Becca Stern, co-founder of Mustard, highlights the brand’s essence: a bond between sisters. Launched in 2018 alongside her sister Jess, Mustard combines Becca’s design skills and Jess’s fashion buying expertise. Becca’s background in design and working with small creative businesses, paired with Jess’s experience as a fashion buyer, created the perfect cooperation to turn Becca’s passion for vintage lockers into a global success.
The concept originated in 2016 during Jess’s visit to Becca in Australia, where Becca had moved in her early 20s. Living apart has defined their relationship throughout their entire adult lives, and the idea for Mustard emerged from a shared dream of starting a business that would bring them closer. During a beach walk, Becca’s frustration with the impracticality of vintage lockers sparked the idea. Within six months, they traveled to China, and six months later, Mustard premiered at a Sydney trade show, marking the beginning of their journey.
A Global Collaboration Across Time Zones
Living on opposite sides of the world, the sisters turned time zones into an advantage. Collaboration tools, world clocks, and meticulous planning ensure their teams stay aligned. Becca’s Monday morning is Jess’s Sunday afternoon, so they carefully manage their schedules to avoid disrupting personal time. This approach allows them to lead their teams seamlessly, keeping Mustard in constant motion.
Their product development is deliberate, with the Glass Collection taking nearly three years to complete. “We don’t do seasonal collections,” Becca notes. This thoughtful process reflects their commitment to quality and longevity, ensuring each piece aligns with their vision.
Design Meets Practicality
Mustard’s lockers merge nostalgia with functionality. This balance defines their designs, rooted in what they’d want in their own homes. Becca’s love for the timelessness and nostalgia of traditional lockers inspired their guiding principle: creating products that are both beautiful and functional.
The name “Mustard” reflects their brand philosophy. The name was chosen for its simplicity, memorability, and potential to grow into anything, with color playing a central role in their brand identity.
Future Plans for Mustard
While specifics remain undisclosed, Becca hints at upcoming projects. With accessories already introduced, their thoughtful approach ensures each new product aligns with their vision.
Mustard’s annual biggest sale is currently live, offering 25% off all items. As the brand expands, its foundation remains unchanged: a story of two sisters bridging distance through creativity and collaboration, proving that even the size of the planet can’t come between them.
