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V O L . X X I X N O. X I M AY 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 22 S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S Now they're developing new pack- aging and branding design for one of their products — it's still under wraps, but the goal is to launch this summer. e design, drawn by Wood's husband, is a tribute to Stonington's granite quarrying industry. Another plan is to pursue conversations about the direc- tion and growth of the business and about work-life balance. And, harking back to the com- pany's start, they're looking to start traveling again to coffee farms. "We're looking to travel to Southeast Asia," says Raftery. "at's one of the biggest attractions of this business, the connection with the grower. We haven't been able to do that since COVID." Bibs-to-bags In 2020, Nikki and Taylor Strout were going to wait out the pandemic before launching a new company that turns fishermen's bibs into backpacks, totes and other products. It started as a cottage industy, but the first batch of inventory received so much interest — selling nearly 100 units in two months — the couple pushed forward with a new company, Rugged Seas. Both Cape Elizabeth natives, Nikki previously worked as a nurse practitioner but has managed Rugged Seas from the start. Taylor spends much of the year in Alaska, fishing for pollock and cod. at's where the idea began. It started with printing fishery images — lob- ster gauges, tuna rods — emblazoned » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 2 0 WANT TO BUILD A BUSINESS YOU LOVE? TOWARD A MORE EQUITABLE ECONOMY From business loans and advice, to credit building and policy advocacy, CEI is here to help Maine's small businesses thrive. 207.504.5900 www.ceimaine.org VOLK PAXIT Leading the Way in Contract Packaging RE-PACK | FULFILLMENT | ASSEMBLY | 3PL SOLUTIONS DONE PACK SHIP ASSEMBLE FULFILL Volk Paxit - your business solution for Ecommerce, 3PL, and labor needs. Scan the QR code to learn more about how Volk Paxit can help your business. www.volkpaxit.com Since launching in 2020, Rugged Seas owners Nikki and Taylor Strout have developed 50 wholesale accounts for their products made from recycled "bib" material. P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F M A R K K A U Z L A R I C H , F I L S O N