Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Teoh.
Mary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Like many college graduates, I was not completely sure what I wanted to do after graduation, so I started working in customer service for an IT company in Austin. While the experience was valuable, I knew it was not my long-term path. Eventually, I decided to take a chance and move to California to see where life would lead me.
At the time, I still was not certain what direction I wanted to take, but I landed a job in software, and it turned out to be a great fit for me. Even though I did not graduate with a computer science degree, I loved solving problems, debugging programs, learning new programming languages, and collaborating with a team. I stayed in the software industry for a little over 12 years.
As life evolved, my husband had a career opportunity that led us to make the difficult decision for me to step away from my career for a while to help raise our young children. Even during that time, I could not sit still. I had always wanted to earn my MBA, so I finally decided to pursue it. Deep down, I had always dreamed of starting my own business, and going back to school helped reignite that goal.
Once we moved back to Austin, I began trying to reenter the workforce. After six years away from the industry, technology had changed significantly. Thankfully, I was able to participate in a Returnship program, which helped me transition back into a full-time software role. Even then, the dream of building something of my own stayed with me.
After a couple of years back in software, I decided it was finally time to take a chance on my business idea. That was when Waterloo Bags truly started becoming a reality. We began sourcing materials, developing the business concept, and bringing the vision to life.
Today, Waterloo Bags is built around creativity, personalization, and connection. From customizable handbags to interactive workshops, I love creating experiences that allow people to express their own style. Entrepreneurship comes with challenges and constant learning experiences, but I am genuinely enjoying every moment of the journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many things in life and business, the journey has definitely had its ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges was making the transition from a steady career in software to pursuing my dream of running my own business. Leaving behind the stability of a regular salary was a major decision for both me and my family.
There was also a major shift from working in software to building a product-based business focused on handbags and purse hardware. While I felt confident in the business concept and vision, the logistics of manufacturing, sourcing, design, and inventory management were completely different from anything I had done before. There was definitely a learning curve as I adapted to an entirely new industry.
Another ongoing challenge has been preparing our future retail space. We are creating a space designed not only for shopping, but also for hosting interactive workshops, parties, and events. Getting everything ready has taken longer than expected and continues to be a work in progress as we move toward opening.
Through it all, I have learned the importance of patience, flexibility, and taking things one step at a time. Entrepreneurship constantly brings unexpected challenges, but each obstacle has taught me something valuable and helped Waterloo Bags continue to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Waterloo Bags?
We are a Style Your Own Purse retail brand that allows customers to personalize every major component of their handbag. Customers can choose from 11 colors for each purse component, along with four hardware finishes including gold, rose gold, silver, and gunmetal gray. At Waterloo Bags, we do not just see ourselves as a purse company. We consider ourselves a personalized purse experience company that combines creativity, customization, and connection through both online shopping and in-person workshops.
What truly sets us apart is the interactive experience of designing a handbag that reflects your personal style. Customers can mix and match colors, hardware, scarves, and purse charms to create something that feels uniquely theirs. We offer these experiences through retail workshops, private events, and our online customizer, Build-A-Bag, available at Waterloobags.com. With the online customizer, customers can watch their purse design update in real time before placing an order that ships directly to their door.
Our workshops are designed to bring people together in a fun and creative environment. Whether it is a bridal party coordinating colors for a special celebration, a sorority event, a birthday gathering, or a corporate team-building experience, we provide an interactive activity that guests remember long after the event ends. For corporate workshops and special events, we also offer foil stamping so customers can add a company logo, event name, or personalized detail directly onto the purse.
One of the things we are most proud of is the level of customization and individuality we offer every customer. We believe fashion should reflect personal style, and we love helping customers create a bag that feels uniquely their own. One of our favorite sayings at Waterloo Bags is, “Build a bag as unique as you.”
In addition to workshops at Waterloo Bags, we also offer private mobile workshops where we bring the experience directly to our customers. We currently offer the fifth purse free for private events, which can be used as a complimentary purse for a bride or guest of honor, or applied as a discount across the group. Our team focuses on creating a welcoming, high-quality experience while customers shop purse components, scarves, and charms.
In Fall 2026, we will open our new retail location on South Congress in Austin, Texas, where customers can shop, attend workshops, and host private events in a creative and welcoming space.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to networking, my biggest piece of advice is to simply start somewhere. A friend introduced me to a networking group, and that was really the beginning of my networking journey.
I have learned that networking only works if you both show up and follow up. Attending an event is just the first step. The real value comes from continuing the conversation afterward through emails, phone calls, coffee meetings, or supporting each other’s businesses. If you do not nurture those relationships after the event, you often end up starting over from zero each time.
The more you network, the more comfortable and natural it becomes. Over time, you begin building genuine relationships, finding mentors, and connecting with people who truly want to see you succeed. For me, consistency and authentic relationship-building have been the keys to making networking meaningful and effective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waterloobags.com
- Instagram: @waterloobags_workshops
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterloobagsworkshops
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waterloo-bags
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WaterlooBags
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/waterloobags_workshops
