Check Out Renee Fabrikant’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Fabrikant.

Renee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Raised on Tybee Island, Georgia, I’m Renee Fabrikant – an artist, preservationist, and lifelong lover of the coastal South. My custom oyster shell décor is more than home décor; it’s a tribute to the tides, textures, and traditions of the Lowcountry. Each oyster shell is handpicked by me (and occasionally my sister) from the riverbanks surrounding Tybee Island, selected for its natural beauty, character, and story.

My journey began organically: collecting shells with my daughter on beach walks and transforming those treasures into meaningful pieces for our home. What started as a creative outlet soon evolved into a small business rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and Southern hospitality.

My background in historic home restoration has also shaped my aesthetic. Several homes I restored on Tybee Island received preservation awards, with one featured on the TODAY Show and another showcased on the Tybee Tour of Homes. As I filled those spaces with my shell art, I discovered the deep connection people felt to pieces that reflected the beauty and spirit of coastal life.

That same love for Tybee Island inspired my daughter, Ramsey Allen, and me to create Shoppe Tybee Island. Combining her creative vision as a SCAD graduate with my passion for art and design, we created a coastal lifestyle brand born from generations of memories on the island. For me, Tybee was home. For Ramsey, it became the place where so many of our favorite family memories were made. Together, we wanted to create something that captures the warmth, beauty, and timeless spirit of the island we both love.

Whether creating handcrafted oyster shell décor or designing collections for Shoppe Tybee Island, the same care, craftmanship, and love for the Georgia Coast are the heart of everything I do. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted, grounded in tradition, and inspired by the beauty and charm of coastal living.

For me, every shell tells a story, and every creation is inspired by the place I have always called home. My hope is that each piece celebrates the beauty of the coastal South and becomes part of the memories families create for generations to come.

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?
Like anything worthwhile, building this dream has taken hard work, perseverance, and the belief that everything unfolds in its own time. There have been challenges along the way, but I’ve always felt that if you follow your heart and are willing to put in the work, anything is possible. Creating something I truly love and knowing it will become part of someone’s home is the greatest reward of all.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, I’m inspired by the beauty and charm of the coastal South. I create handcrafted oyster shell décor and coastal collections that celebrate the places and memories people hold dear. Every shell tells a story, and every piece is thoughtfully designed by hand to bring a little piece of the coast into your home.

What I’m most proud of is creating work that becomes part of people’s lives – from celebrating special occasions to becoming cherished pieces passed down through generations. I also love preserving the history and character of the coast, whether through restoring historic cottages or creating art inspired by the place I’ve always called home. My hope is that every piece reflects the beauty and spirit of coastal living.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is family, friendships, and creating a life I truly love. Building Shoppe Tybee Island with my daughter has been a dream come true. Sharing what we create and seeing others connect with it is so rewarding. Our hope is that our work brings a little piece of Tybee Island into their hearts and homes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shellmeaboutit.com and www.shoppetybeeisland.com
• Instagram: @renee_fabrikant ; @shopetybeeisland
• Facebook: Shoppe Tybee Island ; Renee Fabrikant