Meet Alexandra Tabry | Small Business Owner & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Tabry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
So before I actually started my company, I ordered a bunch of cleaned oyster shells off Etsy to make a gift for my sister. I had 74 shells left over and decided to hop on Pinterest and get some ideas and inspiration. I began decoupaging and handpainting shells as gifts for friends, and when I got amazing feedback, a lightbulb went off–start your own small biz! Thus Nauti by Nature Design was born. After that batch of shells was all used up, I started asking for to-go boxes for the oysters I ate at restaurants. I watched servers dumping tray after tray of oyster shells into the trash and realized how much waste we as humans produce. So I thought, why not ask restaurants if I can collect the shells to use myself? I’ve never had a restaurant turn me down (though I do get some weird looks sometimes). My goal for Nauti is not only to create unique pieces of art for people to enjoy in their homes but also to reduce just a little part of human waste and upcycle the shells so they can be put back into the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I primarily create home decor using nothing but upcycled oyster shells. I make trinket dishes, blessing beads, napkin rings, shadow boxes, picture frames, and candles. For the trinket dishes, I primarily decoupage but love hand painting when time allows (or if requested!). I also make name cards (out of oysters) for weddings upon request. That is probably one of my favorite things I do!

I think what sets me apart from others is two things–for one, I collect all the shells I use from restaurants and spend about two days cleaning batches containing anywhere from 300-600 oyster shells. It’s a long process, but it feels good to know I’m doing my part in reducing waste. Another thing that I believe sets me apart from others is my tedious and precise tendencies to perfect everything I do. I am careful in my application of gold leaf and calligraphy, ensuring each item is absolutely perfect before it goes out into the world. Oh, and one more thing–this is a side job for me (for now, at least). I am a third-grade teacher, girls lacrosse coach, and a health coach, too!

I got to where I am today through lots and lots of hard work. I definitely can’t say it’s been easy balancing teaching, Nauti, social life…all the works. Through trial and LOTS of error, I’ve learned to manage my time better so I can still spend time with family and friends but get to all my obligations. It’s a work in progress and probably always will be!

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that if it doesn’t get done, it doesn’t get done. And that’s OK. I am a major perfectionist and always feel the need to make sure everything is above and beyond, but that being said, it affects my stress levels in the worst way possible. I’ve learned not to overpromise and be proud of what I HAVE accomplished. and that everything always turns out just fine. I’ve been enjoying the ride and taking everything in as a learning experience!

Besides upcycling oyster shells, Nauti uses sustainable packaging as much as possible. I also offer customization on just about every product–all you have to do is ask! I’m always up for a challenge or new idea.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Where wouldn’t I take them?! I love my city more than anything! Ok, week-long itinerary…daytime, we would definitely be at the beach almost every day. My favorite beach is the jetties off the port (it was my high school hangout and an amazing semi-private beach). We’d hit some local shops and boutiques like the Wander Shop, Briney Boutique, and Haute and Honey. We would also grab coffee at Cyth & Co and the Alchemist! For brunch, I would definitely go to Top Hat Deli or Boatyard.

Dinner is a tough one. There are just too many great restaurants here! First stop would be Southport Raw Bar to show off our local culture. I can’t get enough of this place. We would also go to Quvo for Taco Tuesday, Coconuts for dinner with the best view, Billy Jacks for burgers, Phat Boy for sushi, and Casa Sensei for the best Asian Fusion in town.

For drinks, definitely Rhythm & Vine (love that I can take my pup there too!). Invasive Species is my favorite brewery, so we’d go there too. I really don’t drink too too much, but El Camino on Las Olas is always a good time! Oh…and Elbo Room is a must if it was my friend’s first time here. Gotta have the full Ft. Lauderdale experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Melissa Kolos of Mermaid and Me. She is just a gem of a human with the biggest heart and is such an inspiration to me!

Website: www.nautibynaturedesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nautibynaturedesign/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nautibynaturedesign/