Minka

Minka is a modern, handmade boutique - inspired by the beauty of natural materials and the art of design.The owners Michelle Rose & Chris Larochelle are partners in life and in work; a passionate team committed to creating modern art and home goods that are timeless in design and useful in their purpose. Minka started over a decade ago as a boutique artisan gallery out of the couple’s home. It grew to become a sustainable lifestyle brand, based on the coast of Maine.

 Michelle has a background in fashion, consulting & design, and is a floral designer by trade. Her floral work has been marked by its innovative, environmentally sensitive design- a practice that has won her both regional and national recognition. Michelle designs most of the Minka product lines,  combining natural elements & traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic and a keen eye towards function. Michelle’s love of color and texture pairs masterfully with her lasting style. Her work is distinguished as both safe and healthy for the home and the body.  Minka’s store is in the beating heart of Dock Square, Kennebunkport. Their signature products are showcased alongside a meticulously selected line of sustainable artisan goods - all designed to inspire, refresh and engage the senses. The shop’s displays are bold and captivating, adding a modern narrative to the region’s coastal heritage. The shopping experience is immersive; Chris brings the character of store to life through sight, sound and scent. His home studio is where he creates his abstract paintings and prints for the brand that have unique pop and rustic influences.Chris is a fine artist, trained in the use of composition and texture.       Minka’s line includes: jewelry made from sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones, organic herbal teas, natural body care, leather handbags, fine art, hand-printed linens, hand-woven blankets, home decor, candles, plantings and pottery - made in Maine and the USA, all using renewable and responsibly sourced materials. Minka’s heirloom designs resonate with purpose, refinement and soul.

Michelle is recognized for her artistic, out of the box designs and impeccable aesthetics in the floral design industry. She brings an upscale European design with an artistic flair to southern Maine. Her specialty is in wedding events, container design, and plantscaping. She has an extensive background in design, starting her career at Boston's premier florist, Winstons. She then went on run high end floral boutiques in coastal Maine and has trained some of Maine's top wedding designers.FLORAL DESIGN:

Michelle's floral design can be found here: MinkaFlowers

But what does Minka mean?

Minka is more than a boutique—it’s a living story stitched together from cultures, craftsmanship, and community. In Japan, a minka is a traditional home, thoughtfully built and lovingly lived in—just like the handmade pieces that fill our shelves. In other parts of the world, Minka is a name—a soft, personal expression of identity and warmth. And in the Andes, minka means community labor, people coming together with intention and care to create something meaningful. Our boutique embraces all these definitions. Every item we offer is a reflection of home, individuality, and the collective hands that brought it to life. Minka isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a philosophy of living beautifully, thoughtfully, and together. We chose Minka because we’re a little bit of all of that. A place where craftsmanship meets community.