Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1527351
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 2 4 AWA R D 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 properties in Skowhegan, reflecting my dedication to investing in and supporting my hometown. Current state of mind: Hope. I am generally an opti- mistic person and look forward to life's challenges and opportunities. Passion project: Contributing to the revitalization and continued growth of the Skowhegan area. Giving back to my community and helping shape its trajectory for future generations is something I feel deeply committed to. I actively participate on the boards of Main Street Skowhegan and Skowhegan Economic Development. Through these organizations, we focus on initiatives that promote local businesses, improve public spaces and foster community engagement. Being part of this transformation inspires me, and I'm proud to play a role in shaping a promising future for Skowhegan. 'Lightbulb' moment: At a young age, I was rooted in my family's legacy of entrepreneurship. Growing up surrounded by various small businesses owned by my relatives instilled in me a passion for being my own boss and pursuing my dreams. One particularly vivid memory stands out: when I was a young child, I would spend hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, who lived right next door. She taught me the art of baking, and it was during those moments that I discovered my love for pastry arts. I remember feeling excited as I mastered making and rolling out pie crusts and baked my first pies. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to combine my passion for baking with my family's entre- preneurial spirit. Opening my bakery and flower shop is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the desire to honor my roots while sharing my love for pastries and floral design with the community. Audacious goal: To travel the world as a wedding designer Favorite quote: "You see, every star hits periods of hard- ship. It takes a brighter light to inspire them through the darkness" — Harry Baker Influential book: "The Power of Beliefs in Business," by Ari Weinzweig Favorite podcast: "Planet Money" on NPR Best way to recharge: When I am not working and volunteering, I love to be in the outdoors to exercise, hike, kayak etc. Being outside helps lift me out of the daily grind and refreshes my perspective. I also love to spend time with friends and family, breaking bread and sharing in great conversations. A travel entrepreneur helping fellow immigrants pursue their dreams Khadija El Barkaoui, 31 Founder, Coelle Travel Significant professional accomplishment: I'm incredibly proud to be an example of educational achievement, having completed my Ph.D. and setting an example for my family and town in Morocco, where girls' education still faces many challenges. I'm also proud of my work supporting organizations locally and globally by intention- ally and strategically designing programs that serve our communities and make a significant impact. Building my startup, Coelle Travel, here in Maine has been a journey of staying true to the values instilled in me and the lessons learned from my life experiences. Our goal is to bring people together through authentic experiences, honoring Indigenous cultures, supporting women in tourism and girls' education, and creating community-based experiences that are kind to our planet. In addition to my work with Coelle Travel, I am deeply committed to sup- porting international tal- ent in Maine. By leverag- ing my connections and experience, I assist fellow immigrants in pursuing their career aspirations and utiliz- ing their full skills in our state, including helping them with their entrepreneur- ial ventures. This dedication is deeply personal to me as an immigrant and Indigenous person of the Amazigh peo- ple of North Africa. Current state of mind: Hopeful. Discover a credit union near you at mainecreditunions.org Invested in your success Your business is your passion. Helping you be successful is ours. With flexible loans, local expertise, and tailored services, Maine Credit Unions are here to help you grow. Whether you're just starting out or ready to expand, we'll support you every step of the way. Maine Credit Unions are invested in you and the growth of our community. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY