Finding Our Way: Why We’re Shifting Gears at Cannon By the Sea

Over the past two years, Cannon By the Sea has been our playground, our classroom, and our calling. What started with a simple curiosity - “could we make these gifts ourselves?” - has grown into something far bigger than we imagined. And as with all growth, there comes a time to reflect, refine, and realign.

We’ve spent these early years saying yes to a lot - testing new products, investing in specialized tools, and getting to know the ins and outs of our craft. It’s been a journey of trial and error, discovery and development. Through it all, one thing has become crystal clear: we’re not just engraving names on gifts - we’re designing meaningful, lasting pieces that are rooted in who we are.

We’re not just makers. We are artisans.

We design everything in-house, pouring inspiration from our coastal roots, our adventurous kids, and our everyday lives into each product. This business is personal - it’s our family’s dream in the making. And as both parents and small business owners, we’ve had to make some hard but important decisions lately. One of the biggest? Phasing out our custom glassware.

It’s not because we don’t love what we’ve made - it’s because we’ve outgrown it. Glass was once exciting, but over time, it became a source of frustration, quality concerns, and financial loss. It no longer aligned with where we’re headed. And where we are headed? That feels like home.

Our custom-designed patch hats and shirts have reignited a fire in me - one I hadn’t felt since I first fell in love with art more than 25 years ago. These designs give us full creative freedom and allow us to tell stories in a way that feels honest, inspired, and completely us. We’re building something that we hope will last - not just in terms of durability, but in purpose.

One of those pieces is our handcrafted black walnut cutting board with handle - our most popular board to date. With its rich color, smooth finish, and timeless shape, it represents everything we’ve come to value: quality, simplicity, and intentional design.

And then there’s our Standing Strong, Loving Fierce Hat - a patch hat I designed from the heart. Because I’m living that life every day. The long shifts, the solo parenting nights, the deep pride and worry all wrapped into one. This hat is for all the strong women who love a first responder fiercely.

We’re also so proud of our new Cape and Islands Hat Collection, featuring custom designs for Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. These places are part of our story - where we’ve spent summers, where we said our vows overlooking Barnstable Harbor, and where we now bring our kids to run barefoot and breathe in the salt air. Because Cape Cod is not just a place - it’s a feeling.

And speaking of our kids - this next chapter wouldn’t feel complete without them. One of the biggest joys of this transition has been launching our Littles By the Sea collection. It’s our way of bringing Callie and Crew into the fold, creating space for them to see, feel, and take part in what we’re building. Whether it’s a firetruck hat that lights up our son’s face or a tee that tells a story, these small but mighty pieces are reminders of why we started this business in the first place: to build a life rooted in family, creativity, and intention.

We’re becoming more intentional about the materials we use, too. We’re moving away from mass-produced blanks made overseas and shifting toward high-quality, American-made products - some made right here in Massachusetts. It’s not just about quality; it’s about values. We believe in supporting local, in true craftsmanship, and in building a better tomorrow for our children.

This isn’t just a rebrand or product change. It’s a renewal. A sharpening of our vision. A deeper commitment to creating with heart, purpose, and pride.