During a challenging and transformational period of his life four years ago, Jesse Steiger found himself helping install the stone patio outside of the Steamy Buddha's Cafe and Yoga Studio. One day, Jesse unexpectedly got a call: could he help in the kitchen of the Steamy Buddha's café? In exchange, he could take yoga classes for free. This opportunity put Jesse on a trajectory of healing and growth, eventually leading him to where he is today: the owner of the newest lunch spot in downtown Ellsworth, The Conscious Café.
The Conscious Café opened its doors mid-April and is open M – F, 11 – 3. The café operates from the Steamy Buddha's commercial kitchen on the same property as Sanctuary on Church. When we stepped into the café to talk with Jesse, we were immediately delivered a delicious and nourishing chai and a sense of collective well-being.
The Conscious Cafe's goal is simple: to build community and connection through conscious food and living. Jesse named the café with the intention to spark conversation around the question, "What is consciousness?" He felt the name helped articulate the underlying value of supporting the local community and other businesses. His menu features local, seasonal produce from area farms such as Root Power Farm in Ellsworth.
Starting a new business can be daunting and isolating, but Jesse was fortunate to have the unwavering support and guidance of Natasha Sidhu, the founder of Steamy Buddha and an Ayurvedic Counsellor. Natasha has supported Jesse on every step of his journey, helping him navigate the trials and tribulations of starting a new business.
In June, Bikram yoga instructor Rupi Ghuman will join Jesse at the cafe, and they will begin to offer vegan grab-and-go options alongside their lunch menu. Jesse said that he's excited for the busy season and to watch the community come to the property and heal – just like he did. "If it wasn't for them [the healers at Sanctuary], I wouldn't be who I am."
Whenever we feature a business in the Ellsworth Business Pulse, we ask about the challenges they faced starting their business and the advice they would give others. For Jesse, the local rules and regulations for starting a business were complicated. It was difficult getting in touch with people who could help him. Finally, he connected with another local business owner who sent him in the right direction. Jesse's advice? Keep asking questions, and don't stop. Seek out other business owners for advice. If you get frustrated, put it away for a little and then come back to it when you've taken time to process and simmer. Don't give up.
Join Heart of Ellsworth to support Jesse's new venture. Whether coming from a therapy session, attending a yoga class, or just taking a respite from your busy workday, stop at the Conscious Café for a lunch inspired by seasonal Maine ingredients and the strength of our local community.
Join local business incubator and support service, Union River Center for Innovation, for their upcoming Entrepreneurial Explorer Series Event.
Their first workshop, "Pricing - How to Maintain Your Margins", will be on June 26th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. All workshops will be in person at 415 Water Street, Ellsworth.
Come create in downtown Ellsworth! Eight separate artist studios for rent. Shops, eateries, the Ellsworth public library, and a scenic walking trail along the Union River surround this space for creating. Embrace the opportunity to join a vibrant creative community in a flourishing downtown. With heat, electricity, and internet included, you can focus solely on your studio practice. First, last, and security deposit required. This new community aims to support professional artists who seek to make a living from their craft. Contact (207) 479 5011 (text only) to schedule a viewing and make downtown Ellsworth your next studio location.
DOWNTOWN ELLSWORTH BUSINESSES
FOR SALE
Interested in investing in Ellsworth? There are several businesses and buildings for sale in our vibrant downtown. Click on each image to be directed to a site with more information!
Do you have space in downtown Ellsworth that is available to rent or is for sale? Please email us and we'll include it here!
Virtual Mentor Nights pairs entrepreneurs with industry experts and executives for advising sessions on curated topics. This session focuses on business succession planning, an essential topic for any entrepreneur looking for peace of mind when it comes to their business. Succession planning is not only associated with retirement but can also protect your business in unexpected circumstances. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights into business succession planning. Register now and take the next step towards securing the future of your business!
Hosted by Bangor-Based UpStart Maine, with mentors Robert C. Vanderpool, Michael Hockenbury, and Mark Laverdiere from Rudman and Winchell.
Please join the SBA's Maine District Office as they host representatives from the Governor's Energy Office and Efficiency Maine who will provide information that will help Maine small businesses understand the rebates, loans, and tax credits available to them, as well as ways they can improve the energy efficiency of their businesses. Participants will hear about the Inflation Reduction Act Programs, loan offers available from the Efficiency Maine Green Bank, and relevant Efficiency Maine programs & rebates!
SCORE Maine hosts affordable small business workshops -- both online webinars and live, in-person. You can find everything you need to know to start a business or discover tools to help your small business grow.
The CEI Women’s Business Center is a home for women who want to start or grow their own business in Maine. They offer courses, cohorts, workshops, and events which encourage peer-to-peer learning and community building, as well as 1:1 business advising support.
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and Maine DOT's Department of Maine Resources have opened grants for businesses and nonprofits impacted from the storms this winter.
Maine DECD's Business Recovery & Resilience Fund ($2,500-$100k) - These grants are for nonprofits and businesses affected by the December 18, 2023 storm, the January 10, 2024 storm and the January 13, 2024 storm. Projects may include a recovery component for damage sustained and must include efforts to increase business resilience to future storms and other climate conditions.
Maine DOT DMR Working Waterfront Resilience Grant. These funds are available for the purpose of rebuilding wharves and piers of importance to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries that were damaged in the winter 2024 storms, with the intent of improving their resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Thank you for reading this edition of the Ellsworth Business Pulse!
Check out our Business Benefits page for more information on how we can support your business!
