Meet the former marketing manager who swapped his New York City career for a Maine bed-and-breakfast, an antiques shop, and a viral social media following—and found the life that was meant to be

Alexander Widener is a decorator, collector, and shop owner of Widener Company in Wiscasset, Maine

A year ago, on his way home from his dozenth-or-so stay in Wiscasset, Maine, New York City–based design industry pro Alexander Widener pondered a big decision. A marketing manager at Samuel & Sons with a résumé that included heritage brands Matouk and Sister Parish , Widener had long harbored a goal to start his own design business. “Growing up, I used to accompany my mother to church rummage sales,” the 31-year-old recalls. “I hosted my first yard sale as a kindergartener—I was an entrepreneur at four.”

Alexander Widener

The plate Widener saw on his drive home from Wiscasset, Maine

Photo: Alexander Widener

The decision before him would mean upending everything.…