Shawkey™ started with one idea:

What if we could help kids fall in love with the very animals most people run away from?
Co-created by Emilia — a young animal rescuer with a big imagination — and her dad, Shawkey is more than just a plush. He’s a fearless, funny shark on a mission to make the world a little kinder.
Whether you’re cuddling a plushie, rocking a hoodie, or joining our conservation efforts, you’re part of something meaningful. Every Shawkey product is crafted with quality, compassion, and a whole lot of heart — right here in the USA.

Because when kids learn to love the unloved,
when they protect what others fear,
and when they lead with empathy instead of fear…

That’s when real change begins.

🦈 Welcome to Shawkeys.
Let’s show the world that love conquers fear.

Our Mission – Love the Unloved

At Shawkeys, we believe every creature deserves compassion —
even the ones with fins, scales, or a few too many teeth.

Shawkey was born from the imagination of a girl named Emilia, who’s spent her life rescuing the animals others feared or forgot — rats, tortoises, squirrels, snakes, and more. With her parents by her side, she nurtured them, healed them, and set them free.

One day, after learning how misunderstood sharks are, Emilia asked:
“Why do people fear what they don’t even know?”
And just like that… Shawkey came to life.

Meet our Team

We design with heart, teeth, and a splash of saltwater.

Emilia Bernardini

Chief Imagination Officer (CIO)
Keeper of Shawkey’s biggest adventures and wildest ideas. From sketching first concepts to naming every plush, Emilia’s creativity fuels the brand’s charm and ocean-saving mission.

Ricardo Bernardini

Captain of the Ship (CEO)
Storyteller, designer, and head wave-maker. Ricardo steers Shawkey™ toward big dreams, blending creative vision, design expertise, and a lifelong love of meaningful storytelling.