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Lisa B’s Consignment: A Must Stop for Summer Camp Owners

August 09, 2011 - Bridgton- When Lisa Burlinson saw the Flea Market sign at the Big Kahuna building in Bridgton, she got to thinking: maybe it was time to “pull the trigger” on her vision of combining her interior redesign services with custom-made, fun lake-inspired furniture creations and accessories.

Little did she know that her vision would be bigger than she dreamed.

Big Kahuna owner Tom McCarthy, seeing the quality of her consignment offerings by local artisans, immediately began pushing her wares next door, to his empty storefront.

The result is Lisa B’s at Pondicherry Square, a must-stop shopping place for anyone with a summer place. The 268 Main Street consignment showplace specializes in beautiful collections of new locally-crafted and gently used furniture, stylish home accents, lamps, pillows and wall art by exceptional local artists. It features over 14 furniture makers and other artisans, mostly from Bridgton, and more are coming. The stock, including many one-of-a-kind items, changes daily.

The response has been so great by the shopping public that since she opened July1, she was afraid she’d run out of things to sell.

“The shop didn’t even have a name, and I just flew by the seat of my pants,” said Burlinson, who went to school for interior redesign and staging after retiring as a real estate professional. “By the end of the weekend, we were scrambling for more furniture and the momentum has increased with each week.”

Originally a Highland Lake/North Bridgton neighborhood effort, the store started out mostly with Janet Derouin’s barn board paintings, Hans Jenni’s handcrafted items and the log furniture of Mark Cross, who also contributes to the rent.

“After the first weekend, there were five additional contributors, still from our neighborhood. After the third weekend, we envisioned a sign on the door reading, ‘Sold Out, see you next summer!’” said Burlinson.

Burlinson began reaching out to others in neighboring towns, with help from the Greater Bridgton-Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and the state’s economic development Maine Made program.

“Word of mouth has enticed other to find me,” said Bulinson. “I will continue to welcome new consigners whose wares are consistent with our current inventory, but do not directly compete with those already represented.”

The store offers custom work and interior redesign services. “Using what the client already owns, items are removed, rearranged and often repurposed, to enhance the features and function of the home. It’s quick, usually just one day, affordable and extremely effective,” she said.

Burlinson said Hans Jenni has been the store’s most popular artisan, “and he is certainly the most diverse,” she said. “He carves enchanting birds, makes amazing furniture and birdhouses and paints, too. His exquisite jewelry boxes were a sellout, making wonderful keepsake gifts.”

She said her store works because its offerings are inspired by the natural beauty of the Maine Landscape and the passions of those who live here. Her focus is on providing high-quality products and paying strict attention to the customer’s choice of color and style.

“I’ll do everything I can to help make your home a distinctive reflection of the elements of nature and the passions that entice you to summer in Maine,” she said. “When it comes to lake home décor, if you can dream it, we’ll make it yours.”

Burlinson also has a cabinet in the store of locally-made items donated to the North Bridgton Library, of which she is a trustee. “I volunteered to exhibit and sell these to benefit programs at the library at a time when funds are needed,” she said. She also plans to support the Lakeside Garden Club’s annual Lobster Roll Sale with a Lobster Roll Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 12.

I feel extremely proud to be able to work with and showcase the gifts of such an incredible group of talented neighbors, and am grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our local community,” said Burlinson. “I am having the time of my life!”

Lisa B’s is open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., otherwise by chance or appointment, or by calling 802-249-8967.

Gail Geraghty, Bridgton News, August 2011


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