Today we’d like to introduce you to Mabelle Ashe.
Hi Mabelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming the owner of Abrakadoodle North County Coastal San Diego may seem like an unexpected pivot, but in many ways, it feels like the culmination of everything I’ve been passionate about throughout my life. For over two decades, I built my career in the biotechnology industry as a technical marketing leader, helping bring innovative, groundbreaking life science technologies and assay platforms to researchers around the world. I earned my Ph.D. in Cell & Developmental Biology from Vanderbilt University Medical School and completed postdoctoral research studying tumor suppressor mechanisms at The Scripps Research Institute.
My work in the life sciences industry centered around understanding the needs of scientists and creating strategic programs that empowered discovery and innovation in fields like molecular biology, biologics, and cell therapy. While my professional path was rooted in science and technology, creativity, mentorship, and education were always deeply woven into who I am. Growing up in South America within a multicultural family, I developed an early appreciation for art, storytelling, and cultural significance and traditions. I became fascinated by indigenous pottery, textiles, silversmithing, and artisan crafts, not only for their beauty, but for the stories and heritage they preserved. Art became a lens through which I understood people, history, and human connection. It also became a link and a source of pride for my culture and heritage.
That passion followed me throughout my life. Whether volunteering as a teacher’s assistant during college and graduate school, mentoring young scientists, serving on DEI councils, leading literacy initiatives like “STEM is Lit,” or volunteering extensively in my children’s schools as an Art Mom, at Father Joe’s Village, through National Charity League with my daughter in tow, or as a canine foster, I was consistently drawn toward creating opportunities for learning, creativity, and self-expression. Community involvement has always been important to me, and I’ve looked for ways to combine my passions for education, mentorship, art, and service into meaningful impact.
Over time, I began reflecting on what I wanted the next chapter of my career to look like. After years in corporate leadership roles, I realized I wanted to build something more personal, community-centered, and purpose-driven, something that aligned not only with my professional strengths, but also with my soul, my core values.
When I discovered Abrakadoodle, the connection felt immediate. I was deeply inspired by its philosophy that art should be a safe space for creativity, exploration, and individuality, especially in a world that can often feel overly-structured and performance-driven for children. I love that Abrakadoodle combines creativity with education and STEAM learning while also exposing students to multicultural art, art history, and diverse artistic traditions from around the world. It aligned perfectly with both my personal values and my lifelong passions.
My background in biotechnology may seem very different from owning an arts education franchise, but the transition actually felt quite natural. At the core, both careers are about inspiring curiosity and innovation, empowering people, and helping others discover their potential. In science, I helped researchers advance discoveries that could change lives. Through Abrakadoodle, I now help children, families, adults, and seniors discover confidence, creativity, wellness and joy through art.
Today, as Owner and Educational Director of Abrakadoodle North County Coastal San Diego, I’m passionate about bringing out everyone’s inner Picasso through high-quality, standards-based visual arts education. I am so excited to bring our program to our community through classes, camps, workshops, special events, and school partnerships. I believe art education is more important than ever, especially as many schools and art programs continue to face cuts in arts funding. Families are seeking enriching experiences that nurture creativity, emotional expression, critical thinking, and imagination. I’m proud that Abrakadoodle helps fill that need while creating joyful, engaging experiences for students of all ages.
This pivot was not about leaving science behind, it was about bringing together every part of who I am: scientist, educator, mentor, creative thinker, community advocate, and entrepreneur. Abrakadoodle represents the intersection of all of those passions, and I truly believe it is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many enrichment and educational businesses, one of the biggest challenges has been building community awareness and establishing partnerships while launching a new brand presence in a highly competitive market. Arts education programs are often viewed as “nice to have” rather than essential, particularly as schools and community organizations face tight budgets, staffing limitations, and funding cuts.
Another challenge has been navigating the operational side of scaling a service-based business — building schedules across multiple locations, recruiting and training high-quality instructors who align with Abrakadoodle’s premium standards, and balancing growth while maintaining a high-quality customer experience.
However, these challenges have also reinforced the strong demand for enriching, creative programming in the community. Families, schools, and community centers increasingly recognize the importance of art as a tool for creativity, confidence-building, emotional expression, and STEAM learning, which continues to validate the mission and long-term opportunity for Abrakadoodle.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Abrakadoodle is a STEAM-based visual arts education program that has been sparking creativity for all ages since 2002. Abrakadoodle offers engaging art classes, themed workshops, camps, and special art events for children, teens, and adults. Voted “Best Art Class to Inspire Your Child’s Inner Picasso,” the program has inspired more than one million participants worldwide through high-quality art education aligned with the National Standards for the Visual Arts.
At Abrakadoodle, creativity meets exploration. Participants dive into the elements of art and principles of design while working with a wide variety of materials, tools, and techniques—sometimes traditional, sometimes unexpected, but always engaging. Along the way, artists learn about master and contemporary creators, build art vocabulary, and are encouraged to experiment, problem-solve, and develop their own creative style. Led by enthusiastic, well-trained instructors, Abrakadoodle classes are hands-on, confidence-building, and occasionally a little messy—but always joyful and inspiring!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Likes: Learning, all types of arts (visual and performing – plays, musicals, dance, museums, cinema, you name it!), nature, water, animals, travel, adventure, food
Dislikes: Boredom, close-mindedness
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.abrakadoodle.com/ca-north-county-coastal-san-diego/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrakadoodlesandiegocoastal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbrakadoodleSanDiegoCoastal
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mabelle-ashe-5938229/
