred to Cosmed.ink from Maine Plastic Surgery, and my goal was to somehow improve the appearance of my bald and thin hair—little did I know that Bibi was going to help me become more confident and comfortable not wearing a hat every day. Her approach was straightforward and blunt, which is exactly what I needed. You can tell that Bibi takes pride in her work and has a knack for providing great results for her clients.”
Kim Poginy
Dry Microneedling and Scar Camouflage
“I had surgery on my neck which left me with a surgical scar that I was very self-conscious about, to the point where I avoided wearing regular collar shirts. I was hoping to achieve a less noticeable scar. Bibi made me feel comfortable—our meeting was very informative about the medical tattooing process, expectations pertaining to the final outcome, and the applied microneedling treatment I'd undergo prior to medical tattooing in hopes to receive a better result. It has been a positive journey for me, and I am feeling much better about my scar knowing I will continue to see improvement at every appointment.”
“It took three years after my mastectomy to process the emotional impact of the surgery, especially the impact of losing a body part that had nurtured my two children and brought me so much joy. I’d heard of reconstructive tattoos, but didn’t have the drive or energy to pursue another painful procedure. Through synchronicity, I met Bibi and felt at ease with her immediately. She clearly works from her heart on behalf of survivors, sharing some of her own story
and introducing me to supportive resources like Ink for Pink. Just weeks later, I got out of the shower and teared up when I realized I was no longer avoiding the mirror. I felt like myself again. Working with Bibi was a deeply meaningful gift. I didn’t imagine I would get to see my then 15 year old daughter go off to college, but she is happily launched (and a big fan of me getting tattoos). Bibi helped me regain some beauty and comfort I had reluctantly surrendered.”
Lydia Maier Breast Cancer Survivor
LOCAL AGENTS EXPERT ADVICE
180 Waterman Dr Suite 2B South Portland, ME 04106 (207) 482-2202
308 US Route 1 Scarborough, ME
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ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
SHANNON RICHARDS’ APPROACH TO STREAMLINING REAL ESTATE, SUPPORTING CREATIVES, AND LEADING BY EXAMPLE
A NEW BLUEPRINT
Photo: Josh Johnson
Shannon Richards doesn’t just build homes—she builds possibilities. The founder of Hay Runner, a real estate, architecture, and construction firm, Richards is redefining what it means to
going to do it for myself,” she recalls. And so, Hay Runner was born.
Hay Runner is not your typical design and construction firm. It offers a full spectrum of services—buying, design-
“I REALIZED IF I WAS GOING TO DO THIS AGAIN, I WAS GOING TO DO IT FOR MYSELF.”
own and maintain property in Maine. With a commitment to simplifying homeownership and fostering a strong creative workforce, she has become a force for innovation in an industry often burdened by complexity.
Growing up along the Maine coast, Richards was shaped by a deep sense of place and community. “Being from Maine, you feel pretty close to the ground,” she says. “Everyone pitches in. If you’re on an island and there’s a flood, everyone grabs a shovel. It’s all hands on deck.” That mentality—of collaboration, resilience, and thinking big—has been a guiding force in her career.
Richards began her professional journey in furniture and fixture design before transitioning into housing. As she worked within different facets of the industry, she saw firsthand the need for a more integrated approach to homeownership. “At some point, I realized if I was going to do this again, I was
ing, building, maintaining, and selling properties—eliminating the need for homeowners to juggle multiple contractors and vendors. “Construction is hard. It’s stressful,” Richards says. “By integrating these services, we reduce stress, cut costs, and clear up confusion for our clients.”
Her team also provides add-on services like interior design, millwork, and personal concierge support. For some clients, Hay Runner even maintains properties when they are away. One recent project for a client with residences on both coasts exemplifies this approach. “We helped them find the property, designed and built it, and now we’ll manage it while they’re on the West Coast,” she says. “It’s not just about building homes—it’s about making life easier for homeowners.”
Beyond Hay Runner, Richards is actively shaping Maine’s real estate and creative communities. As the president of the Maine Real Estate and
Development Association (MEREDA) and a leader within the Maine Crafts Association, she is deeply involved in economic development and arts advocacy. “You get out what you put in,” she says of her work with these organizations. “I put in a lot, and I get even more back. It keeps me connected to my peers and helps me make better business decisions.”
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Richards has faced her share of challenges—but she sees them as opportunities. “People underestimate you,” she admits. “But that’s also an advantage because when you succeed, you surprise them.” She envisions a future where more women enter the design and construction industries, leveraging technology and attention to detail to excel in areas historically dominated by men. “There’s room for everyone,” she says. “And we’re seeing more and more
Photo: Sarah Szwajkos
Photo: Kelsey Carmichael
“THERE’S ROOM FOR EVERYONE.”
women stepping into leadership roles. At Hay Runner, it’s not even a conversation—it’s just how things are.”
Despite her demanding career, Richards is intentional about finding balance. “It’s hard,” she acknowledges. “Going on a trip last week was hard. Making time for family and friends is hard. But if you’re not incredibly intentional about it, it won’t happen.” For her, a perfect day off in Maine involves cruising around the islands on her old wooden boat, eating fresh seafood, fishing, and hiking—simple joys that reconnect her to the landscape she loves.
While Richards takes pride in what Hay Runner has accomplished, she sees it as just the beginning. “This is a beta test,” she says. “There’s a real opportunity to change how we think about design and construction, and I want to be at the forefront of that shift.”
Photo: Kelsey Carmichael
Photo: Sarah Szwajkos
R EDEFINING THEGLOWU P
BROOKE HARRIS IS BLENDING SCIENCE AND SELF-CARE IN THE WORLD OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA DAHLBORG / STUDIO CITRINE
“Feeling good about what you present to the world can impact your confidence.”
CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT LED YOU TO START MAINE AESTHETIC MEDICINE?
I was raised in the small town of Lee, Maine and knew from 5 years of age I wanted to be a nurse. I graduated in 2015 from the University of Maine at Fort Kent and immediately entered the workforce in both the hospital and aesthetic setting. After 5 years in acute care working mostly in pediatrics and maternity, I was scouted by a local plastic surgeon’s office and went full-time in aesthetics until opening Maine Aesthetic Medicine in May of 2023.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR INTEREST IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE, AND HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Growing up, I was a 4-sport athlete, 7-time Maine state champion, and had little interest in fashion or the beauty industry. As I aged, I entered and was crowned Miss Maine USA in 2017 and went on to compete at Miss USA that same year, where I learned to embrace both my femininity and love for beauty and fashion.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO AESTHETIC MEDICINE?
I believe in a multi-faceted approach to aging and pride myself on having something to offer anyone looking to invest in themselves and their skin. I have trained with other providers from around the globe, ensuring the best in class machines, treatment options, and most up-to-date standards and approaches are used for our patients’ safety and well-being.
“In 2018, I went on my first medical mission trip with HAND-Philippines and it changed my perspective forever.”
Photo: Brooke Harris
HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE IDEA OF SELF-ENHANCEMENT WITH SELF-ACCEPTANCE?
I am always willing to be honest with patients, even if that means telling them no. Trust is extremely important in this industry, and finding a provider willing to tell you both what will and won’t help you reach your goals is crucial. I will always be honest with my recommendations in a kind and clear way that is medically backed by scientific research and the most up-to-date approaches to aesthetic medicine. I tell all my patients they do not need anything to be beautiful, that their spirit and heart are what’s most important. That being said, understanding the importance of self-care in any form, including feeling good about what you present to the world, can impact self-confidence and for that I’m happy to assist to those wishing to maintain a natural, yet refreshed look.
YOU ACTIVELY WORK WITH HANDPHILIPPINES, A NONPROFIT FOCUSED ON PROVIDING HEALTHCARE ACCESS TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED, AND WHAT DOES THIS WORK MEAN TO YOU?
HAND-Philippines is near and dear to my heart. In 2018, I went on my first medical mission trip with HAND-Philippines as a nurse volunteer and it changed my perspective forever. Since then, I have been back two more times and became
chair of the board of directors. The most recent mission was this past March, where we treated 1493 patients in just 5 days and added a surgical arm to our efforts as well as community clinics and dental care. 1397 community members were treated at local clinics, 75 patients were given free cataract surgeries, and 21 underwent major elective surgeries. We will continue to grow as an organization and give what we can to these amazingly resilient communities.
WHAT IMPACT HAVE YOU SEEN THROUGH HAND-PHILIPPINES, AND HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT OR GET INVOLVED?
The impact on those in calamitystricken, rural communities is profound, often allowing those with no access to healthcare a chance to be seen by medical professionals for minor surgeries, specialist referrals, and necessary medications otherwise unavailable. We also fund community feeding programs and are aiding in the rehabilitation of a local preschool destroyed by typhoons. Those wishing to participate can join as medical or non-medical volunteers during our mission trips, donate to our feeding or rehab program online, or attend our annual HAND-Philippines Gala or Charity Golf Tournament. Booking a treatment even helps—I am proud to donate 1% of all Maine Aesthetic Medicine proceeds to the HAND-Philippines organization.
CONTINUED >
RUNNING A BUSINESS CAN BE ALL-CONSUMING— HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE IN YOUR OWN LIFE?
I’m currently preparing for the birth of my first child. I also spend quality time as a newlywed with my husband Dylan, our two dogs Sheldon and Stu, our Maine Coon Henry, and our close group of family and friends. As a new business owner, the work never seems to be completely finished, but I pride myself on bringing quality care to New England in a space I can be proud to have created.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WORKING IN MAINE AND SERVING THIS COMMUNITY?
As a born and raised Mainer, I am proud to serve the community that has given me so much. I like to think Maine is more of a large town than a small state, making it easy to establish quick and close relationships with my patients. Some of my patients have been seeing me for close to a decade, and I love being a part of their journeys and having their support throughout my own.
Skin Treatment
AESTHETIC MEDICINE IS FOR EVERYONE
“Treatments can be done tastefully to ensure results are natural-looking, safe, and affordable. We offer the only FDA-approved dermal filler for dynamic wrinkles and folds, and the first (and only) vegan and peptide-powered neuromodulator on the market. We also carry common conventional neurotoxin, Botox Cosmetic, ZO SkinHealth, and an organic Swiss cellular skincare line.”
TRENDS ON THE HORIZON
“The advancement of regenerative medicine to heal aging skin from the inside out rather than mask it with filler and neurotoxins is exciting. Natural results come from a multi-faceted approach to wellbeing that includes using the healing capabilities of our own bodies to regenerate the skin. I currently use laser, advanced chemical peels, RF microneedling, PDO threads, or plasma/exosome therapy on patients desiring a regenerative medicine-based treatment plan.”
Melissa Mullen Photography
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 3RD
2025 Walk to End Bladder Cancer
Back Cove | 9:00 AM
Join the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and thousands of walkers from coast to coast as they come together to end bladder cancer. Fundraising for the event plays a vital role in increasing awareness about bladder cancer, providing essential support to individuals living with the disease, and generating crucial funds for bladder cancer education programs and research initiatives. tinyurl.com/bcan-me-25
MAY 3RD AND 4TH
“Star Wars: A New Hope” in Concert
Merrill Auditorium
When Star Wars: A New Hope premiered in 1977, its unforgettable characters and mythic storytelling captured the imagination of movie-goers around the world. Experience the saga as the first chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy is projected on the big screen at Merrill Auditorium, with every note of John Williams’s famous score performed live by the Portland Symphony Orchestra. porttix.com
MAY 8TH
Mainebiz Women's Leadership Forum 2025
631 Stevens Avenue Portland | 7:30 AM
The Mainebiz Women's Leadership Forum brings together a panel of women executives to share their unique experiences and perspectives on leadership through personal stories and key learnings. Enjoy a light breakfast followed by networking, a panel discussion, and a Q&A session. tinyurl.com/mainebiz-womens
MAY 11TH
CiderFeast
Portland
Oxbow Blending & Bottling | 12:00 PM
Sample ciders from over 20 makers paired with perfect bites from favorite local restaurants, hot sauces from Sauce King NYC award winners, and food from Portland’s buzziest food trucks. Oxbow Blending & Bottling’s bar will be open to purchase full glasses of some of your favorite ciders for a perfect way to round out the day. ciderfeasthq.com/portland
MAY 23RD
Fort Gorges Sea Kayak Tour
Casco Bay | 9:30 AM
Paddle into Portland harbor, then make the crossing out to Fort Gorges, an abandoned Civil War-era fort in the middle of Casco Bay. Land at the fort and learn all about its storied history and uncertain future, then return to East End Beach. This trip involves roughly two hours of slow to moderate-pace sea kayaking and is appropriate for novice paddlers. portlandpaddle.net
MAY 29TH
Pine State Pitches
One Longfellow Square | 7:30 PM
Founded in 2020, this Portland-based a cappella group brings together a shared passion for music and community. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, their performances celebrate both the art of vocal music and the power of bringing people together in the local community. onelongfellowsquare.com/event/pine-state-pitches/
Not Just Another Real Estate Transaction
Portland’s market moves fast - you need an agent who moves faster. With deep local knowledge, expert negotiation, and a commitment to my clients that goes far beyond the closing table, I make sure every detail is handled. Whether buying or selling, I’m here to navigate the process with you every step of the way.
Kayla
“I cannot rave enough about Kayla. She went above and beyond for us from the start to long after closing...We knew we could lean on her in a stressful situation. She made us feel like we were more than just another transaction.” - Sarah W
