Occupation: Christian Bookstore Owner
Husband: David
Children: Alyse, 23; Kinsey, 17; and Gavin, 13
Hobbies: Reading, working out, and watching movies
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
For Tessa Mahler, this verse is more than a favorite—it’s the foundation of her life, parenting, and business. As the owner of the Christian bookstore The Vine, Tessa has created a space where others can encounter Jesus. Fueled by lots of coffee and even more Jesus, she navigates wearing many hats by setting boundaries and giving herself grace to grow.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL MORNING LIKE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?
TESSA: None of us are morning people—I take that back, my husband is the only morning person—but during school hours, we literally fall out of bed and just try to get there as fast as we can. During the summer, my house is quiet until 11. You know, having teenagers, they sleep in. My morning rituals really just include lots of coffee and lots of Jesus.
CAN YOU SHARE A PARENTING MOMENT THAT MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?
TESSA: This one’s kind of a running joke in our household. When my son was a toddler, he went everywhere in a costume, and he had a T-ball game when he was three, and he refused to go on the field without his Spider-Man mask. So, amazing mom I am, I let him, and of course, the pictures are just a running joke in our family to this day.
WHAT’S A PIECE OF PARENTING ADVICE YOU RECEIVED THAT TRULY RESONATED WITH YOU?
TESSA: Someone recently just helped me understand that we can’t save our kids from their testimony, that sometimes we try to over parent and tie every situation in a pretty little bow, and sometimes we just have to step back, let them fail, let them process things however they can, and always be there to catch them.
WHAT VALUES OR LIFE LESSONS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO PASS ON TO YOUR KIDS?
TESSA: To always be true to who they are, don’t let the world change them, and to always treat people with kindness even when they don’t deserve it. Those are lessons I’m still trying to learn today.
WHAT PART OF PARENTING SURPRISED YOU THE MOST—GOOD OR BAD?
TESSA: Just having a tight village and healthy environments for my kids really matter. When they fall, they need to. They need more than just parents to pick them up; they need good friends and mentors.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE INEVITABLE CHAOS THAT COMES WITH PARENTING?
TESSA: I wish I could tell you that it was always with calmness and patience, but it’s more like mistakes and apologies. I can process progress.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS, AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
TESSA: God placed this dream on my heart to create a space where people can encounter Jesus through his love and through books. What keeps me going is knowing that it’s bigger than me. It’s a ministry, not just a business.
HAVE YOUR CHILDREN INFLUENCED ANY ASPECTS OF YOUR BUSINESS?
TESSA: Absolutely, I think about what kind of world I want them to grow up in, and that impacts everything from the vibe in the store to the types of books we stock. They’re a big part of my why. It’s been really sweet to see my teenage daughter and her friends just hanging out in the store, drinking coffee and feeling the presence
of Jesus.
WHAT’S A CHALLENGE YOU FACED AS A MOMPRENEUR?
TESSA: Balancing time has been really hard for me. It’s hard to feel like you’re giving enough to your business and your family. I have to learn to give myself grace and set realistic boundaries. I’m not the best at delegating and asking for help, but I do have the most amazing employees and friends who help me balance that.
ANY TIPS FOR MOMS LOOKING TO VENTURE INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP?
TESSA: Don’t wait for the perfect timing. It doesn’t exist. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and remember your why when things get tough.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR PRE-MOM SELF?
TESSA: You don’t always have to have the house perfectly clean or the perfect dinner on the table. The kids want Chick fil A anyway! Create a welcoming space for your kids and their friends. That’s where all the memories are made. Oh, and if you have the good snacks, the kids will come.
Rapid-Fire Questions
Favorite date night…always a dinner. Ruth’s Chris is my favorite.
One word that best describes your family…fun.
Favorite movie or television show…Sweet Home Alabama.
Favorite food…pasta.
Hidden Talent…karaoke…even though I have no talent.
Book you’re reading right now…Gently and Lowly by Dane Ortland.
