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V O L . X X V I I I N O. X M AY 1 6 , 2 0 2 2 26 S M A L L B U S I N E S S Messology Maine, Bangor Erika Martin-Booker started Messology Maine in July 2021 in North Brewer as a "sensory play area." e space is outfitted with sensory items such as Play-Doh and Legos. Areas are outfitted for chil- dren, outfitted in lab coats, to paint and chalk on walls, ceilings and floors. "Messy is really, really messy," says Martin-Booker. After working in day care and study- ing early childhood education for a time, Martin-Booker learned hands-on play techniques to help one of her children, who has a mild sensory processing disor- der. e messy play sparked the busi- ness idea. She opened in a self-financed 2,100-square-foot space. It was a hit, prompting a move in March to a space twice the size — with lower rent — at the Bangor Mall. e location is drawing more foot traffic, resulting in the lease of an adjacent storefront, expected to open this month, to focus on birthday parties. e customer base is at least double from a year ago. When Martin-Booker is out and about, she said, she often hears, "Oh, yes, I've heard of you!" Pandemic uncertainties caused a lull last September. But winter brought a surge in sales. "We sold so many gift cards and made over $1,000 worth of sales in November alone," she says. "It blew me away." Desert Harvest, Ellsworth In late 2020, Heather Florio bought a building in downtown Ellsworth and moved her company, Desert Harvest, from Hillsborough, N.C. Work. Life. Balance. Kennebunk. www.kennebunkmaine.us Discover the appeal of being a business owner in Kennebunk. Please email EconomicDev@kennebunkmaine.us to learn more. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 8 » Erika Martin-Booker started Messology Maine in July 2021 in North Brewer and soon outgrew the space, moving to the Bangor Mall and now expanding there. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M E S S O L O G Y M A I N E F O C U S We sold so many gift cards and made over $1,000 worth of sales in November alone. It blew me away. — Erika Martin-Booker Messology Maine » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E