Dec 1, 2010

Maven markets Maine-made merchandiseBy Jennifer VincentMaineCampus.com

The Maine Maven, a new shop offering gifts and one-of-a-kind Maine items, opened in downtown Orono on Black Friday, Nov. 26.

The store is owned by Kristen Andresen Lainsbury, a writer and editor for the University of Maine’s University Relations department, and her husband Jason Lainsbury. It faces Mill Street, occupying a small but cozy space next to Park’s Hardware.

“It’s always been important to do it in this space because we have a long history here,” Jason said.

He and Kristen met as UMaine students on his first day of work at Park’s Hardware.

The couple have seriously contemplated opening their own business for over five years, but the idea may have been planted long before that.

“My dad was a small business owner and I’ve always wanted to be a small business owner, even before Kristen and I met,” Jason said.

Kristen recalls a gift shop that was operating on Mill Street below Ampersand during her time in college that has since closed.

Read complete article.