Minka

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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.
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Minka has been featured in Vogue, W Magazine, The Improper Bostonian, Food 52, Brides Magazine, Seacoast Weddings, Portland Magazine, Maine Home + Design, Maine Magazine, Shermans Travels, Boston.com, XO Vain, Buffalo Dandy, Gather, Fiore Designs, Prim & Propah,and Maine Weddings.
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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

 

A question we are frequently asked is, "What does Minka mean?"

Our name was inspired by the ancient Japanese homes that artists, farmers and merchants lived in. These structures were skillfully crafted with hand tools using natural materials and recognized for their architectural beauty.
Later, we discovered that the word “minka” in Peruvian Indian means “working together”, which is especially fitting for our business. Since our conception, we have always strived to work with and support local suppliers, vendors, and artisans.  Working together with our peers to create a stronger creative community has, and will continue to be, an integral part of our business.
So the meaning of our name, Minka, has layers.
On the outside, it's about aesthetics and the physical beauty of a design.
On the inside it's all about our connection with the people that are creating those designs.