Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley Burgstiner.
Hi Carley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I was always taught to appreciate the simple things and to recognize what a blessing it is to grow up on the river. I’ve always loved the beauty of the coastal life here in Southeast Georgia. This love for our environment and surroundings have led me to take oyster shells that many people overlook and discard, and turn them into something beautiful.
I started selling oyster art in 2022 after a family friend of ours became very ill and sadly passed away, and we were trying to raise money to help cover hospital bills. That was around Christmas, and to my surprise, people absolutely loved the first ornaments I created. The response was overwhelming, and that’s really how Low Tide Oysters came to life. This Spring marks three years of officially being Low Tide Oysters, which is mind-blowing!
From there, I started doing local pop-up markets, which helped grow demand even more and get my work in front of new people. I also created Instagram and Facebook pages so people could follow along and stay up-to-date on what I was making. Eventually, I built a website, and now I’ve shipped orders all over the United States and have had some shells gifted around the world!
It’s funny looking back because I don’t know exactly where the oyster shell art idea first started, but I do know I’m incredibly grateful it did. It’s led me to where I am today as a business owner and entrepreneur, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey as a business owner has actually been pretty smooth overall, especially considering I started when I was just 15 years old with no real business experience. Of course, there have been a few bumps along the way, like last-minute orders, mishaps at pop-ups, supply delays, or small customer issues, but nothing too major. Each of those situations has been a learning experience, and they’ve helped me figure out how to prevent them in the future. It’s been a process of growing, figuring things out as I go, and continuing to improve along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of Low Tide Oysters. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I turn oyster shells into beautiful pieces of art, including trinket dishes, ornaments, wine stoppers, charcuterie boards- basically anything you can imagine! Over half of what I do is custom work, which is something I’m really proud of because it allows me to bring people’s ideas to life.
Custom pieces and attention to detail are what set me apart and what I’m definitely known for. A lot of the feedback I receive from customers highlights how detailed, clean, and polished my shells are compared to other oyster art companies. I often receive positive feedback about how affordable my prices are compared to other oyster companies and that I offer options to fit a variety of budgets. That level of care and thoughtfulness is something I really take pride in as a business owner. I’ve also had the opportunity to complete several large bulk orders for weddings, which has been such a meaningful part of my work. I really love working with brides and being part of such a special season in their lives.
I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business, and I never expected to start so young. Many people don’t realize how young I am, and I’m also still in school and working three other jobs, so my oyster art is something I do in my free time. Every order I receive means a lot to me, and I feel incredibly grateful to be trusted with bringing people’s ideas to life. What I want people to know most about Low Tide Oysters is that I take extra time working alone in my home with each shell to make sure it is beautiful, clean, and as close to perfect as I can get it.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out in business is to trust your gut, be smart, and try not to make rushed decisions. You’ll figure out what works best for you as you go, and you’ll definitely have your share of hiccups along the way. The important thing is to keep pushing through and not let negativity or doubt from others discourage you, but instead, lean into the people who support you, encourage you, and offer helpful advice and input.
There are definitely things I wish I had known when I first started, mostly on the more educational side of running a business. I understand more now that I am a college student learning about business. But for the most part, I’ve learned by taking it step by step, day by day, and continuing to grow, learn, and try new things as a business owner.
Pricing:
- Trinket Dishes start at $10
- Ornaments start at $14
- Reach out via social media or email to inquire about custom orders. I can literally do anything! Custom colleges, high schools, sentimental venue images, monograms, you name it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shoplowtideoysters.com
- Instagram: Username: @lowtideoysters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AN5PLFj7a/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok username: @lowtideoysters
Image Credits
Ana Colbert Photography
