When the mood strikes you to enjoy a cup of (insert preferred hot beverage here), it’s always nice to reach for your favorite mug; a vessel that embodies YOU and your personality. Or maybe you’re just into the kitschy idea of using personalized mugs as planters, penholders, or ironically as a utensil for other things like measuring when baking or mixing up mocktails! Whatever may tickle your fancy, we think that this local concept might be the very hub to select a pick-me-up to make your days a little brighter.
Thought up by Middle School science teacher Lindsay and her Elementary school librarian pal Emily, The Glue is a small but mighty operation that produces the most original, entertaining and heartwarming mugs on this side of the Gulf. The co-founders of the concept, two Canadian expats, who happen to work at the same school, met teaching in Cairo nine years ago, and followed suit to form longtime homes in Kuwait. They describe their relationship to be one of sorority, and the idea behind The Glue embodies all that their friendship, their work, and their experiences in Kuwait stand for, and the endless cups of coffee sipped in between. And judging by their Instagram page, these mugs are what memories, bonds, and getting through the day consists of.
Where did the name “The Glue” come from?
We’d love to tell you that there is an inspiring story behind the name “The Glue”, but truthfully, that isn’t the case. We talked about it once, we slept on it, Lindsay suggested it, and we knew it was perfect! It was exactly what we needed to describe our little passion project. The Glue is what holds people together.
What was the inspiration behind The Glue’s inception?
The Glue sort of just happened, and we knew it was meant to be. We were having coffee, just the two of us, catching up and de-stressing after work one day, when the idea came to us as if it had been there all along. We wondered if anyone would ever want to buy our mugs. And with the help of a wonderful friend and mentor, a whirlwind of events has led us to where we are today. We feel so fortunate to be where we are today!
Where do you get the ideas from your slogans that you put on the mugs?
We are fortunate to live in a community that inspires us. We draw on both our own experiences and those of our “Kuwait Family” to generate ideas. We get inspiration from the young fashionistas, the working parents, the cat-lovers, and all of the other amazing people that we come across from day-to-day. If something strikes us as wonderful, we design it, and if we both feel passionately about it, then it’s a winner!
Are the designs on the mugs made by you, or are they customizable?
Although we’ve received many requests for customized mugs, we’ve chosen to stay true to the designs that speak to us. As best friends-turned sisters, we want The Glue to be fueled by the same passion that led to its creation.
Are all the mugs a black and white scheme, or do patrons have choices with different colors and patterns?
All of our mugs (and Instagram pictures!) are black and white, designed to simplify the bonding experience that happens with a hot drink in hand. The color comes from the conversations that start after sip number one!
Do you have future plans for a physical location or stocking in a store in Kuwait?
We are excited to share that our mugs will be available soon at Artspace! In addition to our usual collection, Artspace will feature some exclusive designs for the creative coffee drinker.
Do you deliver worldwide, or is this a Kuwait exclusive operation?
Although our mugs can be found in coffee and tea nooks around the globe, we don’t ship worldwide yet. However, we look forward to navigating these waters in the future.
Any plans for other merchandise other than mugs?
We feel passionate about our company’s mission and so any additional merchandise would have to fall in line with what we believe as a duo. We have ideas in our hearts, so stay tuned!
Follow The Glue on Instagram @thegluekw, and contact them for orders via WhatsApp at 9221 5410.
