The Story of Little Fish BOATEAK

Little Fish BOATEAK began humbly in a one-car garage with just $500 and a big idea. While working in interior design, I watched beautiful fabric sample books and rope trims get tossed aside once they were no longer needed. Instead of seeing waste, I saw possibility—and imagined a jewelry line built from these rich textiles and unexpected materials.

With no formal training in metalsmithing, I turned to YouTube to teach myself how to hammer and shape metal, experimenting until I developed a signature technique: carefully wiring fabric into sculptural forms, often shaped like sails catching the wind—an homage to the water and coastal life that inspire everything I create.

The name Little Fish is deeply personal. I am constantly inspired by my "little fish," my daughters Woodley and Willa, whose creativity, curiosity, and spirit are woven into every collection. With steady encouragement from my husband Bill, I continued to grow—expanding designs, refining collections, and trusting my instincts.

Today, Little Fish BOATEAK has grown far beyond that one-car garage. Approximately 75% of our collection is still handcrafted in my home studio on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. As the business has evolved, so has the collection. Alongside my handcrafted designs, I've expanded to include select pieces created in collaboration with trusted production partners, as well as a small number of thoughtfully curated pieces from artisans and makers whose quality, craftsmanship, and timeless coastal style beautifully complement the Little Fish brand. 

Every piece—whether handcrafted, collaboratively created, or thoughtfully curated—is personally designed or selected with the same goal: to create beautiful, classic jewelry inspired by coastal living that you'll love wearing for years to come. I never want anyone to feel disappointed or misled, so if you're ever unsure how a particular piece is made, please reach out. I'll always be happy to tell you whether it was handcrafted in my studio or sourced as part of one of my curated collections.

We are still a small, family-run business. I personally design every collection, create our handcrafted pieces, and carefully curate every item we offer. My husband helps with packaging and shipping, my girls occasionally lend a hand, and my father still picks up a hammer from time to time.

Please keep this in mind—we are not a large corporation. When you reach out, you're communicating directly with me, and every order is handled with genuine care, gratitude, and intention.

Thank you for supporting our family's dream and allowing Little Fish BOATEAK to be a small part of your story.

xo, lissy