Local Business Highlight: Raven & Maine Consignment and Vintage

Kimberly Laplant, owner of Raven and Maine Consignment and Vintage

Kimberly Laplant has always dreamed of opening a vintage store. In 2018, she started collecting and selling vintage clothes on Etsy. Early in 2024, a retail space in downtown Ellsworth became available, and Kimberly decided to take the leap and transition her hobby into a full-time brick-and-mortar business.

"I've always been interested in how clothes represent different eras," Kimberly said, clothes stacked in orderly piles around her. We talked in early July as she was busy preparing for her soft opening. "The hardest part was to decide, "Ok, I'm going to do it," she continued. Kimberly had been a history teacher for over 20 years, and owning and running a physical business was new. However, she knew that she wanted a change of pace and to transition away from teaching full-time.

"I already feel supported," Kimberly said. "People keep dropping by and asking when I'll be open." The week after our interview, Raven and Maine Consignment and Vintage officially opened its doors on July 12th. The shop sells upscale, current, and vintage styles for women, and is named after her children.

"I felt a lot of comfort knowing that the Heart of Ellsworth was just upstairs," Kimberly said, talking about what made her make the final decision to start her business. "Because Ellsworth doesn't currently have a higher-end consignment boutique, and because the downtown area is so vibrant, being able to build a business here is a dream come true! 

The consignment store will have its official grand opening in early August.

In the meantime, you can visit Raven and Maine at 6 State Street and see for yourself how cute and unique her clothing is. The hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 5:00 pm, and Sunday until 3:00 pm. If you're interested in selling clothes and accessories to Ravan and Maine, Kimberly is available by appointment and can be contacted via her email: ravenandmaine@gmail.com.

Join us in welcoming Kimberly Laplant to the downtown Ellsworth business scene. With luck, you’ll find a cute new – or old -- outfit!