08/11/2026
As a small business owner, receiving a three-star review that doesn’t seem to reflect who you are or what you offer can hit you right to the core.
Anyone who has ever tried to run a business—let alone three—knows that you simply cannot please everyone. We understand that. Not everyone will love every product, every style, or every experience, and that’s okay.
What was difficult about this particular review, however, were the assumptions made about our store and the products we carry.
We are a gift shop, not an art shop, so comparing us to a store that literally has “ART” in its name is perplexing when we offer completely different products and serve a completely different category of shopper.
We were also told that we offer “generic” products and AI-generated art. That part is especially hurtful—not only to us, but to the many incredibly talented Maine artists and makers whose work we are proud to carry.
Many of the designs you see on our clothing, bags, towels, mugs, and so much more are actually created by me personally. I can assure you, they are not AI-generated. They are ideas, illustrations, and designs that I have put my own time, creativity, and heart into.
So, rather than simply dismissing this review, we would genuinely like to extend an invitation:
Please come back and visit us.
Walk through our store with us. Point out what you believe is AI-generated. Show us what you feel is “generic.” We are always willing to listen, learn, and have a respectful conversation about what we do.
Because behind every small business is a person who cares deeply about what they have built. There are countless hours, creative decisions, relationships with artists and makers, and a whole lot of heart that customers may never see.
We may not be everyone’s cup of tea—and we completely understand that. But we are incredibly proud of what we offer, proud of the Maine artists we support, and proud of the work that goes into making our stores what they are.
