Discover Sea Things in downtown Ventura

Featuring Sea Things Owner, Sherilene Catanach

Unique ornaments, wreaths, flowers, and bouquets made from shells of all shapes and sizes. At Sea Things, creative staff design handmade jewelry with beaded and hand-knotted abalone, pearls, and sea glass. Sherilene warmly describes Sea Things as a magical and enchanting mermaid’s lair. Her store features Ventura-made seashell treasures using shells and coral from all over the world. Find beach-style home decor, cards for all occasions, souvenirs, nightlights, stained glass, shell-adorned mirrors and wind-chimes, starfish, and more!

A photo posted by Downtown Ventura (@downtownventura) on May 17, 2016 at 9:11am PDT

Who are you?

Sherilene Catanach, owner of Sea Things for the last 25 years.

What inspired you to start your business in downtown Ventura?

I worked at Sea Things as a high school and college student and fell in love with the store. I just had to buy it! I have always loved seashells and creating unique beautiful treasures made from the sea.

A photo posted by Sea Things Ventura (@seathingsventura) on May 5, 2016 at 10:00pm PDT

What is unique about your business?

We are one of only a few real seashell gift shops left in Southern California and we feature unique handmade products you won’t find anywhere else.

A photo posted by Sea Things Ventura (@seathingsventura) on Sep 5, 2015 at 10:14pm PDT

Anything interesting or different about you or your business?

This year, we are celebrating our 25 year anniversary since I first bought the store. Sea Things really started at street fairs and 1st Sunday in the parks back about 1980. We opened our retail location shortly after.

Do you have locally made items?

Our creative staff makes many of our unique seashell treasures including shell flowers, angels, ornaments, mirrors, wind chimes, and more.

A photo posted by Sea Things Ventura (@seathingsventura) on Aug 3, 2015 at 10:30am PDT

Do you support a specific local cause?

Since I was little, my mom, Sheri Oelschlager, Founding President and Board Member of San Buenaventura Heritage, taught me to give back. I started helping with San Buenaventura Heritage Group when I was little selling food and calendars at street fairs, and helping with tours and then acting for the Dudley House Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. I also continuously supported National Charity League Juniors who raise funds for our Children’s Cancer and Blood Disease Program of Ventura County. NCL Juniors is an amazing group of women who can be credited for bringing a wonderful program here to our local hospital so that family’s who are caring for a sick child do not have to worry about driving to LA, too. Sea Things also donates sea treasures for many fundraisers by local schools and charities.

A photo posted by Sea Things Ventura (@seathingsventura) on Jun 21, 2016 at 6:48pm PDT

Stop by and see what treasures you find! 500 E. Santa Clara St. Ventura, CA 93001