Business Spotlight: Blush & Brow

Permanent makeup service offered at Blush & Brow is designed with a simple goal of making people feel comfortable and to truly love their new look.

Samantha Clark is an expert at permanent and
event makeup services and fine line tattoos. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Located at 100 Tandberg Trail in Windham and owned and operated by Samantha Clark, Blush & Brow features an array of services ranging from microblading, powder brows, saline removal services, eyeliner, lip blushing, wedding or event makeup, and fine line tattoos. 

Permanent makeup involves applying pigments into the skin’s dermal layer to enhance features such as eyebrows, eyes and lips and is popular with people seeking low-maintenance beauty services.

Clark is a Certified Makeup Artist, Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist, and a Licensed Fine Line body tattoo artist. She’s also certified as a Permanent Makeup Removal Specialist and Trainer.

What distinguishes Blush & Brow from other companies is the experience that Clark creates for her clients.

“I know my permanent makeup services can be very nerve wracking to someone who has never had it done before and as well as tattoos,” she said. “I get a lot of first- time tattoo clients. I like to try and make the process comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. There are so many great artists around who do what I do but my work is distinguished by how natural and customized it looks. I don’t believe in the ‘one-size-fits-all’ type thing. All faces and brows are different, so I customize everyone’s permanent makeup that best suits their natural features. Fine line tattooing is a niche style that not many tattoo artists focus on. Fine line work requires a very steady hand, precision, and an artistic eye – combining that with permanent makeup training allows me to create delicate, detailed results that stand out.”

According to Clark, a common misconception about permanent makeup is that it’s just about beauty.

“It’s also about confidence,” she said. “We’re not just applying pigment, we’re helping people feel like their best selves every day. And or if you want to just combine both into one a misconception would also be that fine line tattooing and permanent makeup are ‘quick or easy’ to do. But behind every thin line or natural brow is hours of practice, lots of training, a steady hand and an eye for balance and detail.”

In business for five years, Clark got started in the beauty field about 14 years ago as a certified makeup artist.

“I would constantly hear my clients say they wish they had their brows microbladed and wish they could be fixed,” she said. “I had no idea what microblading was back then. I looked into it and it was so fascinating to me. When COVID happened, I lost all my weddings that year, which was a huge financial strain. I was then approached by a microblading artist asking if I would have any interest in doing an apprenticeship. I was so excited to dive into this and learn more, so I did. A year later Maine changed the rules and regulations so that any microblading artist had to go on to get their micropigmentation license to be able to continue working.

Because Maine had no classes or schools for that at the time, she attended the Massachusetts Academy of Beautiology and graduated before going on to pass the American Academy of Micropigmentation Boards, earning a certificate so that she could become licensed in Maine.

“Learning micropigmentation opened the doors for learning tattooing,” Clark said. “After two years of being a licensed micropigmentation permanent makeup artist my creative brain wanted to learn more about fine line tattooing because I have always loved the look of dainty and delicate tattoos and Maine doesn’t have a ton of fine line tattoo specialists. I took a fine line tattoo class for micropigmentation artists and spent six to eight months learning and just practicing non-stop until I felt confident to work on real skin. I’ve now been licensed as a body tattoo artist for three years now and it was the best decision I’ve made to add this into my services.”

Blush & Brow clients tell Clark they love her attention to detail, how cozy and welcoming her studio is, and how comfortable they feel when they’re there.

“I really put my whole heart in everything I do and am so grateful for my amazing clients,” she said. “My business is built on artistry, safety and trust and specializing in creating work that feels personal and unique and not about trends and cookie cutter results.”

To learn more about Blush & Brow services or for a free consultation, visit blush-brow.com/ or send an email to Blushandbrowpc@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook and Instragram under Blush & Brow. <

Business Spotlight: Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

The Name You Know. The Excellence You Trust.

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine (OAM) has proudly returned to its original name in 2025 – a return that reaffirms its commitment to the people of Maine. As the state’s largest independent, physician-led orthopaedics practice, OAM continues to deliver advanced, patient-centered care with deep community roots.

Physician-led Orthopaedic Associates of Maine offers 
full-service orthopaedic care including imaging, physical
and occupational therapy, and ambulatory surgery.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

OA of Maine is home to a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians whose specialties include sports medicine, joint replacement, hand and upper extremity surgery, foot and ankle care, and physiatry. This depth of expertise allows the practice to treat even the most complex injuries and conditions. Because the practice is physician-led, the focus remains squarely on quality, patient experience, and clinical innovation. Patients can expect care that is both highly specialized and deeply personal.

In 2025, OA of Maine welcomed Dr. Zachary Abbott, a board-certified physiatrist specializing in non-surgical spine and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Abbott develops personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to help patients manage pain, recover from injury, and return to the activities that matter most. With expertise in advanced, non-invasive treatments such as spine injections, radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound-guided procedures, and regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Dr. Abbott offers patients more options for relief without surgery. He is now seeing patients in OAM’s Portland and Brunswick offices.

What truly sets OA of Maine apart, however, is its surgical team. The practice’s orthopaedic surgeons are among the top in their fields – fellowship-trained experts who bring world-class skill and innovation directly to Maine. Patients no longer need to travel to Boston for expert orthopaedic care; the highest level of surgical and non-surgical treatment is available right here, close to home.

The physical therapy program at OA goes far beyond standard rehabilitation. Many therapists hold advanced certifications in dry needling, concussion management, and sport-specific assessments, including golf swing, throwing, and running mechanics. Therapists and physicians work hand in hand under one roof, ensuring seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery. This team-based model minimizes handoffs, strengthens communication, and helps patients return to activity with confidence.

For patients needing immediate care, OA of Maine offers the OrthoAccess Walk-In Clinic in Portland. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the clinic provides same-day treatment for sprains, strains, minor fractures, dislocations, and other activity-related injuries. Unlike a traditional emergency room visit, patients at OrthoAccess are seen directly by orthopaedic specialists. The clinic also provides onsite casting and bracing, faster turnaround times, and lower costs, with follow-up care seamlessly arranged within OA of Maine if needed.

OA of Maine’s commitment extends far beyond the walls of its clinics. This summer, the team proudly sponsored and supported several community events across Maine, combining medical expertise with meaningful engagement. At Tri for a Cure, Maine’s largest all-women’s triathlon, OA of Maine staffed the on-site medical tent, ensuring athletes had expert support throughout the event. More than 1,000 women participated, raising $2.2 million for the Maine Cancer Foundation. During the Yarmouth Clam Festival Bike Race, OA of Maine served as the official medical sponsor. Fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon Dr. Thomas Murray was on site as event doctor, ensuring riders had immediate access to medical support. The practice also participated in the Westbrook Strong 5K, an event honoring the memory of Matthew Rairdon. Laurie and Gary Rairdon founded the road race in 2013 after their son, Matthew, was killed by his ex-partner in what investigators determined was domestic violence. Employees ran and walked in support of the scholarship fund established in his name, which benefits future healthcare professionals.

For OA of Maine, these events are about more than sponsorship – they are about showing up, supporting neighbors, and reinforcing the belief that health and community go hand in hand. With offices in Portland, Brunswick, and Windham, OA of Maine offers full-service orthopaedic care, including imaging, physical and occupational therapy, and ambulatory surgery. The practice also provides 24/7 emergency coverage at local hospitals, ensuring patients have access to expert care whenever it’s needed. From diagnosis to recovery, OA of Maine is built to help patients move forward with confidence, compassion, and clinical excellence.

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine: Helping you get back to what you love.

For more information or to make an appointment visit orthoassociates.com or call 207-828-2100. <

Business Spotlight: J. Priest Insurance

With much of our daily lives connected by electronic devices and gadgets these days, the sudden loss of one often unleashes a desperate search to replace it and restore lost data found on it. Your homeowners or personal property insurance coverage may cover these items if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen in an event covered by your policy, however personal property coverage often doesn’t cover the sort of losses covered by a new type of electronic device protection offered by Farmers Insurance through J. Priest Insurance of Windham.

A new type of electronic device protection is now available
at an affordable cost through J. Priest Insurance of Windham.
It covers laptops, smart phones, gaming systems, smart
televisions, Roombas, tablets, routers, computers and more and
goes beyond the standard electronics warranty for damage,
loss or theft.  COURTESY  PHOTO  

No matter if it’s a laptop, smart phone, smart television, a computer printer, or a Roomba vacuum, this new coverage goes above and beyond the standard electronics warranty for damage, loss or theft. It covers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers; DVD/Blu-ray players; Printers/scanners; External hard drives; Gaming consoles; Handheld gaming devices; Home theater systems; Personal computers (Windows 8 or newer, Apple OS X 10 or newer); Pro/elite gaming controllers; Robot vacuums; Smart home devices; Standalone routers; Streaming devices; Tablets (Android 1.6 or newer, Apple OS X 10 or newer); Televisions (LED and LCD only); and Virtual reality headsets.

Three types of protection are available including Total Device Protection for both mobile and home devices and adds coverage for loss and theft of eligible home devices; Mobile Device Protection covering up to four mobile phones in your household with phones covered for accidental damage, mechanical/electrical malfunctions, screen breakage and loss/theft; and Home Device Protection for most smart home devices covering accidental damage, mechanical/electrical malfunctions and screen breakage.

“The cost for this protection is very reasonable,” said Jonathan Priest of J. Priest Insurance. “It provides complete smart device protection for everything from tablets to Roombas to up to four smart phones for $35 a month. It even covers comprehensive screen replacements or lightning strikes, all for a small deductible and much more cost effective than through your homeowner’s policy. There’s a lot of upside to this and not a lot of downside.”

Located at 57 Tandberg Trail R2, across the parking lot from Rustler's Steakhouse in the former Spectrum location, J. Priest Insurance provides all insurance services except health insurance.

“We offer auto, home, umbrella, life (individual and group), business, pet, disability, final expense, professional liability, financial planning, retirement planning and estate and wealth management insurance,” Priest said. “What sets me apart is my desire to educate clients and potential clients about the coverages afforded by their policies and how not all policies are the same. I'd rather be up-front about having a more expensive policy and tell someone they have a great policy and a competitive rate with their current company than try to hard-sell them on my product. Folks really appreciate that.”

He says Farmers, where he places most of his customers, is extremely competitive for people with multiple cars, accident-free records and few violations.

“The auto policies I can offer through Farmers are very comprehensive and can include pet coverage if they're injured in an accident; coverage for bikes and bike racks; skis and ski racks; electronic key replacement and more,” Priest said. “The home policies can offer ‘comprehensive; loss coverage, protecting against almost all types of losses except Flood, Earth Movement or things that happen over a longer period of time, like rotting or insect infestation.”

Priest started with MetLife Auto & Home in March 2018, and it was acquired by Farmers in 2021. He was previously a licensed sales and service "producer" with State Farm for about eight years, and then with Allstate for almost four years before being offered the MetLife agency opportunity.

“I was working as the Head Teller in a Key Bank when I was asked to come apply for a position at a State Farm agency,” he said. “My first day on the job, I was the only one in the office and my agent forgot to tell me about the alarm. I looked out the window and there were several police cars in the parking lot with their blue lights on. From the squad car speakers I heard, ‘Do you have keys to that office?’ I held them up to show them, and they drove away. The rest is history.”

For Priest, educating his clients is why he’s in business.

“It’s why my logo has a lighthouse, which is a symbol of enlightenment,” he said. “If someone doesn't have all the information they need to choose the right insurance coverage, they are being done a disservice. This could lead to a claim not being covered, and no one wants that.”

To learn more about electronic device protection or other insurance options through J. Priest Insurance, call or text 207-893-8184 or visit www.jonathanpriest.com. Find them on Facebook under J Priest Insurance Inc. <

Business Spotlight: Songo River Queen Bus

In the small towns of Maine, there are few things more exciting than a night out with friends. Whether it’s a concert in Portland, a casino excursion in Oxford, a hockey game at the Cross Insurance Arena, or a bachelor or bachelorette party that’s planned to last until the early hours, getting everyone to and from the event can be the trickiest part. That’s where the Songo River Queen Bus comes in. This new option gives groups a way to travel together, leave the cars behind, and turn the ride itself into part of the celebration.

Ryan and Kellyann Calvalho own the Songo River Queen
Bus, giving groups a convenient way to travel to events
together leaving the cars behind.  COURTESY PHOTO

The Songo River Queen Bus is owned by Ryan Calvalho and his wife, Kellyann. They also operate the Songo River Queen II and Songo River Princess, offering scenic and entertainment cruises on Long Lake, the Chute River, and Brandy Pond. They started the Songo River Queen Bus to bring a much-needed service to Naples. Their goal: where transportation meets camaraderie. Rather than organizing carpools, choosing designated drivers, or juggling parking at busy venues, small parties can book the bus and travel as a unit. Everyone boards together, arrives together, and heads home together. The stress of driving melts away, replaced with conversation, laughter, and anticipation for the night ahead.

One of the best parts of the experience is the sense of community it creates. For concerts, the atmosphere on the bus starts to feel like a pre-show warm-up, with friends sharing playlists, talking about the band, and getting into the spirit long before the music starts. At sporting events, the ride itself can feel like the beginning of the tailgate, with cheers and predictions bouncing back and forth across the seats. For bachelor and bachelorette parties, it provides a safe and stylish way to move between dinner, bars, and late-night stops without ever breaking up the group.

Safety, of course, is another major benefit. No one has to worry about who’s driving home, who is navigating unfamiliar streets, or where to find the car after a late night. By keeping everyone together and out of individual vehicles, the Songo River Queen Bus ensures that the fun doesn’t come at the cost of responsibility. Parents sending their kids to a game, friends planning a night in the city, or bridal parties celebrating their last fling before the ring can all relax knowing the ride is covered.

The bus is also practical. Parking at large events has become a challenge, especially when multiple cars are involved. Fees add up quickly, and finding spots near the entrance often means arriving hours early. By taking the bus, groups bypass the headache. Drop-offs and pick-ups happen closer to the action, and the night flows seamlessly from start to finish. It’s an especially welcome convenience for those who want to enjoy a party but don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving back at the end of the evening.

Beyond the logistics, the bus adds a sense of occasion. Stepping onto a private ride reserved just for your group transforms a regular outing into something special. The journey becomes an extension of the celebration itself. For birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions, it offers a chance to reminisce and share stories before the main event. For bachelor or bachelorette parties, it creates a festive, moving headquarters where the laughter never stops. Even a simple trip to a game can feel elevated when everyone is traveling together with the energy building along the way.

The Songo River Queen Bus is more than a ride; it’s an opportunity to reimagine how small groups experience local events. The bus can accommodate up to 50 people and is affordable, at only $100 per hour for a 4-hour minimum. As more people look for ways to spend time with friends and family without the stress of driving, this bus fills an important gap. It’s not just about getting from one place to another, but about making every part of the night, even the ride, memorable.

So, the next time you and your friends are planning a trip to a show, a game, or a night on the town, consider leaving the cars at home. Step aboard the Songo River Queen Bus, settle into your seat, and enjoy the ride. The destination will be worth it, but chances are, you’ll find that the journey is just as much fun.

The bus operates year-round. To reserve your date call 207-693-6861 or send a message on Facebook through the Songo River Queen II page.<

Business Spotlight: Renoster

Maine has long been defined by its forests. Stretching across millions of acres, these woodlands not only fuel the state’s economy but also shape its culture, wildlife, and sense of place. Today, however, Maine’s forests are being called upon for another critical role: fighting climate change through carbon offsetting.

Renoster is a company that has just launched a forest carbon
program and specializes in guiding landowners and
organizations through the complex but vital process
of forest carbon engagement. COURTESY PHOTO
 

At the center of this effort is Renoster, a company that has just launched a forest carbon program called Apollo. They specialize in guiding landowners and organizations through the complex but vital process of forest carbon engagement. By pairing Maine’s natural assets with innovative carbon market tools, Renoster is helping to ensure that the state’s trees remain one of the most powerful defenses against rising greenhouse gases.

Forests naturally absorb carbon dioxide, locking it away in tree trunks, roots, soil, and long-lasting wood products. This process makes them one of the most effective “carbon sinks” on the planet. In Maine, where forests cover roughly 90 percent of the landscape, the scale of this carbon capture is immense. Without them, Maine’s contribution to global emissions would be far higher.

Renoster emphasizes that keeping forests healthy and standing is just as important as planting new ones. Through carefully managed harvests, selective cutting, and conservation strategies, existing forests can continue to grow, absorb more carbon, and provide lasting climate benefits.

Carbon offsetting in forestry works by quantifying the amount of carbon stored and ensuring it is maintained or increased over time. Landowners who commit to climate-friendly management practices can generate carbon credits. These credits are then sold to companies or institutions seeking to balance out their emissions.

For many forest owners, particularly in rural parts of Maine, this provides a new revenue stream. Instead of relying solely on timber harvests, landowners can be financially rewarded for long-term stewardship. According to Renoster, this approach not only strengthens local economies but also aligns economic health with environmental health.

One of the challenges in the carbon market has been accessibility. Large timber companies have the resources to navigate the complicated process of carbon verification, monitoring, and reporting. Smaller landowners, who collectively own a significant share of Maine’s forests, often find the cost and technical demands overwhelming. Thanks to Renoster’s use of AI, LiDAR, and satellite data, they can generate high-quality credits at scale, with zero upfront cost and a minimum land size of just 25 acres – bringing small landowners into the carbon market for the first time.

While the primary goal is to offset emissions, the benefits of forest carbon projects extend far beyond climate. Carbon-focused forest management often improves habitat for wildlife, enhances water quality, prevents soil erosion, and sustains the scenic beauty that draws visitors to Maine.

“For generations, landowners in Maine have had two main ways to bring monetary value to their land—timber harvests or development. The Apollo program introduces a third option: forest carbon. It allows landowners to extend harvest timelines, grow larger and more valuable wood, and still generate income through stewardship. Growing big trees takes time, and the returns aren’t immediate—but it’s better for the earth, better for the industry, and better for Maine’s forests. Apollo gives landowners a way to invest in long-term forest health while contributing to climate solutions. That’s a powerful shift.” —Ted Wright, Outreach Forester, Renoster

Renoster highlights these “co-benefits” as a crucial part of the story. Protecting a stand of mixed hardwoods, for example, may store significant carbon, but it also ensures that songbirds, moose, and countless other species retain the habitat they need. Likewise, healthy forests protect watersheds that communities depend on.

Maine’s forests may feel far removed from global climate negotiations, but the reality is different. Every acre that stores more carbon contributes to worldwide climate goals. With companies like Renoster helping landowners navigate the carbon market, Maine is positioned to lead by example showing how rural economies, working forests, and climate solutions can coexist.

As demand for carbon offsets grows, the opportunity for Maine is clear. Forests that once primarily supported mills and lumberyards now carry a second role in stabilizing the climate. By aligning economic incentives with ecological stewardship, Renoster is helping Maine seize this moment.

For residents, the message is simple: Protecting forests is about more than preserving beauty. It’s about ensuring that the state’s greatest natural resource plays its full role in securing a livable future. And for the nation watching Maine’s example, it’s proof that solutions to climate change can be rooted in the very ground beneath our feet.

For more information and to see if your land is eligible call 207-358-9150, email: outreach@renoster.co or to learn more visit www.renoster.co <

Business Spotlight: Long Beach Marina

Every guest at Long Beach Marina on Sebago Lake is treated like family and they handle all the details, so you can relax and focus on having fun.

Long Beach Marina is proud to offer boaters peace of mind 
when storing their boat over the winter with their brand-new
storage facility. Phase 1 shows the new storage building and
Phase 2 shows the next upgrade coming to the site, a new
service building. By using Code EAGLE2025, boaters
can obtain a 2-year Price Lock at Long Beach Marina.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Located at 81 Sebago Road in Sebago, Long Beach Marina offers all-inclusive boat packages to provide customers with hassle-free boat ownership. This includes hauling your boat out, transporting it to their service facility for a full winterization, a thorough inspection for corrective and preventive maintenance, convenient indoor and outdoor storage options, shrink wrap, boat detailing and reconditioning, and much more.

In season, a high-octane fuel dock is available at Long Beach Marina directly on Sebago Lake, with late model pontoon boat rentals, a boat launch, moorings with onsite parking, shuttle service during open hours, a dinghy during off hours, and family service like no other provided on the lake.

“Our commitment is to provide stress-free boating services, guided by a principle of treating every customer with dignity and respect,” said Sam Minervino. “Through exceptional service and seamless operations, we aim to provide an unparalleled boating experience for all of our customers.”

Long Beach Marina originally opened in 1947 and the original dock that was on the property when purchased by the Minervino Family in 1986 was just replaced this year as they continue to provide regular upgrades to the infrastructure at the site that help to ensure its use well into the future.

“In 2026, we will celebrate 40 years of family ownership at Long Beach Marina,” Minervino said. “Our father, Henry, and his son, Sam, were presented with the opportunity to purchase and run a very small marina at the time just doing gas, renting aluminum fishing boats and providing some minor boat service. The family’s background is varied having worked and owned car and boat sales, an ice cream shop across from the now SeaDogs stadium, and several other small business ventures.”

Providing year-round service and devoted to delivering exceptional customer care, Long Beach Marina remains a four-generation business and continually upgrades its services on behalf of the boating community.

“We're constantly improving and growing to provide the best experience for our customers, and we support our local communities throughout the year,” Minervino said. “These are the family values we strive to continue for our family’s legacy.”

Recent improvements to Long Beach Marina include a 24,000-square-foot Boat Rack Storage Building allowing for greater capacity for indoor boat storage and a knowledgeable service department featuring highly skilled and capable marine mechanics and technicians who treat your boat with expertise and care.

The marina maintains and upgrades its premier rental fleet of pontoons on a regular basis, providing safe rental experiences for boaters.

Complete end-of-season services are provided by Long Beach Marina and feature expert winterization services, shrink wrap, bottom washing, and storage. Start-of-season service is also offered including spring commission, quick clean and launch with no requirement for a truck or trailer.

The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week during boating season and features timely preseason and postseason hours each spring and fall.

Reviews posted online are simply outstanding.

“The staff working here are absolutely delightful. They throughly explained everything we needed to know. The boat was well maintained and had all the things you would need including Bluetooth, vests, and lots of space. There wasn’t a wait, and the boat was ready when we arrived. I would highly recommend them. Again, the young people working there made the experience even better from the first phone call to the moment we left.” Diane G.

“Everyone has been extremely nice and accommodating from the rental to the return process could not ask for a better experience. The owner and staff are helpful with great prices and very honest we had a situation with a bent propeller they could have gouged the price but did not. I highly recommend this marina with 10 stars.” Susan N.

“LBM is the best marina on Sebago Lake hands down. The service and gas is unbeatable. The crew is the friendliest on the lake and always have a smile on their faces. The rental boats are top-notch being beautiful and brand new. I highly recommend to rent or fill up at Long Beach Marina! You won’t regret it!” Kayla Smith

Visit longbeachmarina.com or call 207-787-3908 to get a quote for service or storage for your particular boat or to make an appointment. Find them on Facebook under Long Beach Marina <

Business Spotlight: Free Your Mind Massage Therapy

No matter what your state of health may be, Free Your Mind Massage Therapy can heal and nurture in a safe, clean, supportive and welcoming environment through a soothing massage and therapeutic treatments to alleviate stress, muscle tension and promote overall health.

Margaret Vaillancourt, LMT, opened Free Your Mind Massage
Therapy in Windham in June. She brings over 12 years 
experience and a gift for connecting the mind and body 
to bring peace and healing. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Located in the Windham Crossing Building, Suite 207, at 744 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Free Your Mind Massage Therapy is owned and operated by licensed massage therapist Margaret Vaillancourt, and she offers Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and Trigger Point Therapy to relieve chronic pain and tension and restore balance in the nervous system.

“At Free Your Mind Massage Therapy, my main goal is to allow clients to let go of the outside world while caring for their mind, body, and spirit,” Margaret said. “I have a thorough approach when working the muscles of the body and feel that much of our internal trauma can become trapped inside. I place a high priority on listening to my clients to better guide them toward an experience that nurtures their emotional and physical wellbeing.”

She says that massage therapy works wonders in relieving muscle tension that would otherwise restrict movement and increase pain. Massage therapy is not only good for relieving muscle tension, but it also helps boost flexibility.

Margaret sets high standards for herself, and the quality of her work is thorough.

“I take the time to listen to my clients and their needs in order to customize each treatment plan,” she said. “I do my research and tweak things along the way. Many clients have said I have magic hands that are warm and gentle yet strong. I have worked with clients experiencing deep grief and they have expressed such gratitude during our time together. Knowing they feel safe in my presence means the world to me! It gives me great satisfaction to provide pain relief for the body, mind and spirit. I couldn’t imagine myself doing any other job, I just love it.”

With affordable pricing that is fair and a reflection of her work, Free Your Mind Massage Therapy draws customers from throughout the Lakes Region of Maine and the Greater Portland area.

“It is important to me to establish a relationship of trust with my clients. I want to become familiar with their lives so they can feel seen and heard,” Margaret said. “My studio is clean and orderly yet serene and inviting. I maintain a relaxing tone to my space to promote relaxation and comfort. When you walk through the door, I want you to feel welcome, accepted and heard. I love coming up with treatment plans and assessing progress whether physical, mental or emotional. We will have open communication, and the client will set the pace. Above all, I want people to feel a sense of trust and know they are in a very safe environment.”

Open in Windham since June, Free Your Mind Massage Therapy is open Wednesdays and Sundays and later this month will expand to three days a week with more to come in the very near future.

Margaret says that she’s been interested in holistic wellness for many years.

“After I began receiving body work, I learned just how deeply grief and trauma can be held inside us,” she said. “It was then that I decided to become a massage therapist so that I could bring that relief to others and 12 years ago, I graduated from New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts.”

After working many years in the Greater Portland area, she felt the time was right to open her own studio.

“Teaching people to feel comfortable in their own skin, to feel in control of their own body and mind, and to provide pain relief and all-around balance in life is a passion of mine,” Margaret said. Touch is very powerful and extremely healing in many ways. “I am a compassionate professional providing a high-quality service. My client list has grown through word of mouth. I am proud of the work I do and the feedback I receive.”

To learn more about Free Your Mind Massage Therapy or to make an appointment, send a text to 207-523-0577 or visit Free Your Mind Massage Therapy on Facebook or at https://www.vagaro.com/freeyourmindmassagetrherapy or https://mvaillancourtlmt.amtamembers.com. <