Hi! Tell us about yourself
Hi! I’m Christine Carlson, Founder of Maybelle. I live in Maplewood with my husband and daughter (our oldest lives in Vermont).

We’ve been here almost 20 years and love it!

Tell us about your business!

Maybelle is a bridal atelier specializing in vintage and dedicated to sustainable and personalized creations. I’m located in the historic Nelson building overlooking Memorial Park in Maplewood. After years in the fashion industry, working with designers like Vera Wang, Arnold Scaasi, and Jenny Packham, I saw the industry's shift offshore and its unsustainable practices. Inspired by my Gen Z daughters' environmental consciousness and my love of vintage, I began the business of reimagining vintage dresses for modern brides. Today, I offer a curated selection of vintage pieces, craft bespoke bridal looks, and breathe new life into cherished heirlooms to reflect each bride's unique story. Maybelle is for the bride who loves vintage and seeks a personal approach to their wedding look.

Where did you grow up?

Minnesota

How long have you lived in SOMa?

 Almost 20 years!

How long have you been doing the work you do?

3 years

How did you find yourself doing this work?

 I moved to NYC after high school to study fashion design at Parsons and went on to work in the industry…

What inspired you to start your own business?

My daughters.

What is it about you that makes you so good at what you do?

My design experience and construction knowledge.

What are 3 things that contribute to a successful work day?

Coffee, Walks, Quiet time

What 4 items are essential for you to do the work you do?

Pencils, Paper, Scissors, Thread

And just for fun…

What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?

I want to inspire people to see the inherent value in forgotten treasures, to recognize the artistry and history within them.

What's the wildest dream you have for your business's future?

To be acquired by Bernard Arnault!

What's the most unusual request or inquiry you've received from a customer? 

I recently cut up a bride’s grandmother’s lace wedding jacket to make a bespoke veil  - she dropped it off and said I trust you.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A vintage ceramic container filled with olives.

Favorite songs to listen to when working?

Anything ‘70s pop

A quote you live by

“We don’t see things as they are but as we are.” 

Do you have a favorite local store or business that you wish more people knew about?

It's incredible to be in the same building as The Mercantile! And I'm obsessed with Iris in Montclair. Jaime's curated collection of books is constantly changing, and she has the most fabulous journals and pens.