People usually start their days with a cup of coffee or tea — and they would certainly enjoy their hot beverage more from a creatively designed cup.
MagiCup is a mug-designing Instagram store. It offers cups with various designs, colors and sizes, magic cups that change color with heat, and travel mugs.
It was established in May 2018. Customers can customize their own cups with their desired designs.
The co-owner of the store, Futoon Saif, explained the inspiration behind creating the store from her background in interior design.
“When I was a student in the interior design field, I realized how good designs have an affect on our lives; they affect everything around us, even the small products we use daily like mugs.
“Me and my partner Majed started MagiCup because we know how lovely it is for people to start their morning with their favorite cup that is designed.”
She said that mugs will always sell no matter what. “We choose to design cups because these are the things that are never going to be replaced by technology, and people for sure won’t stop using cups, so we want to keep on making wonderful designs for people to start their days with.”
Designing mugs is quite a process.
“In the beginning, we start by deciding which kind of mug we are going to use, the normal sized or small sized one, or the travel mug. After that, we start making the design that is going to be printed on the mug, and when we finish the design we create a mock-up for it to make sure it’s going to look good. The last step is that we print the design on a custom paper and print it on the mug itself.”
MagiCup wants to expand its reach and become a global online store.
“We will not open a physical store, but our store is going to be an online store that will serve you much better than a physical one. It is also an advantage that we make our store come to you rather than you come to it.”
She explained the connection the designs on the cups have with their owners. “I learned that designing is storytelling and I just want to make our clients day happy by designing their stories on their lovely cups.”
Saif said that MagiCup strives to achieve customer satisfaction.
“We take our customer’s idea and add our own twist to it. Even if it was a ready-made picture or design, we adjust it, consult and follow up with the customer,” she said.
Start-up of the Week: MagiCup aims to become a global online store
Start-up of the Week: MagiCup aims to become a global online store
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah
- From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning
With cooler breezes and clear skies, a seaside brunch feels especially fitting in Jeddah.
Over the weekend, I visited Maritime at The Jeddah Edition, which offers an international open-buffet brunch on Saturdays, accompanied by views of the Red Sea from the yacht club side.
The salad bar was thoughtfully curated. Standout items included quinoa tabbouleh, smoked salmon with sour cream and capers, and a pesto chicken salad that had a refreshing balance of flavors. It made for a light and enjoyable side.
The main buffet featured a varied selection. The beef tagine with plums impressed with its balance of sweetness and depth, while the Indian tandoori chicken served with spiced rice delivered bold, comforting flavors. A mushroom pasta was appealing in both aroma and presentation.
From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning.
Dessert was a highlight. The spread included an international mix of cakes, mini mille-feuille, tarts and Middle Eastern sweets.
The chocolate ganache tart was rich and indulgent, alongside an Italian-style cream brulee with a coffee twist that stood out for its depth of flavor. The red berries mille-feuille offered a pleasing contrast of crisp pastry and creamy filling, pairing well with a cortado.
The ambience at Maritime is relaxed and inviting.
Outdoor seating offers sunset sea views with live guitar and saxophone performances, while indoor seating provides a quieter but equally comfortable setting. Earthy tones, wooden finishes, greenery and rounded furnishings create a warm atmosphere.
The brunch is priced at SR250 ($67) per person. For more information, visit Instagram @maritimejeddah.
