Meet Katherine Underwood | Teal Heron, Owner

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

Hi Katherine, every day, we talk about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I created Teal Heron to find a true work-life balance as a mom, but the real spark behind it came from my lifelong passions for fishing and fashion. Growing up, I spent countless days saltwater fishing with my father and two sisters. When I wasn’t outdoors, I was sketching fashion designs—everything from clothes and jewelry to shoes. Thirty years later, I’m thrilled to be living out those childhood dreams.

I wanted to bring my passions together in a unique way, blending luxury jewelry and accessories with an outdoor, nature-inspired touch. After brainstorming what that might look like, I knew I had to create Teal Heron. I reached out to friends and family in the jewelry industry (since I already knew the fishing side!) to learn the ins and outs. They shared their wisdom, including the challenges I’d face, but I was ready to take them on.

Now, 1.5 years in, I’m still learning and designing, all while raising two boys! I’m excited to show you the new pieces we’re working on and share the journey of Teal Heron as it continues to grow.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Teal Heron stands apart by combining precious metals with sustainably sourced and invasive leather from a variety of fish, such as Mahi, Flounder, and Stingray. This fusion of materials results in distinctive jewelry and accessories that honor both nature and craftsmanship. Our pieces, including intricate designs encircled with fish leather and eyes, offer a unique aesthetic rarely seen in traditional jewelry.

What we are most proud of is the ability to tell a story through each piece. Every item reflects my personal experiences and stories, which I infuse into my designs, allowing customers to wear something that carries emotional and symbolic weight. This is what excites me the most—the connection between beauty, nature, and individual expression. Our tagline is “Connect with nature no matter where you are” and I think that sums up our brand.

Starting and growing Teal Heron has been a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey. My love for the outdoors began when I was a toddler when my father taught me about fishing. That passion has stayed with me throughout my life, and it led to my role at Shimano North America Fishing, where I realized I could turn my love for the outdoors into a career.

While working there, I became pregnant, and my priorities shifted. I wanted to be at home with my children, but I also needed a creative outlet that allowed me to pursue my passion. That’s when Teal Heron was born. Balancing work and family life has been the most challenging aspect of this journey, and it’s something I’m still learning to navigate every day.

Also, Charleston, SC, with its rich artistic and cultural history, offered inspiration but also a competitive environment. There were challenges in trying to keep everything made in the USA yet still make it affordable and creating something that felt truly one-of-a-kind. However, each challenge became an opportunity for learning.

Patience, perseverance, and dedication to craftsmanship helped me overcome hurdles, and now I look back with pride on how far we’ve come. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to your vision while embracing the unexpected—whether it’s a design that evolves naturally, the direction for the business, or the people who help bring it all to life.

I’m particularly proud of our recent partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium, where a portion of our proceeds goes to supporting their Good Catch Program. Giving back to the community is something that’s very important to us, and we’re honored to contribute to the conservation efforts that align so closely with our values.

Teal Heron isn’t just a jewelry brand; it’s a celebration of nature and individuality. Each piece is handcrafted with care and attention to detail, and we take great pride in the sustainability and artistry behind our designs. Whether it’s our women’s collection of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets or our men’s line of bow ties, cuff links, and cigar holders, every product reflects the beauty of nature both on land and under the sea.

We want the world to know that we believe in the power of thoughtful, handcrafted design that tells a story and connects people with nature in a unique and meaningful way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Charleston for a week, I’d want to show them all of the charm that this city has to offer, starting with how Charleston was built—from the sea! I’d start with a boat ride around the harbor, taking in Fort Sumter and giving them the chance to see the city’s historic charm from the water. There’s something special about seeing Charleston’s skyline from a boat. Next, we’d head to some of my favorite spots for food and drinks. We’d start with my staple, a Moscow Mule at Rarebit, followed by a stop at the bar at Husk for their famous burger. For an authentic Lowcountry seafood experience, we’d go to Bowen’s Island for some traditional fried seafood, and another day visit Hank’s Seafood for Tuna Tartare. I’d also make sure we drop by Tavern & Table on Shem Creek to take in the atmosphere, and maybe check out a few local dive bars to keep things relaxed and fun.

Of course, we couldn’t miss spending some time at the beach. Whether it’s relaxing at Folly Beach or Sullivan’s, we’d soak up the sun and enjoy the coastal vibe (plus Poe’s Tavern is also delicious). We’d also take a trip to the iconic Angel Oak tree—it’s a must-see when you’re in the area! And maybe hit up some local galleries, shop King Street, or even head out for an upland hunt, depending on who it was that visited. And most importantly, I’d make sure they spent time with my friends and family, because the people here truly make Charleston feel like home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, many people encouraged me to start Teal Heron. First and foremost, my husband, Justin, has been my biggest supporter. When I was pregnant with our second child, I told him, “Babe, I think I’m going to start a new business—a jewelry company inspired by fish.” He replied, “Whatever you need to do, that’s fine by me” (plus, I think he knew better than to argue with a pregnant woman!). He’s been instrumental in the logistics and even designed our most popular piece, the Savannah Hoop Earring.

I also had invaluable support from a couple of my jewelry friends, Casey and Lyndsay, who helped me learn the ins-and-outs of working with precious metals. They taught me about sterling silver, casting, molding, pricing, and more. Then there’s Marcus, an avid outdoorsman and entrepreneur, who gave me the big push I needed. One day, he told me to take the leap and helped me understand the financial side of the business, which was a game-changer. And finally, there’s Jeannie, who has been by my side helping me behind the scenes in countless ways—I couldn’t do this without her. And now we have Maggie, who helps create such beautiful pieces with me—we couldn’t do this without her and she is now part of the family.

When it comes to taking risks, I’ve never been one to shy away. Both my parents owned their own businesses, and growing up, I saw both the highs and lows. Watching their entrepreneurial journey inspired me to follow in their footsteps, and I’m grateful for the foundation they provided.

Website: https://www.tealheron.com

Instagram: @tealheron

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teal-heron

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

Image Credits
Valerie Joy @servedinawinkphotography