Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan & Tiffany Lessard.
Jonathan & Tiffany, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We were both working in restaurants while looking for a way to work for ourselves. We found a space with reasonable rent and decided to jump on it even though we were unsure of what we wanted for a business. Tiffany was selling her art and jewelry to coworkers, and Jon had been buying and selling items his whole life for fun. We wanted a space that would attract likeminded creative individuals. With those ideas and skills in mind the space organically grew into Lost Coast.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, but it has taken a lot of hard work and patience. Everybody sees the fun aspects of it: buying and selling, picking, interacting with local artist, activists, and likeminded creatives. What people don’t see is the time, money, and dedication it takes to keep a small business afloat. More than once we questioned what we were doing having invested our entire modest life savings into the business. People don’t see the mornings we get up at 4 am to do flea markets, or the nights we stay up until midnight trying to teach ourselves how to do bookkeeping and taxes. More than once we have gotten down to $10 in our bank account at the end of the month. Those moments have pushed us to work harder and think more creatively, and has taken the business to a point where we are more financially secure.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lost Coast – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Items bought and sold, ideas exchanged. We buy and sell vintage items, records, jewelry, toys, video games, pottery, and anything else we would like to keep for ourselves. We buy items at flea markets, yard sales, auctions, from friends and customers, and we dig through houses, barns, and basements when people move or inherit an estate. We also frequently get asked to find props for local theatres and to work with local nonprofits and charities. We are known for our unique items, our conversations, and nostalgia. We are most proud that we have been able to be in business for almost three years now, and through our hard work our shop has become a coastal destination. What sets us apart is our style, personalities, and our wonderful customers. We have a small space where people feel comfortable to interact with each other everyday.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Boston is a great place for local music, art, and food. If you ever want a break from the city, Kittery, Maine shares those same qualities, but with a more relaxed atmosphere. We’d love to see you.
Pricing:
- $4 items are 3/$10 (most CDs, DVDs, patches, comic books, records, and knick knacks)
Contact Info:
- Address: 230 State Road
Kittery, Maine 03904 - Phone: 207-703-0586
- Email: lostcoastme@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lostcoastme
- Facebook: @lostcoastme
Image Credit:
Portrait and Pee Wee photos -Cole Phillips
Fuzzy Monster Puppet (Terrie Terrie)-Alexis Paquette
All other photos- Tiffany and Jon Lessard
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
