Our Namesake

Alabama Brown (1858 -1879) was Marci Mae’s Great, Great, Great Grandmother.

She was the beginning of a long line of Sassy, Sweet & Independent Southern Women. Marci’s gift shop, Lula Mae, was named after Alabama’s daughter.

Lula Mae (the store) opened in 2004 in Old Pasadena, CA. Marci Mae opened the store at age 24, and closed it in 2018 to be closer to family. 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, crafters and more. Many of these artisans began inside the walls of Lula.

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

Lula Mae was named Top 25 Most Gifted Retailers in the US by Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine. 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.

Marci Mae 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. Marci was at the forefront of the Old Pasadena Farmers Market, District Events and more. Her passion is creativity, Small Business, and the success of Small Business.

Alabama Brown (The Greeting Card Line) was birthed from Lula Mae (The Gift Shop) in 2014. 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.

When she closed the shop, the “Card Babies” stayed with Marci to this day.

Our cards are greeting cards with sass, heart, and giggles…..just like their creator.

Enjoy! xoxo - Team Alabama Brown