Meet Mary Zambello | Small Business Owner + Maker + Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Zambello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Five years ago, my husband and I often enjoyed fires in our backyard, using pallets and other reclaimed wood that we found laying around. One day, my husband had the idea of using a jig saw to cut up some of the wood to make the state of Maine. We loved the idea of using all reclaimed wood to create signs and home décor to share our love for the Pine Tree State. As ideas continued to flow, the hobby slowly morphed into a side business. Over the course of the next couple of years, with my background in marketing and design, the brand and business continued to grow. Reclaimed Maine was founded on our mission to give back to the environment, through the use of reclaimed and eco-conscious materials, while giving back to local environmental organizations and sharing our love for the outdoors. As I continued to come up with new ideas and expand into new product types, the side business really became my passion. My husband took a step back to focus on his own small business, and I took the leap to go full time in 2021. I’ve stayed true to these core values, while expanding to apparel, home goods and other gift items. Each product is handmade or designed in my Maine studio, and inspired by my love for the Maine outdoors. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always came from somewhat of a creative background professionally. After graduating from college with a degree in Interior Architecture, I worked for a variety of large architecture and design firms. When I finally moved back to Maine, I found that my love for branding and marketing started to outweigh my love for designing buildings and spaces. Branding and graphic design were always a passion of mine, working as a freelancer on the side, and I made the executive decision to transition into the marketing world full-time. Around this same time, I had become serious about building Reclaimed Maine, and continued to grow my brand on the side, while working full time as a digital marketing specialist. All in all, it was never easy to make the decision to completely pivot my career, but I truly believe everything I did prepared me for owning and running my own small business. Reclaimed Maine is a beautiful representation of everything I’ve loved doing over time, from building with my hands and designing, to branding and digital marketing, and more. Not only that, but I can design what brings me joy, and share my love for the outdoors with others. It’s important to trust your gut, and find what brings you happiness, even if it means taking a risk. As I say with my business, “Reclaim Your Wild.” Reclaim what brings you joy, what makes you feel the most natural and free, and most authentically you. Love what you do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m fortunate to live in Maine, surrounded by the most beautiful lakes, pines, and coastlines. It’s also home to the best lobster rolls, breathtaking lighthouses, and endless wildlife. To start, I would take them into the Old Port, in downtown Portland, strolling the cobblestone streets, showing them a few of my favorite shops (stocked with local makers). Next I would take a trip along the coast, stopping at a few of my favorite lighthouses (that bring me endless inspiration), including Portland Head Light, Nubble Lighthouse, or Pemaquid Point. We’d be sure to stop into all of the coastal Maine towns along the way, popping into shops, grabbing local seafood and watching the lobster boats as they entered and exited the harbors. Although Acadia National Park would be a logical choice, I would instead bring them to western Maine. We would spend the remainder of our time at my camp, on a fairly remote lake, surrounded by mountains and wilderness. We’d head out to kayak, fly fish, swim and be sure to catch the stunning sunsets, and take in the shooting stars at night. Engulfed in the quiet, except for the distant loons calls. This is one of my all-time favorite places, and where I am continually inspired, refreshed and refueled.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without the support of my husband, family, friends and the small business community. To my husband, family and friends, your support to go full-time gave me the strength to take the leap and believe in myself. Without your guidance, your helping hands, and your moral support, this company would not be the success that it is today. To my small business community, my fellow makers, and fellow women business owners, thank you for continuing to support and inspire me. Your drive, creativity, hard work and passion is contagious, and I’m proud to work alongside you in this community.

Website: https://reclaimedmaineco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimedmaineco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimedmaineco

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reclaimedmaineco

Image Credits
Mary Zambello