If you’ve been enjoying this beautiful spring weather and walking around downtown Portsmouth recently, you may have chanced upon Skowhegan Quality Goods at 123 Market Street. A small brick and mortar shop houses quality leather goods, clothing, natural skincare, sunglasses, and other goodies. In interest of supporting local businesses I love and feel compliment Amy Dutton Home, I talked to Katie and Todd of Skowhegan Quality Goods about the shop.
According to Katie, the couple “flies by the seat of their pants.” Though their tendency to jump into things may seem scary to you and I, it’s what has brought this beautiful shop to our community. For 13 years, Katie was in the beauty/skincare industry and Todd is a commercial photographer. When they got together, they decided to start a small business. Before meeting Todd, Katie owned a small spa in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. As a couple, their joint business was going to offer spa services but upon realizing that they loved the retail part of the company more, they dedicated themselves to retail. However, skincare and makeup is one of the areas in the shop that continues to grow. This rudimentary practice of searching for lines is what brought Katie and Todd into the business, and still manifests today in Skowhegan, which provides a fun shopping experience for both men and women.
Skowhegan combines both Katie and Todd’s skills. The mom and pop store is a creation of Todd’s eye for design as he built out and designed the store. When you go, you’ll probably see Katie there, perhaps with their adorable one year old Deacon. They carry a variety of products from Men’s and Women’s clothing to leather goods, natural skincare and make-up, sunglasses and candles. Katie’s personal favorites would probably be skincare and her current obsession is their variety of stacking bracelets and of course the Shinola watches made in Detroit.
If you’re looking for a local shop that sells quality made products for everyday, looked no further than Skowhegan Quality Goods. Many of their lines offer lifetime guarantees along with producing ethically made items. The items Katie and Todd choose to carry are all products they believe in and are happy to share with their customers. Just like Amy Dutton Home, they search to seek out small independent lines whenever possible!
Again, you can find them at 123 Market St. in Portsmouth, NH. If you want more information, head on over to their Facebook and Instagram (@skowheganqualitygoods)!