In Portland’s Old Port, on Commercial Street next to the Canopy Hotel, Stellan has established itself as a destination for home goods, art, and design pieces that reflect both craftsmanship and calm. Owner Erica Biordi describes the name as “Scandinavian for peaceful one or calm, which is exactly what we try to provoke with all of the things that we curate.” It also serves as an acronym for herself, her wife, and their five children.
The store feels more like a thoughtfully arranged home than a retail space. That sense of ease carries through to the artwork on display, including serene seascapes by Jill Matthews and detailed bird paintings created by Biordi’s cousin.
Every product in Stellan is chosen with care. Biordi gravitates toward makers and companies whose values align with her own such as sustainability, integrity, and support for women entrepreneurs. “The company that’s producing it has to be like a pretty holistic, wholesome company,” she said. “And that they have some acknowledgement and practice towards sustainability, whether it’s the environment or sustaining commerce, like businesses opening in Portland.”
For her, showcasing this kind of work is part of the reward. “I’m in awe of the people that create the things that we sell…to be able to support their craft and get it out into the world is so important to me.”
When Biordi was ready to open Stellan, Peter Harrington of Malone Commercial Brokers helped her find a space that fit. “This space spoke very clearly to us. Because of the exposed brick and the history of the building and the size of it was perfect.” She added that being just slightly off the main path, but still being on a popular stretch of Commercial Street, has worked well, keeping the shop close to the working waterfront while reflecting both the calm of Maine living and the hard work behind many of its makers, some of whom are featured in her shop.
Stellan has been welcomed into Portland’s unique mix of small businesses since June. “There’s such an incredible sense of community. So I’m so grateful to be here,” Biordi said.
At Malone Commercial Brokers, we’re proud to have worked with Stellan and to continue supporting Maine businesses in finding spaces that they can call home as well as allowing them to grow.
