Lissy Rawl: Little Fish Boateak
Image from Southern Lady Magazine
There is nothing “little” about Lissy Rawl’s artistic talent and her Lowcountry-inspired studio: the “Little Fish Boateak.” She has accomplished much—professionally and personally—in her 10 years of building her brand and product line. In an interview with Binya, she shared her advice for female entrepreneurs like herself who are balancing life, family, and owning a very hands-on, handcrafted business.
Q: You describe yourself as a perfectionist—which seems to be a prerequisite for entrepreneurs like yourself. What would you say to all the perfectionists out there starting a small business?
A: I find more of my perfectionism trying to come out when it comes to all the details that are involved when creating and designing my jewelry pieces. Each piece takes a considerable amount of time and needs to be of a certain quality. I realize everything will never be perfect. And when wearing so many different hats as a small business owner sometimes I've learned that I just must let some things evolve which can lead to an unexpected successful result.
Q: What inspires your designs?
A: It can be from life on the water with the smells coming off the waves or sailboats floating by leading to nautical navy and stripes. Or a simple stroll through Charleston with soft jasmine breezes leading to more feminine classics incorporating timeless pearls. An actual feeling plays into each design, and I try to capture this with a classic and laid-back luxury style.
Q: What can people look forward to this coming fall?
A: My workbench is currently loaded up with paints, rope, fabric, beads, wire, chain, shells, pearls, and all things texture! Basically, you name a material and I want to create something with it! I am in my element when it comes to the design phase of my business. I am currently painting designs and patterns on canvas that will be printed into fabrics for my fall collection, and I am continuing to pursue my ultimate goal of incorporating my own patterns and painting into other products such as candles and gifts.
Q: You have talked about the power of slowing down as a business owner and really being intentional. You have also recently discovered yoga. What role does mindfulness play in your success?
A: I have been slowing down to give myself more time to design and get back to why I started little fish BOATEAK. I have been focusing on reducing the stress and pressure that is involved in owning your own business and have been taking more time to find my happiness through meditation, yoga, reading, and volunteering. Yoga has been one incredible tool I have found in recent months at Jiva that is almost like a brain massage.
Q: You have two daughters. What have they learned from you about resiliency, entrepreneurship, and allowing themselves to be creative?
A: My girls were one of the main drives behind creating the brand. I am teaching them like they are starting from scratch just as I did. Everything from their business plan, pillars, branding, marketing, cash flow, packaging, design, suppliers, shipping, etc.
Q: What is one takeaway you would like people to know about the little fish BOATEAK’s journey?
A: Owning a small business can be hard. I have learned and continue to learn so much along the way. I wouldn't change any of the challenges or failures because they always seem to lead me to one of my biggest "aha" moments. I absolutely love creating and feel so lucky I get to design for a living.