Small Business Love: Mustard Seed Tees

I absolutely love getting to share small businesses that are built on faith, motherhood, and obedience to God’s calling. Mustard Seed Tees is one of those businesses that immediately felt special to me, not just because of the products, but because of the heart behind them. This mama-owned business is run by Katelyn Guzman, and her story is one I know that so many of us can relate to.

How Mustard Seed Tees Began

Katelyn became a first-time mom right in the middle of the pandemic, a season that felt heavy and isolating for so many. Not long after, her family caught the virus that everyone was talking about. While her little boy made it through just fine by God’s grace, she began noticing changes in his skin days later. Outfits he once loved suddenly became uncomfortable. Like any mom, she adjusted. She swapped clothes for softer, gentler fabrics, anything that would bring her son comfort. But at the time, comfort often meant sacrificing style.

At the same time, Katelyn was navigating loneliness as a stay-at-home mom. Many of the friendships she thought were solid weren’t rooted in faith. Talking about Jesus made her feel small, like she had to quiet the very thing that brought her peace, even though she felt a constant tug on her heart to be bolder.

A Mustard Seed of an Idea

That same year, her family went on a cruise. Her son lit up every time that he found a rubber duck hidden by other passengers; some even had little notes attached. That simple joy sparked an idea. What if those ducks carried messages of faith?

Katelyn already had rubber ducks sitting unused at home, so she started creating “Good News Ducks,” each one holding a message of hope. People loved them. They spread smiles, joy, and the Gospel. And then came the nudge from God: Don’t play small. The ducks were just the beginning.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Mustard Seed Tees comes from Katelyn’s love for the book of Matthew, particularly the verse about faith as small as a mustard seed. It perfectly reflects her heart and her mission, trusting God to grow something meaningful from obedience, even when it starts small.

Faith at the Center

Katelyn describes herself simply as a follower of Jesus, and I love that so much. She grew up in a home where faith looked different depending on the room, Baptist, Catholic, Mormon, and for a long time felt pressure to “pick a side.” But God met her with a simple truth: Why choose a religion when all you really want is to follow Jesus?

Her grandmother played a huge role in helping her understand that religion is a human construct, but Jesus is personal. Jesus doesn’t ask for perfection or labels, He just says, “Come as you are.” That heart is woven into every piece she creates.

Products Made with Moms (and Kids) in Mind

Everything Mustard Seed Tees sells is made with cotton or bamboo, with a few heather blends kept around only because her son loves those colors (which made me smile). Katelyn strives for eco-friendly, sustainably sourced products; and if her three sons don’t like it, it doesn’t get sold. Period. I love that her boys are involved in the business and keep her on her toes. It feels very real, very mom-run, and very intentional.

My Personal Experience

I received a few items that I have absolutely been loving. I got a tumbler/sipper that I use for my iced coffees and the butterflies on it are such a sweet little reminder of faith. I also got a “Jesus Is My Jam” shirt for my toddler that he loves wearing and we have gotten so many compliments on it already.

I got a “Fueled by Jesus, Coffee, and Nap Time” shirt for myself and it is SO comfy. I purposely went with an oversized fit and I am obsessed with it. My husband actually loves the color on me too which is always a bonus. The oversized fit was especially nice while my body has been healing postpartum because it feels comfortable without being restrictive.

One of my favorite little things though is the window cling I put on my car window. When the sunlight shines through my windshield, little rainbows reflect down on me while I drive. It is in a spot that does not block my vision at all, just the cutest little reminder throughout the day.

I also ordered a custom shirt from her at a very reasonable price; it was a Christmas gift for my husband, and he was very pleased. I especially loved being able to customize a Comfort Colors shirt, which is always a win in my book. Worth checking out for Father’s Day coming up!

As a mom, I really appreciate businesses that prioritize comfort without sacrificing quality or message; and Mustard Seed Tees does exactly that. Mustard Seed Tees is more than apparel. It’s faith lived out in everyday moments: in motherhood, in obedience, and in being bold enough to share Jesus without apology.