Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Mac.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Growing up in New Zealand, I was fortunate to be surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including lush green terrain, mountainous ranges, and golden beaches. Despite my idyllic childhood, I wanted to explore the world beyond my home country. So, at the tender age of 17, I ventured to Japan. I initially struggled to adapt but eventually grew to love the culture and people, marking this the start of my spiritual awakening.
Returning home, I continued to pursue my thirst for adventure, this time discovering my Celtic roots in Scotland before eventually journeying to the Middle East. Israel, Jordan, and Egypt left me in complete awe, but Africa stole my heart. The joyous children who greeted you with smiles, even in the most challenging conditions, and my encounter with the gorillas in the jungle bordering Zaire and Uganda remain a cherished memory from those intrepid years of travel.
Fast forward a decade, I had now established myself as a singer/songwriter, touring nationwide, releasing original music on the radio, and opening for major rock stars like Sir Elton John and Eric Clapton. Despite the excitement of this period, I began to feel that something was missing. In pursuit of new opportunities, I traveled to the US to record an album, and while in Austin, I met my future husband, Texas rocker Rod Williams. The chemistry was undeniable, and within a few months, Rod joined me in New Zealand, where we shared the stage with Sting during his Symphonicity World Tour; not long after, we eloped.
As Rod had spent much of his childhood in Mexico, the country soon became our focus. He introduced me to his sanctuary in Akumal, where his father and a friend had opened the first dive shop on the Yucatán Peninsula. I immediately felt at home, particularly in Tulum, with its stunning jungle backdrop, beaches, cenotes, and an unmistakable sense of zen. Over time, I began to collect trinkets and clothing from the region and wore them both on and off stage. Friends and fans often asked me where they could buy them, leading me to consider starting my own business.
After discussing the idea with a dear friend in the manufacturing world, we began to work on some bag designs that would reflect my journey from my roots in New Zealand to my current home in Austin and the spiritual connection I felt for Tulum. The fact that the bags were made from 100% recycled plastic was an absolute bonus! Little did I realize that the fusion of fashion and sustainability would quickly become my lifestyle brand’s focus. I still pinch myself that life has led me to where I am today – Founder/Owner of Tulum 2U™ – a sustainable Tulum inspired boho chic brand with a purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have sometimes felt like I was drinking out of a fire hydrant! Music had been my focus for almost twenty years, and despite the extreme highs and lows in such a competitive industry, it’s what I was put on this earth to do. So, when I leaned into my desire to create products as an extension of my musical offerings, I had yet to learn what I was getting myself into. Here I was, a woman heading into her fifth decade and starting a business from scratch with zero experience in the manufacturing or retail worlds, or how to build a brand for that matter. I was completely out of my depth, and on top of that, my sweet eight-year-old son, who was used to having me at his beck and call, had to adjust to his mama working 24/7. Tulum 2U™ suddenly took precedence, and I struggled with my family/work balance being so skewed.
But I had never been so driven to succeed, and the fuel was not only from creating a beautiful product, but now I was in the business of making something handmade from recycled materials. I loved that I was putting my name to an eco-friendly product, but boy, I had so much to learn, and at times I felt utterly overwhelmed. But as they say, no pressure, no diamonds. Tulum 2U™ by Shelley Mac will hit its second anniversary in November and when I look at how far the business has come, I can honestly say that the sacrifices and anxious moments, of which there have been many, have been worth it!
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
If you can’t come to TULUM, we’ll bring TULUM 2U! I launched Tulum 2U™ in November 2021 and, in less than two years, have expanded the range from high-end eco-friendly beach bags, totes, and clutches to include unique handmade coverups, exotic body/room/linen sprays, as well as luxury throws/towels, all of which capture the essence of Tulum – my happy place! I believe that fashion shouldn’t come at the cost of our planet. I love that our bags are made from 100% recycled plastic, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans. This unique process involves sourcing high-quality, medical-grade recycled plastic, which our skilled artisans then weave using traditional techniques handed down for generations. I am proud that Tulum 2U™ bags are not only stylish and functional but, because of the amount of love poured into each bag, makes them durable and long-lasting, ensuring that they will be a part of your wardrobe for years to come. Not many people know this, but the initial design I worked on with my manufacturing partner resulted from bringing two cultures together – Mayan and Māori. I truly felt like it represented where I was from and where I now felt at home. Often, I have customers from indigenous parts of the world comment on how the design reminds them of home. As intentional as I was with the design, it still surprises me with how many people it touches. In 2024, I am excited to share that Tulum 2U™ will be available in New Zealand. For any wholesale inquiries in the US and beyond, please email info@tulum2u.com.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
For me, this period was a time of reflection. It forced me to be still, which I am not very good at. The music industry was hit the hardest, so the seed was planted during this challenging time of “what is next?” Many people felt the same way and have since completely reinvented themselves. The biggest lesson was relearning how to appreciate the simple things and returning to a more basic existence. Less is more, and I still try to live by that philosophy today. The biggest gift that came out of Covid-19 was time. As a family, we traveled until we couldn’t and spent most of those days in nature. That was healing, especially when we couldn’t visit our loved ones.
Pricing:
- Beachbags/Totes/Clutches $90-$220
- Coverups $100-$150
- Throws/Towels $90
- Linen/Room Sprays $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tulum2u.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulum2u/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tulum2ubyshelleymac
Image Credits
Brandon Hill
