Business Spotlight: LocalCentric

One of the top places to purchase a unique gift in the Lakes Region of Maine is full of handmade, locally sourced items and offers an amazing selection of Maine-themed products you can only find there. LocalCentric in Gray continues to impress customers with its range of quality items produced by local artists and companies.

Mother-and-son team Rhee Michelle-Smith and Travis
Connolly co-own LocalCentric, an eclectic market and
gift shop in Gray. The shop is filled with handcrafted items
and a curated selection of snacks and beverages you
won't find just anywhere. COURTESY PHOTO  

LocalCentric, located at 4B Brown St. in Gray, has been around for the past eight years but is now owned and operated by the mother-and-son team of Rhee Michelle-Smith and Travis Connolly. Michelle-Smith has served as the store’s manager for the past three and a half years under the previous owners and became LocalCentric’s owner in April.

“The previous owners Jen and Tom wanted to focus on their other business Human Nature and gave us the opportunity to purchase the store and continue to provide local artisans with the opportunity to showcase their work,” Rhee said.

Along with her son, Rhee has embarked on a mission to reorganize operations and has intensified efforts to promote the business through social media campaigns and with store consignors.

“The best thing about what we do at LocalCentric is that we support local artisans and provide them with an outlet for their products,” Rhee said. “Although we are a retail shop, we attract visitors to Maine by featuring locally produced and marketed Maine themed products that you can only get here in Maine.”

The store features many local artisans and entrepreneurs, showcasing and selling their candles, home decor items, art, clothing, jewelry on a daily basis, and also offers a vast selection of locally made snacks, treats, craft beer, wine and mead. Tailor and notary services are available and LocalCentric also has a consignor that sells live plants and flowers and consignors that create paper and wooden flowers.

“Our business is quite unique in the Gray/New Gloucester area,” Rhee said. “We are like a brick-and-mortar craft fair in a store with snacks, treats, craft beer, unique Winterport wines and The Fat Friar’s Mead from Newcastle, all made in Maine. I think it’s safe to say we are the only store around here that offers mead.”

First-time visitors to LocalCentric have expressed to Rhee that before walking in, they didn’t know quite what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised with what they found there.

“We offer competitive pricing throughout the store,” Rhee said. We are family owned, completely local, with convenient hours, and a welcoming atmosphere.”

You’ll find beer, cider and kombucha from 11 different Maine breweries, Crossroads coffee, scones, biscotti and buckwheat snacks, Maine crisps, Jack’s Crackers, Coastal Maine Popcorn and candy and chocolates from four Maine candymakers.

According to Rhee, the funniest feedback they have received so far is “this is the best smelling beer store.”

Reviews posted online are nothing short of spectacular.

“This shop is so cute! There’s so many different types of local goods for sale, from art and jewelry, to craft beer and homemade soap. I enjoyed poking around and found some lovely gifts.” ~ Elizabeth Stroka

“Hidden gem! This place is great. I was able to get many unique gifts here, including beer that is hard to find in this area! My husband and friends were so happy. It is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area! I have only been here once, but it looks like they have new inventory often.” – Anna K. Biddle

“Adorable shop. Music entertainment outside was outstanding.” ~ Valerie Nahorney

Hours for LocalCentric are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

For more details about LocalCentric, call 207-657-4445 or visit their website at localcentric.me. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram under LocalCentric. <

Business Spotlight: The Libby Starnes Team with Signature Homes Real Estate Group

With a passion for helping clients make informed decisions while fostering lasting relationships, the Libby Starnes Team with Signature Homes Real Estate Group continues to impress buyers and sellers in Maine's Lakes Region and beyond with their professionalism and expertise.

Pamela Starnes and Tiffany Libby co-own and
operate The Libby Starnes Tea, with Signature
Homes Real Estate Group with an office in 
Windham on Turning Leaf Drive.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Conveniently located at 8 Turning Leaf Drive, Suite 3, Windham, the Libby Starnes Team has been serving the community for the past nine years. During this time, they have built a solid foundation of individualized services, outstanding communication, and flexibility in working with clients.

The team provides a comprehensive range of real estate services tailored to meet the needs of both buyers and sellers. These include residential sales, where they assist buyers in finding their dream homes and help sellers to market their properties effectively. They also specialize in commercial real estate, helping businesses find the perfect commercial space, and offer consultations, providing expert advice on real estate investments, market trends, and property valuations.

Tiffany Libby and Pamela Starnes, friends since sixth grade, decided to form their own real estate team in 2015. They believe that communication, setting upfront expectations about the current market, and educating their clients about the real estate process are essential elements of their success.

Both Pam and Tiffany highlight the unique selling points of their team. “We pride ourselves on providing highly personalized service to each client, understanding that every client’s needs are unique,” Pam said. “Having deep roots in the Lakes Region, we offer unparalleled local market knowledge.”

Tiffany said that their client-centric approach has been crucial.

“Our business thrives on building strong relationships with clients, focusing on their long-term satisfaction rather than just completing transactions,” she said.

Meeting new people and creating relationships that extend beyond the sale or closing is a key part of what makes their work fulfilling. “At The Libby Starnes Team with Signature Homes Real Estate Group, the client always comes first,” Tiffany emphasized. “Our goal is to make the real estate process as smooth and rewarding as possible, whether you are buying your first home, looking to sell, or seeking investment opportunities.”

While the team’s primary focus is on the Lakes Region, they also serve clients in surrounding areas such as York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Kennebec, and Androscoggin counties. This ensures a broader range of options for their clients.

“Our journey in real estate began with a passion for helping people find their perfect homes and a keen interest in the local property market,” Pam said. “Over the years, this passion grew into a successful business built on trust, local knowledge, and a commitment to excellence.”

Their goal is to use their market knowledge and top-notch negotiation skills to get buyers and sellers the best deal possible in the shortest amount of time. Acknowledging that this process can be one of the most stressful times in the life of a buyer or seller, they aim to reduce stress by consistently providing top-notch communication and support throughout the entire process.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality in all services offered,” Tiffany said. Feedback from clients often highlights their dedication, professionalism, and the personalized attention they receive. “Our clients appreciate the smooth transactions and successful outcomes facilitated by our team. A common misconception is that being in real estate is easy, but we’re up at the crack of dawn trying to find the best fit for our clients. We ensure all deadlines are met and the documentation is correct. We are involved in the whole process of buying and selling, and we take the time to educate our clients every step of the way.”

For further information about The Libby Starnes Team with Signature Homes Real Estate Group, call 207-838-8051 or 207-712-2424 or visit www.libbystarnesteamhomes.com. Find them on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/thelibbystarnesteam <

Business Spotlight: M'Raj Nails

Comfort, convenience and relaxation are in store for you when you book an appointment with M’Raj Nails of Windham.

Mary O'Donal, owner of M'Raj Nails, is
excited to now be offering complete nail
services full time at her inviting salon
space located at 123 Varney Mill Road
in Windham. From basic manicures and
pedicures to intricate nail art, she will
provide personal service that is hard
to match at bigger nail salons.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Mary O’Donal owns and operates M’Raj Nails out of her home at 123 Varney Mill Road in Windham and says she enjoys meeting new people and building a close rapport with her clients.

“At M'Raj Nails, I am passionate about providing high-quality nail care services to my clients,” O’Donal said. “I am also a small business who strives to create a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy some well-deserved pampering. My salon has a professional and relaxing atmosphere and I am always excited to meet with my clients.”

She has created a clean and comfortable studio to provide an enjoyable experience each time a client visits and strives to achieve the utmost quality nails.

M’Raj Nails offers manicures, pedicures, dips, paraffin wax, hot stones, sculpting with acrylics and gels, all at affordable pricing.

Basic nail care includes cleaning and maintaining nail cuticles, shaping nails, and any necessary care for the skin and nail bed. Nails can be polished with an array of colors and different polish types. Nail tips can then be sculpted with acrylic or gel nail tip and attaching them to the nail with an adhesive. A paraffin dip is a soothing treatment in which feet are submerged in a warm mixture of paraffin, a petroleum-based wax and mineral oil and is intended to moisturize and soften the feet.

“I also truly enjoy doing nail art,” O’Donal said.

Nail art includes creating patterns, pictures, and jewelry applications on the nail and this service at M’Raj Nails is all about specialization, precision, and design.

Whether you're looking for a classic manicure or an intricate nail art design, M’Raj Nails can work with you.

“I use only the best products and techniques to ensure that you leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated,” O’Donal said.

She got into the nail business almost by accident.

“I saw something on You Tube and wanted to try it,” O’Donal said. “It took me four hours, but I finally figured it out.”

From there she completed a Spa Tech course and opened her salon in 2017 on a part-time basis. Earlier this year, O’Donal quit her job to devote all her energy to her nail business.

“As with any business, there is always a learning curve, and I am almost always practicing and/or learning new techniques and processes,” she said. “I have a quiet and clean environment for you to enjoy a mani, pedi, choice enhancements and designs.”

Quality work is important to O’Donal, who says she wants her clients to leave happy and ready to show off their nails to the world. She emphasizes that communication is paramount to her business and many of her clients are so happy with her work that they refer friends and family to M’Raj Nails.

“I also guarantee my work for up to two weeks,” O’Donal said. “I think my pricing is very fair and reasonable. I have increased my prices only one time thus far since I opened in 2017.”

According to O’Donal, the public may believe a misconception that M’Raj Nails is only for women, but she says it’s not true.

“I’ve created a relaxing experience here for both men and women,” she said. “It’s an enjoyable time for everyone.”

Maintaining the exceptional cleanliness of her salon is always a top priority with instrument sterilization and disinfectants used to eliminate harmful bacteria.

Convenient one-on-one appointments for M’Raj Nails can be made by phone by calling or texting 207-749-9320 or online at: mrajnails.com and are available right up to 8 p.m. daily.

Complete pricing and service menu is also available online. Please be aware that in order to help keep her pricing low, she only accepts cash or personal checks. <

Business Spotlight: Dirty Bristles Chimney Sweep, Inc.

A chimney can be one of the most used and popular features of a Maine home, but often overlooked when it comes to safety and regular maintenance. That’s where Dirty Bristles Chimney Sweeps can share their expertise giving homeowners peace of mind and preventing dangerous fires.

Father and son team Jeff and Ethan St. Cyr
work diligently to keep your chimney free
of debris and burning flawlessly.
COURTESY PHOTO

Based in Bridgton, Dirty Bristles services all locations in the Lakes Region of Maine and surrounding areas and has been in business for more than a decade. A family operated business, company employees believe that chimney inspections are just as important as chimney cleanings and can help ensure that chimneys are in good condition and ready to use.

Along with sweeping chimneys and offering chimney safety inspections, the Dirty Bristles team installs and properly maintains all brands of gas, wood or pellet stoves and fireplaces.

“We install Class A chimney systems and stainless-steel liner systems,” said Deb St. Cyr of Dirty Bristles Chimney Sweep, Inc. “We also install chimney caps and top dampers.”

Other services available include removal of clogs or blockages, diagnostic testing to resolve problems, installation of replacement parts, real estate inspections of chimneys and stoves, camera inspections, and wood, gas, or pellet stove cleanings.

Working efficiently and cleaning up thoroughly afterward, Dirty Bristles provides exceptional customer service, fair and affordable pricing and convenient scheduling for appointments.

“We always answer the phone and return all calls,” St. Cyr said. “Everything we do is for the benefit of our customers. Our mission is to help people keep their homes safer.”

Technicians Jeff St. Cyr and Ethan St. Cyr bring with them over 15 years of certified chimney experience. Having been trained through the Chimney Safety Institute of America, Certified Chimney Professionals, National Fire Institute, and a wide variety of factory specific trainings for hearth specialty items, gives them the opportunity to offer the best range of services to the homeowner.

“Jeff will explain each step to take should your chimney require further work,” St. Cyr said. “We are serious about your safety. We care about homeowner's safety. We see a lot of homes that need services, and they go ignored for years. If you are building a fire inside your home, please take the time to service those areas properly. We have really noticed a deficit here in Maine in proper chimney inspections/services with new homes being bought and sold. We continue to work building relationships with local realtors in the area getting these things accomplished before sales are finished instead of going in after a sale and sharing bad news with a new homeowner. Maine recognizes the national NFPA 211 code, which states that a Level II inspection of all chimneys be a part of every real estate transfer." It is listed on the purchase and sale list of inspections to have, and listed on the home inspection report, however many are overlooked and not done."

According to St. Cyr, the quality of services provided by Dirty Bristles speak for themselves.

“We will never leave your home with debris or creosote,” she said. “We use everything available in this field to properly clean and service your stoves and chimneys. Our reviews on our website and through square have been really great feedback.”

A sampling of those reviews include:

“We just had our first visit from DB yesterday and wanted you to know how very, very pleased we were with your service. Your crew was on time, courteous, considerate, efficient, professional and thorough. We couldn’t have asked for more. You guys are the best!” Bonnie

“Thanks for servicing my wood stove last Friday. The service was just what I wanted, the technicians explained everything and provided me the peace of mind knowing the stove is ready to face the upcoming winter. I look forward to doing business with you in the future, it’s nice to know we have honest and a reliable company available.” Charlie

“Great crew and polite and knowledgeable. Answered all questions. It was a pleasure doing business with Dirty Bristles. Thank you!” Cheryl

“Personal, professional, lightning quick response time. This is the company that you wish all companies were like.” Cliff

For more information about scheduling an appointment with Dirty Bristles, call 207-803-8195 or visit them online at dirtybristles.com/ <