From Side Hustle to Small Biz Dream: The Story of Mabel Mae Collective

Three years ago, I found myself at a major crossroads. After years of working in hospitality and cafes — surrounded by the comforting buzz of the coffee machine and community chit chat — my health took a turn. Living with a chronic illness meant I could no longer manage the demanding pace of full-time work, even though I missed the creativity and connection it gave me every day.

That’s when Mabel Mae Collective was born.

What started as a small side hustle — a creative outlet to bring a little light into my life during a difficult time — quickly became so much more. With a vinyl cutter and a whole lot of determination, I began making glass tumblers wrapped in fun, custom designs, mirror decals, and keychains from my dining room table. Each item was a little piece of joy, inspired by the things I loved most: cozy moments, cute designs, and of course… coffee.

As the months passed and my confidence grew, so did the business. Mabel Mae Collective evolved into a brand rooted in creativity, comfort, and community — and to my surprise and gratitude, people started noticing.

Fast forward to today, and Mabel Mae Collective has blossomed far beyond what I first imagined. We now offer:

• Digital downloads for creatives and small biz owners (including our popular Kindle inserts!)

• Mugs and cups that celebrate bookish, cozy aesthetics

• Stickers, bookmarks, and bookish accessories for the romantasy lovers, coquette girls, and soft core dreamers

• And still, our roots — tumblers and personalised drink ware — remain close to my heart.

Every product I create is designed with love, comfort, and a little bit of magic. Whether you're sipping from a dreamy coquette tumbler or reading your kindle with a design made by me, my hope is that Mabel Mae Collective adds something beautiful and meaningful to your daily routine.

This journey has been deeply personal — not just about building a business, but reclaiming a sense of purpose, creativity, and joy despite the challenges that chronic illness brings. I'm beyond grateful for every customer, supporter, and friend who’s joined me on this ride.

Thank you for being here, and thank you for supporting small.

With love, Tegan. Founder of Mabel Mae Collective