Our Story

Who We Are

Hey there! We are Maria and Andrew, co-founders of ShapeShifter Fish and Friends. We're so glad you have decided to pursue this friendship, and hope you will follow us on this journey, because you can never have too many friends. Our story begins in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida...

I (Maria) am the creative engineer, and have a background in advertising and design. Andrew is the motivator and voice of reason, with a background in science, and tests our local water here in Tampa Bay. Our perfect blend of art and science tends to generate interesting conversations, inventions, and new business ideas (that Andrew normally reels us back in on!)

The brand ShapeShifter Fish and Friends began from our love of being outdoors, fishing, and many talks about our childhoods and how life is so different now for kids. We had a couple different ideas floating around, but the ShapeShifter Fish and Friends concept was one we kept building momentum off of. The Trout was the first design (actually a concept for a completely different project!), and it inspired me to just start shifting shapes to create new animals. Now our library of fish and friends continues to grow, with over 20 available for purchase.

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The Brand

Friendship is the foundation of a healthy childhood, successful partnerships and thriving communities. No matter what shape, color, or size, we all desire the same thing, and that is to be a part of something. To not be alone. To have fun, to be curious, to be creative, and to connect with one another! Our minimal, yet abstract designs, are created to make you curious, generate conversation, and inspire connection.

Some people think our shirts are just for kids, but we just focused on school-age kids for launch. They are the most bullied age group, and we really want to help spread the message that friends come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. However, this is something WE ALL can take value from, no matter our age. We now offer adult sizes, so our fish and friends' designs can be sported by everyone. Plus, we chose UPF50+ fabric so you can wear them outside, where many friendships are established and nurtured!

But being outdoors means concerns for sun protection, and all the germs and bacteria that is unavoidable as we perspire and explore the earth's playground. Our line features an activewear long sleeve shirt, built in with not only UPF50+ sun protection, but also antimicrobial technology to prevent bacteria growth. As an added bonus, it stops the fabric from developing odors! Every shirt includes:

  • Fabric: chemical-free UV blocking technology
  • UPF 50+ blocks 97.5% of all harmful UVA and UVB rays
  • Quick drying, lightweight moisture-managing interlock fabric 

  • Flexible, comfortable & tagless
  • Fresh assurance with anti-microbial fabrics to wick perspiration

Our Promise

Our mission is to create something that supports less screen time for more play time, reiterates how important being outside and getting Vitamin D is (but safely), and to embrace diversity through friendship. Our long sleeve activewear was created to make it easy and safe for you to transition from inside to outside, and from land to sea.

We continue to draw inspiration from the many fish and friends among us, and are excited to expand the ShapeShifter brand in the coming months. We have a fish or friend for EVERYBODY. We appreciate the support from our family, our friends, and will work hard to inspire friendship, and get you outside!

Just like friendships, our fish and friends circle is endless. Have an idea? We'd love to hear! Contact us on social media with your ideas, as we continue to work hard to inspire friendships, and get you outside!
About ShapeShifter Fish and Friends
About ShapeShifter Fish and Friends
About ShapeShifter Fish and Friends
About ShapeShifter Fish and Friends