Shelley Mac
Growing up in New Zealand I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including lush green terrain, mountainous ranges, and golden beaches. Despite my idyllic childhood I felt a strong urge 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 it was Africa, that 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, remains 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 Texas, 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 a focus for us. 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, and 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 who was in the manufacturing business, we began to work on some bag designs that would reflect my personal 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 very quickly become the focus of my lifestyle brand.
