about the brand and founder
Hello friends, we're happy to see you here
Welcome to By Mae, a curated vintage shop where fashion and home decor lovers can find timeless treasures from all over the world. Our collection is an exquisite blend of unique pieces, each with its own story to tell.
Founded in 2025 by Maria Encalada, a former fashion & celebrity stylist and creative director, By Mae was born from Maria’s lifelong passion for collecting vintage. Though her love for vintage began long before her career in fashion, it truly flourished as she worked with the archives of renowned fashion houses and collaborated with small boutiques across Europe to source for her clients. Maria’s deep connection to both South America and Europe — where she spent much of her childhood — has greatly influenced her eye for design, combining diverse cultural influences with an appreciation for craftsmanship.
At By Mae, we believe that vintage is not only about the tangible beauty of objects, but also the sentimental value they carry. Our mission is to preserve these remarkable pieces from the past and give them a new lease on life. We see style and self-expression as powerful ways to connect with others, to honor our roots, and to fully embody the essence of who we are.
For us, style is about more than just fashion — it’s about how we feel, how we see ourselves, and how we introduce ourselves to the world. Whether it’s through a statement garment or a carefully selected decor piece, we believe that every item in our collection is an opportunity to connect with your true self.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope you find something here that speaks to you, and that helps tell your own unique story.
OUR VALUES
Sustainability & Shopping Responsibly
At By Mae, we believe in a sustainable future and that the best way forward is by shopping responsibly.
Did you know that fast fashion accounts for around 10% of the world’s carbon emissions? It's a major contributor to climate change. The production of textiles—especially synthetic materials like polyester—is energy-intensive and relies on fossil fuels, which leads to high carbon emissions.
Vintage shopping, however, is a much greener option. It requires less energy and resources than buying new clothes, which means fewer emissions. The fast fashion industry also generates massive waste, with much of its clothing ending up in landfills or being incinerated. This only worsens the impact on our planet.
When you shop for pre-loved items, whether fashion or home goods, you're not only making an environmentally-conscious choice, but you're also investing in higher-quality products. Vintage and antique pieces are often hand-sewn or custom-made, and they're crafted from exquisite, durable fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool. Furniture and housewares from the past were made with thought and care to stand the test of time.
These unique pieces have already lasted for generations, and with a little care, they can continue to do so. By choosing vintage, you're contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.
Our hope is to be part of the solution, and we invite you to join us, along with all other vintage businesses, in making a positive impact on the environment.
our belief
Vintage is kind of unique
What makes vintage fashion and home decor so special is its uniqueness. There’s something truly magical about building a closet or curating a home with rare, one-of-a-kind pieces that are hard to find elsewhere. Incorporating these items into your modern life adds a unique twist that simply can’t be replicated.
We believe vintage encourages thoughtfulness in how we choose to invest in pieces. Often, there’s only one available, making each item feel special. We’re not advocating for an entirely vintage wardrobe or home (unless that's your thing!), but we do believe that adding old and rare pieces helps us refine our personal style and understand what we truly gravitate towards. Vintage makes style more exciting, more defined, and more you.
Our promise
Fostering the next generation
As you enjoy your new find, please know that your support is also making a difference - a portion of your order’s proceeds will be donated to The Center for Arts Education dedicated to boosting children’s access to art. Your support not only helps preserve the beauty of the past but also nurtures the creativity of future generations.
