In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen sits down with Elise Marie Designs, a Maine-based jewelry brand known for blending artistry, sustainability, and timeless style. From her workshop in Maine, Elise shares how her journey as a designer began, the inspirations behind her collections, and how she incorporates natural textures, coastal elements, and modern elegance into every handcrafted piece. Elise opens up about the challenges and rewards of running a small creative business in Maine, what it means to be part of the maker movement, and why supporting local artisans is more important than ever. She also talks about her commitment to sustainability, sourcing materials responsibly, and ensuring every piece tells a story of connection and authenticity. Listeners will gain insight into Elise’s creative process, her advice for aspiring makers, and how she’s built a brand that resonates not only with her Maine community but also with customers nationwide. Tune in to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and the power of supporting local makers. Learn more about Elise Marie Designs: www.elisemariedesigns.com

In this inspiring episode, Pete Roberts shares the origin story of Origin USA, the American-made brand that's redefining what it means to manufacture domestically. From humble beginnings in a basement to a vertically integrated facility in Maine, Pete talks about the passion, perseverance, and purpose behind building a brand that supports American workers, revives local economies, and honors craftsmanship. He dives into the early challenges, pivotal partnerships (including with Jocko Willink), and how Origin is fueling a movement that's more than just apparel—it's about legacy.

In this episode, we sit down with John, the visionary founder behind Hats by Bru, a fashion brand that fuses country western heritage with bold, modern design. Bru shares how personal identity, cultural pride, and creativity shape every hat he crafts. From humble beginnings to building a purpose-driven brand, Bru talks about the challenges, inspirations, and meaningful connections he's made through his work—proving that his hats are more than accessories; they’re statements of self-expression and cultural celebration.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jen Dean — a celebrated Maine-based photographer and transformational guide — whose work transcends the lens. Known for her intimate and empowering boudoir photography, Jen opens up about how she uses her camera as a tool for helping women reconnect with their deepest selves. But her magic doesn’t stop there. Jen is also a practitioner of what she calls "dark alchemy" — a soulful journey through personal shadows that leads to healing, authenticity, and radical self-love. Together, we explore how photography can be an act of reclamation, what it really means to face your inner darkness, and how identity evolves when women begin to truly see and love themselves. Whether you're navigating your own self-discovery or simply curious about the intersection of art and healing, this episode will leave you inspired, reflective, and deeply moved.

The Makers of the USA podcast interview with Evan Amell, owner of EA Fitness & Performance, sheds light on his journey from sports and physical training to building his own fitness business. With a background in Physical Education and Kinesiology, combined with certifications in fitness nutrition and performance coaching, Evan shares how fitness became his passion. He reflects on a transformative moment post-college, when he decided to prioritize his health, leading to a significant physical and mental change. This experience fueled his desire to help others achieve similar improvements. Through EA Fitness, he has guided hundreds of people toward better health, weight loss, muscle gain, and overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consistent training, mental resilience, and a balanced approach to fitness.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Olagunju Busola Dorcas, a Maine-based fashion designer originally from Nigeria. Olagunju moved to Maine to study project management at university, but her passion for fashion never waned. Today, she works full-time supporting refugees as they settle in Maine while also pursuing her creative dream. Known for designing custom dresses, Olagunju has crafted stunning pieces for notable figures in Maine, including the owner of Coffee Be Design and the current USOA Ms. Maine. She believes in using fashion to tell a personal story, infusing each design with meaning and narrative. Tune in to hear about her unique journey, her passion for storytelling through fashion, and how she’s making a difference in the community.

Bobby Miller, owner of Asset Development, a Maine-based real estate development company, appeared on the "Makers of the USA" episode to discuss his efforts in addressing Maine's housing shortage. With over 25 years of experience, Asset Development has built hundreds of homes across the state. citeturn0search1 In the interview, Miller highlighted the challenges of increasing housing inventory in Maine, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for homes. He discussed various development projects aimed at providing affordable housing options and the importance of collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to achieve these goals. Miller's insights shed light on the complexities of the housing market in Maine and the proactive steps being taken to ensure that more residents have access to quality housing.

This episode delves into the artistry and craftsmanship behind Jax & Bard, a beloved shoemaker based in Gray, Maine. Known for her impeccable attention to detail and dedication to quality, Jax & Bard has become a local institution for handcrafted shoes that blend timeless design with modern comfort. Founded by Jackie Lindstedt, the company takes pride in its deeply personal approach to footwear—each pair is designed, stitched, and crafted with the utmost care. From utilizing sustainable fabric to the painstaking hand-finishing process, every step in creating their clogs and sandals is a testament to their commitment to excellence. Before Jackie starting Jax & Bard, she worked the footwear design departments of L.L. Bean and many more high-profile fashion and footwear brands throughout the USA. Join Kristan as she sits down with the founder to explore her journey, what inspires her craft, and how they shape the future of footwear while honoring Maine's rich heritage. Whether you're a fan of custom-made shoes or simply interested in the art of shoemaking, this episode offers a fascinating look at the dedication and passion that goes into every pair of Jax & Bard shoes. Please tune in for insights into craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and the art of creating shoes that are as much a statement as they are a functional piece of art.

Kristan Vermeulen has picked back up the microphone to speak to makers and small business owners who have supported her through her pageant journey. She is now titled your USOA Ms. Maine 2025. One maker that has supported her is Rogue Life Maine which focuses on creating high-quality, performance-driven everyday apparel and for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rogue Life Maine concept highlights the connection between the brand’s strong foundation in the state of Maine and they're growing nationally as well. The Rogue Life Maine initiative also fosters a sense of local pride, celebrating the hardworking, passionate individuals involved in the brand’s operations in Maine. This could involve partnerships with local organizations, events, and collaborations that highlight the Maine community. Rogue Life Maine promotes a lifestyle rooted in hard work, dedication, and a commitment to fitness and personal improvement. It resonates with people who value integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic, characteristics that are often associated with both Maine’s culture. Reflecting the rugged, durable nature of the region, the apparel tied to this concept might include designs that evoke Maine’s outdoor culture, landscapes, and the strength required to thrive in such a setting. Tune into this episode to learn more about Mark Rodrigue and his story of owning and operating Rogue Life Maine.

Kristan Vermeulen has picked back up the microphone to speak to makers and small business owners who have supported her Ms. Portland pageant journey. One organization that is her focus nonprofit that she is helping to raise money for is Indigo Arts Alliance. Kristan interviews Jordia Benjamin, the Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance. A nonprofit organization based in Maine that focuses on supporting artists of color through residencies, exhibitions, and community engagement. Founded to address the underrepresentation of artists from diverse backgrounds, it provides a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange. The alliance aims to foster collaboration, promote artistic innovation, and enhance the visibility of artists of color, creating a vibrant arts community that reflects a range of perspectives and experiences. Through various programs and partnerships, Indigo Arts Alliance also seeks to inspire social change and connect with local communities. Learn more about this amazing organization by listening to the podcast and don't forget to leave a rating and review!

Kristan Vermeulen speaks with Martin Pasi, an organ builder who shares his journey and love for this unique craft. Martin discovered his interest in organ building at a young age when he was a part of a boys choir. The music director recognized his fascination and allowed him to look inside an organ, which left a lasting impression on him. From that moment on, Martin knew that organ building was what he wanted to pursue. Tune in to learn more about the craft of organ building, Martin Pasi's journey in the craft and what he plans to do in the future.

In this episode of Makers of the USA, Washington series, host Kristan Vermeulen visits Whidbey Island to meet Robert Adamson, a renowned glass maker with over 55 years of experience. Robert's studio is nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by wetlands, pastures, and forests, with his glass art seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. Kristan delves into Robert's journey as a glassmaker, from his early days at Pilchuck Glass School to establishing his own successful studio, Island Art Glass. Join Kristan as she explores the lives and crafts of makers across the country on Makers of the USA.

In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen interviews David Syre, a unique artist based in Bellingham. Formerly in business development, Syre has always had an artistic side, creating acrylic paintings, drawings, and watercolors inspired by the subconscious, nature, and travel. Having traveled the world to study different forms of religion, spiritual practices, and indigenous cultures, Syre's work has been showcased at galleries worldwide and even at Burning Man. Join Kristan as she takes a tour of Syre's creative paradise.

In this episode of "Makers of the USA," host Kristan Vermeulen takes us on a journey to Bellingham, Washington, a city known for its breathtaking nature and thriving community of artisans. She highlights the Hotel Bellwether, a luxury boutique hotel that not only offers stunning views and delicious cuisine but also showcases local artwork and supports local makers. One of the artisans Kristan visited in Bellingham is Bob Kramer, a renowned chef knife maker. The host discovered him through Anthony Bourdain's Raw Craft YouTube series and was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview him. Bob Kramer shares his journey from being a clown to becoming a master bladesmith. He explains that his passion for making knives stemmed from the need to make a living and support himself financially. Join Kristan as she immerses herself in the world of American craftsmanship and creativity in Washington state.

As a young musician, Kristan had always dreamed of recording in a professional studio. So when Kristan heard about the legendary London Bridge Studio in Seattle, she knew she had to check it out. Upon arrival, she was immediately struck by the history and atmosphere of the place. The walls were adorned with platinum records and memorabilia from some of the biggest names in rock and roll. It was clear that this was a place where magic had been made. As Kristan set up her gear and prepared to interview, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. This was a studio that had produced some of the most iconic albums of all time, and she was about to tell the story of its legacy. Eric Liliavois, co-owner of the studio, tells me about the intense and exhilarating recording process produced at his studio. There is a reason why Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell, and other grunge-inspired musicians have recorded here. The engineers at London Bridge are true professionals, and their expertise and attention to detail helped them achieve the sound they had been striving for. The studio's state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics made every note sound crisp and clear, and those musicians knew that their music was in good hands. Tune in to the episode to learn more about the London Bridge Studio experience and how it shaped musicians who have recorded out of their space and helped them realize the true power of music to connect, inspire, and transform.

Model Airplane is a collection of musicians that come together every year to perform an ultimate show right around Thanksgiving. They jibe with one another. It's their thing. They got the funk. They got the soul. Started by singer Lyle Divinsky, Dan Boyer, and Pete Genova and features an all-star lineup of Maine-based musicians. They bring together a community that knows and loves this tradition. Not only does the band see the curation of amazingly talented artists' family, but they consider the audience family too. Kristan has seen them three years in a row and she truly feels this connection, the connection is unreal and Kristan wants you to listen to what that connection entails.

On the next episode of the Becoming A Maker mini-series, we have CHART Metalworks. Founded in 2008 CHART Metalworks has been capturing memories and beautiful moments through charts and maps, or really any design you're envisioning through jewelry, home decor, and much more. Each piece is individually designed and made to order in their workshop located in the heart of downtown Portland. Their workshop flows with hands-on artistry at every step of their process. From the design to poor to engraving to polish, the team of four makes sure each step and each piece is as unique as their customer. Kristan got to speak with Janice Sears who is the owner of the small business and not only has she continued the growth of it, but also made some new and fun changes to grow it even further. Tune in to learn more about where CHART Metalworks is today under Janice's direction, what new products they have lined up, and much more.

Back in 1972, Dimitrije Milovich and Wayne Stoveken engineered a board made to serve the snow they relocated from New Jersey to Utah to test their prototype on the fabled powder out at Powder Mountain. They rode, refined, and iterated on their concept and perfected the art of surfing the snow. Winterstick was born a founding father of the snowboarding revolution today, they're still making boards up here in Maine up north at Sugarloaf Mountain by and for real writers. Kristan got to sit down with Rob Lu, the President of the company to talk about the mix of art and engineering behind the craft of their snowboards. Not only are they continuing to craft the traditional renowned boards that many boarders know so well but they are testing new boundaries of performance, manufacturing, and sustainability. Tune in to learn more about the history of Winterstick, how they got to Maine, and where they're today.

Have you ever heard of the term hand hewn? Kristan had no idea what it was until she met this lovely gentleman who lives a town over from her. She always passed by his house and saw the Renaissance Timber sign hung in his front yard and was always curious about what was going on there. Come to find out Steve was turning a round tree into a square beam using only hand tools. While water-powered sawmills existed in New England as early as 1630, hand-hewing large beams was a technique favored by many American craftsmen to frame out barns and buildings: structures that have stood the test of time and borne patiently the worst of summer's blistering heat and New England's unkind winters. Today, Steve uses exactly the same tools and techniques as 17th- and 18th-century Maine craftsmen to create classic beams and mantels: timbers that will transform your family's favorite space into a showcase for generations to come. Tune in to learn more about Steve's past prior to getting into hewing beams, the process behind hand hewing beams, and much more. Also, stay tuned till the end to listen to a track from local Maine musician King Kyote.

Gnykol combines timeless designs and reclaimed leather and creates a sense of fearless expression in her handmade artwear. Gnykol’s Artwear is a one-of-a-kind wearable art fashion. Two core ethics of Gnykol’s work are creating rockstar garments with repurposed materials. Off-cuts and imperfect leather hides are her favorite sources of inspiration. From these scraps come the striking compositions that define Gnykol’s current collection of leather outerwear. Ranging from lightly embellished with functional hardware to elaborately adorned with high densities of studs and spikes, each piece is a work of art. When Kristan discovered Nicole at the Maine Craft Association STITCH event in 2022, she was blown away. Who knew a woman here in Maine was making bustiers and jackets that you would most likely see in LA or New York City. Tune in to learn more about Nicole's fashion career -- how she got there and where she is today.