The Downtown Map is updated for 2025. We are so thankful to work with downtown businesses, the City of Ellsworth, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, and Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism to distribute this map each year. We recently installed vinyl posters of the map in Franklin Street Parklet. We will be circulating postcards and table tents to area restaurants and downtown businesses. If your business is interested in a supply please reach out by replying to this email.
Fieldwork For Downtown's National Historic Register Nomination
Heart of Ellsworth (HoE) is leading an initiative to nominate Downtown Ellsworth as a National Register of Historic Places Historic District. This project builds on a 2023 reconnaissance survey and aims to preserve and protect the historic and architectural character of the district while fostering economic and cultural growth. The designated area includes approximately 47 properties across 6.5 acres on Main Street, State Street, Water Street, and portions of Franklin and Hancock Streets.
The consultant on the project, Kleinfelder, will be in Ellsworth on Tuesday June 24th to survey downtown buildings. This will include taking photographs of downtown's historic elements. Please direct any questions to info@heartofellsworth.org.
Kalon Spa Services owner Jessica Snowdeal. Photo: Zi Photography
There is a full service spa above The Alchemist Salon. Kalon Spa Services was started by local resident Jessica Snowdeal, who also co-owns the building with the owner of The Alchemist. After winning the Mrs. Maine America title in 2016, Jessica opened the spa in 2017 realizing a longtime dream. Upstairs at 121 Main Street, discover her cozy boutique style spa and all of their great services.
Kalon Spa Services is through the door and up the stairs
Heart of Ellsworth: How did you start your business?
Jessica: I raised my three boys in the area and was a dental hygienist for 14 years and became burnt out in my career and wanted something more. After winning Mrs. Maine America in 2016 my roommate at the National Mrs. America Pageant happened to be a coach for women entrepreneurs. During our week together we had really great conversations and I told her starting this business was my dream and something I had always wanted to do. When I arrived home after our week together I took the leap and made it happen by touring the school I wanted to attend and putting in my notice at work. My best friend Melissa Bradford – owner of The Alchemist Salon - and I purchased the building together and got to work gutting and remodeling the entire building and opened in 2017.
Heart: What kind of services do you offer?
Jessica: We offer an array of services including facials, dermaplaning, lash extensions, lash lifts, brow laminations, tinting, spray tans, facial waxing and full body waxing. I’m also licensed in permanent makeup.
We have great clientele and many of our guests have become friends over time. It’s important for all of our clients to feel comfortable while visiting us.
Heart: How do you get the word out?
Jessica: Social media is big for us and is where we get most of our business from. We do a lot of social media to promote ourselves. We don’t have street level advertising which is a disadvantage to us but we are constantly trying to come up with more creative ways to attract pedestrians passing by.
Heart: How have you overcome challenges with the spa?
Jessica: It’s been eight years and we’re just happy we came back after COVID, having to shut down was very challenging, but once we reopened we were busier than ever. We’re accepting new clients and building our new employee’s books.
Heart: What's your advice for new entrepreneurs?
Jessica: I would say for any type of business, just be involved in your community as much as possible and give back as much as you can. Owning a small business is hard so lean on other local business owners for advice and support when needed and reciprocate that sentiment to them as well. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. It takes time to build a solid foundation but it’s worth the work and patience always.
You can book your appointments or ask questions by calling or texting 207.669.5470 or messaging Kalon Spa Services on Facebook. For full menu with pricing and online booking go to kalonspaservices.com
Thinking about starting or growing your business in Ellsworth? The City of Ellsworth has published a Business Guide that will help new businesses in Ellsworth connect with local resources and discover the supportive partners ready to help them succeed. There are print copies at the City of Ellsworth and Heart of Ellsworth offices. Stop by our office at 16 state street for a hard copy!
The CEI Women's Business Center has invaluable resources for entrepreneurs starting small businesses. Check out their website for tools in financing, marketing, business planning, and more.
Are You a Business Owner Looking to Start or Grow? Check out the Maine Funding Network, an alternative funding source. Opportunities exist for businesses of every size and every stage—and they are there to help you find them.
Downtown Ellsworth is buzzing with opportunity as vacant storefronts await new tenants to join its thriving community. As Maine’s newest designated Main Street America community, Ellsworth offers an unparalleled environment for businesses to thrive and grow.
Interested in investing in Ellsworth? There are nine businesses and buildings for sale right in our vibrant downtown. Click on each image to be directed to the sales listing.
Just looking to lease a space? There are several prime options available to you, whether you're looking for a business storefront or an office space: 89-93 Main Street, 102 Main Street, 108 Main Street, 112 Main Street, 192 Main Street, 59 Franklin Street, and 6 State Street.
REvitalizeME Downtown, funded by the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant Program, is now offering historic preservation grants to eligible property owners in 23 Maine Downtown Center communities designated as Main Streets or Downtown Affiliates -- including Ellsworth!
These development grants will support the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic properties that serve as vital community infrastructure—enhancing both the social and economic life of their towns. Eligible properties may include (but are not limited to):
Historic theaters, museums, and libraries
Community centers and municipal buildings
Retail shops, restaurants, and cafes
Entrepreneurial hubs, co-working spaces, and shared kitchens
Projects may include exterior and interior preservation work, restoration, landscape improvements, or limited HVAC upgrades—provided they align with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. All project plans and specifications must meet these standards and be complete at the time of application.
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