Maine escape: from wall street to vintage finds

Alexander Widener traded a high-powered career in New York City for a quiet life in Maine, transforming a bed-and-breakfast and antique shop into a thriving online business. His story is a testament to the power of passion and the unexpected opportunities found in embracing a different path.

The unexpected pivot

Widener, a former marketing manager at Samuel & Sons, had spent years immersed in the world of design, working with renowned brands like Matouk and Sister Parish. But a yearning for something more led him to a pivotal moment: a suggestion to purchase the bed-and-breakfast owned by a departing local. The decision to relocate to Wiscasset, Maine, felt like a profound shift, a confrontation with the person he wanted to become.

“I was fully confronted with the idea of becoming the person I wanted to be, and whether I had the guts to do it,” Widener explained. The move wasn't without its challenges. His husband supported the leap, a crucial element in the transition. The initial plan was for a slower pace, a deliberate life, but the digital world had other plans.

His foray into online platforms began organically. After posting a video on TikTok detailing the history of Wedgewood, a passion project fueled by years of collecting, his follower count exploded. Within a year, he amassed a significant following on both Instagram and TikTok, showcasing antique hauls and glimpses of the Maine renovations. The unexpected success of his online presence proved that building a career based on personal passions can transcend geographical limitations.

Sourcing treasures and building a community

Widener's sourcing strategy is a blend of established networks and opportunistic finds. He collaborates with antique dealers, frequents auctions and estate sales, and even ventures into flea markets – a sometimes challenging endeavor that requires keen eyes and extensive knowledge of decorative arts.