T-shirts. Cards. Potions. Soaps. Artwork. Candles. Dishtowels. Jewelry. Birdhouses. Panties. All made in Maine. Where can you find such locally made wonders? Lalo Boutique (142 High Street) of course.

If you haven’t been into Lalo yet, you’re missing out. Owner Melissa, a Topsham native, always wanted to open her own shop. With a background in retail and the desire to support the local economy, she finally dug in her heels and did it over one year ago. “At the time I was managing a local lobster pound and I told myself I couldn’t let fear stop me,” says Melissa.

Inside you’ll find everything from Loyal Citizen Clothing tees, pizza rocks from Creative Works System, handiwork from MECA students and even potions (I refrained from buying “Bite Me Baby”). Nothing is from outside this state.  As she dashed around and showed us her product lines (in her Maine made leggings), she had a personal vignette about every seller - keeping it truly local.

Make sure to follow Lalo on twitter and check out her store for some inspired local finds. I’ll be back soon to buy this shirt. 

Activated charcoal, pine tar, and fuller’s earth. These aren’t items at the local hardware - but soap scents by midcoast company Rocky Top Soap Shop. The selection of handmade, vegan and all-natural soaps come in a variety of “smells”, from carrot to coffee shampoo bars to yerba mate. The soaps are made with herbal infused oils specific to skin care, along with teas, clays and minerals. Your chapped wintery skin will surely thank you. Learn more about the soaps here and do your body good here.