Aquacult is an online small business centered on using oyster shells as a creative piece, like a ring box or a wine stopper. Aquacult’s oysters are both locally grown and good for the environment. Before we get into that, let’s explore how Aquacult came to  be!

Aquacult was founded by Hallsley residents Megan Herndon and her husband, Kevin. Megan started creating small, useful novelties using the shells of oysters. Her friends then encouraged her to start up a business built around making use of the shells in a creative way. Aquacult was born in January of 2024. Aquacult also features Megan’s own original art designs, like the popular Duck cork wine stopper. Now, onto what Aquacult sells and more information about their oysters!

Aquacult stands for Aquaculture, which is defined as, “Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants,” by NOAA’s National Ocean Service. So, this is very eco-friendly because you aren’t wasting any part of the oyster, the oyster is eaten and the shell is turned into an artistic trinket. All of Aquacult’s oysters are bred and harvested by the Herndons in a cove near the Rappahannock River. Aquacult sells many items, including ornaments, napkin ring holders, ring boxes, ring dishes, and wine stoppers. On top of that, the shells are also dishwasher, food, soy sauce, salt, and pepper safe! Finally, let’s check out Aquacult’s future plans as a business and they’re involvement in social media!

Aquacult is mainly a small business, but some products can be bought at the KEVA Style storefront, on Huguenot Road. Aquacult plans on expanding to more retail places in Virginia and pop-up stalls at some farmer markets. It only has an Instagram and Facebook right now, they can be found at aquacult_oyster. However, they do have a website coming soon! 

Overall, Aquacult is a very unique small business with functional and fun designs. I would recommend Aquacult to anyone who’s a fan of the beach, river, or really any related body of water. Go on over to their Instagram, Facebook, or even KEVA Style’s storefront to check out their stuff!