Our story

Lula Mae (the store) opened in 2004 in Old Pasadena, CA. Marci Mae opened Lula Mae at age 24, and closed it in 2018 to be closer to family in WA. Lula Mae (The Woman) was named after Marci's Great, Great Grandmother!

The shop was given the nick name “ A gift shop with a heart.” Lula Mae carried hundreds of thousands of independent artists over those 15 years, card makers, jewelry designers, Vintage Pieces, crafters and more. Many of these artisans began inside the walls of Lula.

Marci also taught classes in the shop ranging from Shibori, to embroidery, knitting, crochet, book binding, weaving, macrame, cross stitch and more. Her most famed class was “How to Start Your Own Business.”

Lula Mae was named Top 25 Most Gifted Retailers in the US by Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine. Lula Mae was voted The Best Gift Shop in Pasadena, by voters in Pasadena Weekly from 2004-2018, Named a “Must See” by the New York Times Travel section, and named Best Card Shop by L.A. Magazine. Lula Mae was also included in the New York Times Book, 36 Hours.

Marci went on to serve on the Board of Directors for Old Pasadena for 2 terms, as well as the Executive Committee. She also headed the Marketing Committee for the Old Pasadena Business District. She was at the forefront of the Old Pasadena Farmers Market, District Events and more.

Alabama Brown (The Greeting Card Line) was birthed from Lula Mae (The Gift Shop) in 2014. Alabama Brown (The Woman) was Marci's Great, Great, Great Grandmother - Lula Mae's Mom! Each card is a mini water color painting that Marci creates herself. They combine that inspiration of sweet and sassy that runs true to her lineage.

We now proudly bring you Little LaRue, fondly named after yet another family member, Piggy LaRue, Marci’s best friend and fur-baby!
Little LaRue is a carefully curated collection of Vintage, Antiques and Whimsy, all of which are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face,  just as we have for thousands of customers over the last 20 years. Welcome! YAY!