An Anchorage business is combining Alaska’s mystery and fly fishing industry.
Fishware was created to provide functional fishing fashion for women and has been recognized nationally in Google’s Economic Impact Report for 2021. The report shows how businesses, publishers and nonprofits across the United States connect with the people and communities they serve.
Fish founder Linda Leary didn’t always plan on running a business. Her career began as the president of a trucking company, where she would invite customers to join her in her favorite pastime of fly fishing. Leary found himself frustrated by poorly fitting men’s waders and drab designs. During this time, Leary realized that there were no fishing clothes or gear for women.
The designs she chooses are colorful yet functional, intentionally made to be able to go to dinner or shopping by the river.
“It was a way to express myself through art and to try to create some fun things for women and develop it from there,” Leary said.
Leary hires female artists to create unique, fish-themed clothing designs. Something that is quintessentially Alaskan.
“People love Alaska. There is a lot of intrigue and mystery with Alaska,” Leary said.
Despite Phish’s success over the past six years, Leary still found himself puzzled when he was contacted by Google.
“We asked them, why would you choose us? And they said well, we were looking for something that was personal, a small upstart business, and reflected what they thought of Alaska,” Leary he said.
The work does not stop from here. Leary plans to continue gearing up towards women in fishing and creating new exclusive pieces.
Google indicates that it helped provide $126 million in economic activity for Alaskans in 2021. It said the contribution came through businesses in the state, which used Google products to grow their online presence.
