About Naomi
My sea turtle conservation story
At just 9 years old, I started a mission to save the sea turtles — and you're invited to join me. I make Turtle Treasures by Naomi to raise awareness and protect sea turtles, one handmade pair at a time, with a whole crew of Sea Turtle Heroes by my side.
— Naomi
It started in Okinawa
I was born in Okinawa, Japan, and my mom and dad took me and my brother swimming with sea turtles when we ended up on a camping trip on a remote island during sea turtle mating season. Seeing hundreds of them dancing around us like beautiful underwater ballerinas was mesmerizing and magical. Ever since then, I have loved learning about sea turtles and finding ways to protect them.
“Go Turtle Go!”
My love for sea turtles grew as we visited rehabilitation centers throughout Florida. One of the most special experiences I had was with my Port St. Joe, Florida, homeschool co-op, when we watched 40 rehabilitated sea turtles be released back into the ocean. People lined up along the beach — some held signs that said, “Go Turtle Go!” When the turtles started swimming away and disappeared into the waves, everyone cheered. I felt excited, happy, and inspired. Watching those turtles return home made me feel even more connected to sea turtles and strengthened my desire to help them.
“I realized I could use my creativity to support conservation while sharing my love for sea turtles. That idea became Turtle Treasures by Naomi.”
Yes, I really run my business
I make the earrings, help advertise them, take pictures, create videos, post on social media, keep track of inventory, package orders, prepare local pickup orders, and help ship orders to customers. I also number orders and keep everything organized. It takes a lot of work, but I enjoy it because I know we're helping save the sea turtles together. Running my business has taught me responsibility, organization, and the importance of working hard toward a goal.
The turtles I've adopted
Through my business, I have adopted sea turtle nests throughout Florida — every nest reminds me that even small actions can make a difference. I have also adopted several sea turtles. Beluga, a juvenile green sea turtle, helped me learn about green sea turtles and the challenges they face. Bender was hit by a boat and tangled in fishing gear, and lost a front flipper — she taught me how dangerous boat strikes and fishing nets can be. And Clarissa Cobblecrumb, a loggerhead with a tracking device on her shell, showed me how far sea turtles travel and why protecting them matters in so many places.
Spreading the word
My little business has been featured on ABC TV, PBS, in newspapers, in online articles, and on the radio. It makes me happy that more people are hearing about Turtle Treasures by Naomi and learning about sea turtles. They are endangered and face threats like boat strikes, fishing gear, pollution, and plastic in the ocean — and they're a keystone species, so protecting them helps protect many other animals too.
Kids can make a difference
Even though I am only 9 years old, I believe kids can make a difference — especially with a whole crew behind them. Every time someone becomes a Sea Turtle Hero, we protect the sea turtles together. I hope to spend many years saving sea turtles, so future generations can feel the same wonder I felt when I first saw hundreds of sea turtles dancing beneath the ocean waves.
I am thankful for everyone who has encouraged me and joined our mission to save the sea turtles. Together, we really can.
Join Naomi's mission
Become a Sea Turtle Hero, or pick out a pair of handmade earrings — and join the crew saving the sea turtles with her.