The Journey
In 2013 I founded Maggie Paine to provide image consulting services for those going through major life transitions.
When I founded the company, I drew from my experiences serving as a U.S. Army Officer in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. My travels broadened my tastes, and my time in uniform gave me a perspective on a side a life that has little to do with fashion. For me, leaving the military in 2011 was a major life transition, and I gained a new appreciation for others going through similar transitions of any kind.
Now as I launch the Maggie Paine shop I again find inspiration from my time serving overseas. When not deployed, I had the opportunity to live in Germany and travel all over Europe. I fell in love with specialty boutiques and a way of life that is both slower and simpler, and a way of living that elevates quality over quantity.
In 2015, we moved to Annapolis and I immediately fell in love with its historic district and coastal setting - both spoke to my New England roots. It took me back to running up and down my hometown's main street, grabbing a snack from the corner general store, and then popping in to my mother's shops and watching her as she served the community. I guess now, looking back, I've always had a desire to own my own shop because of my hometown and my mom (Marcia Paine).
Throughout all of this I've become increasingly sensitive to how and where clothes are made. Last time I checked, this planet is the only one we’ve got. And I feel a great responsibility to do all that I can to take care of it.
So that brings us to now. Right here. Right now. The Persian poet Hafiz said, "This place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you." No matter the situation (good or bad) this poem both grounds me and inspires me.
THIS feels right. The time is NOW. So off we go -- together let's make a difference!