“We are deeply grateful for each purchase, as it helps us to create jobs, starting in rural Massachusetts.”
– Lori Novis, owner
Mango Fish, Inc. vividly celebrates and honors people, iconic places, and special events with uniquely handcrafted beaded gifts and jewelry. Before moving to Easthampton, Mango Fish was born on the picturesque, tiny Puerto Rican island of Culebra, where Lori Novis lived with her husband. They would marvel at the colorful, robust, and fruitful mango trees grown by their neighbor Miguelina, thinking it miraculous that these trees provided such substantial shade and nourishment while asking for so little in return.
Their logo is based on the magical and beautiful Palometa fish that they encountered each time they snorkeled in Culebra’s waters. The mango tree represents a strong effort to grow, thrive, and create, and the Palometa fish represents Mango Fish’s mission to lift up women living in poverty through employment. The fish would always show up, against tides and rough seas, to offer beauty and guidance to the deeper sea, and Mango Fish will always show up to address the issue of invisible rural poverty.
Just like Culebra showcased its glorious colors to Lori every day, Mango Fish showcases the official Pantone colors of colleges, universities, private and public schools, sororities, and other memorable organizations through their Proud of U. collection. Their pendants exude the grand magic and intricacies of one’s finest achievements, and their mission is as important to them as your student, achiever, or sorority sister is to you.
Mango Fish’s mission is to empower women by employing women. Lori has spent her career working in public service, and while working with high school students in Franklin County, she was shocked to discover that 40% of the students she was working with were living in poverty. Bringing her Mango Fish business to the area, she was able to create artisan jobs for women in the western hill towns of Massachusetts and help address that poverty. Mango Fish trains artisans throughout the area and donates to Pioneer Valley Power Pack, supplying students with weekend nourishment.
Each main Mango Fish pendant is hand sewn with 72 carefully selected glass and crystal beads from the Czech Republic, Austria, and Japan; marble from Ireland; and semi-precious stones from around the world. They will also happily create custom gifts and will upgrade the components to precious metals when possible.
“The skill, expertise, and love is reflected in each piece.”
– Carolyn Rogers-Harris (Facebook)
