The best shops often feel like an extension of the people who created them. At Two Fish Emporium, that personal touch is part of what makes the space feel so inviting.
Co-founder Kalani and her boyfriend created the Phoenix shop around the things they genuinely love, bringing together clothing, housewares, coffee, matcha, and more under one roof. From the carefully chosen pieces throughout the store to the details that reflect their travels and interests, Two Fish feels deeply personal.
That sense of personality is one of the first things I noticed when I visited. Kalani has a clear love for her family and friends, and that warmth carries into the space she has built. Every choice feels intentional, colorful, and full of life. More than anything, it is clear how much she cares about what she and her boyfriend have created together.
How Two Fish Emporium Started
The idea for Two Fish came from Kalani and her boyfriend’s shared interests. Both are avid shoppers, and they wanted to create a store that reflected the things they would genuinely want to shop themselves.
Kalani describes herself as a maximalist, drawing inspiration from her travels, music, and movies. The store also takes inspiration from places she has visited, including New Orleans and Italy, giving the space a mix of influences that feels collected rather than overly curated.
The name Two Fish has a personal meaning, too. It represents Kalani and her boyfriend, while the logo uses a Venn diagram to show where their individual interests overlap.
“Two Fish came to be because I am a maximalist. I draw inspiration from so many different places that I’ve gotten to travel to. I just wanted to create a space that felt like me and where I would want to shop at… We (Kalani and her boyfriend) just wanted to have a place that we could get everything! Housewares, women’s and men’s clothing, and coffee and matcha!”
A Store Full of Personality
Walking through Two Fish, it is easy to see how much of Kalani’s personality has made its way into the shop. She describes herself as a maximalist, and that perspective comes through in the pieces she chooses, from clothing and housewares to the smaller details throughout the space.
When selecting what goes into the store, Kalani looks for pieces she personally loves and would want in her own home or wardrobe. She also looks for items that can stand the test of time, creating a collection that feels thoughtful, personal, and full of character rather than driven by passing trends.
That same approach extends to the menswear section, which reflects her boyfriend’s style and interests. As Two Fish grows, he will also offer alterations, adding another personal touch to a shop.
Inside Two Fish: Nocturne Coffee & Matcha
Inside Two Fish Emporium, shoppers will also find Nocturne, a small, family-run coffee cart serving coffee and matcha from within the shop. The concept is centered around creating a quality, inviting experience for customers.
Nocturne takes a hands-on approach to its drinks. The team roasts its own coffee beans, hand-whisks every matcha to order, and makes all of its syrups in-house. During my visit, Kalani’s sister walked me through the coffee and matcha setup, and her knowledge and enthusiasm immediately stood out. It was clear how much care goes into creating each drink, from the quality of the espresso and matcha to their carefully developed cold foam recipe.
The coffee was also some of the best I have had in Phoenix. With a thoughtful menu and such a clear focus on quality, Nocturne adds another layer to the Two Fish experience, giving shoppers a reason to stay awhile, grab a drink, and take in everything the shop has to offer.
Creating a Space Where Everyone Feels Welcome
For Kalani, the experience inside Two Fish matters just as much as what shoppers find.
Her goal is to create a warm and inviting space where people feel comfortable exploring. She wants the experience to feel adventurous while still making it easy for everyone to find something they enjoy.
That intention comes through in the atmosphere. There is a lot to look at, but the space still feels approachable. You can browse clothing and housewares, discover something unexpected, or stop in for a coffee or matcha from Nocturne.
“The feeling I want people to have when they come into our store is to feel welcome and comfortable, and that there’s something for everyone.”
Building a Business in Phoenix
Starting a business has been a longtime goal for Kalani. She grew up around family members who own businesses and has always wanted the opportunity to build something of her own.
Now, she gets to experience that firsthand in Phoenix.
One of the parts she values most is the community that comes with being a small business owner. She has found that people are kind and genuinely excited when they discover a space that feels relatable to them.
That community-minded approach also seems to shape what Kalani wants Two Fish to become. She sees an opportunity to create a space where other local creatives and business owners can eventually have a place, too.
“What I love most about being a small business owner in Phoenix is just how nice everyone is and how excited everyone is to find a space they relate to.”
Kalani’s Phoenix Favorites
When she is not at Two Fish, Kalani has a few local favorites of her own.
Her local favorites include Nanay’s, a Filipino restaurant in Chandler, and pizza from Via Della Slice Shop. When it comes to shopping, she and her boyfriend enjoy browsing Call It New/Call It Antique in Mesa.
Her favorite spots offer another glimpse into the interests that helped shape Two Fish. Food, vintage finds, design, travel, and discovering something new all play a role in her personal style.
What’s Next for Two Fish
As Two Fish continues to grow, Kalani hopes the shop can become a platform for other local creatives, too.
One of her goals is to host more local artists and give them an opportunity to showcase their work. Eventually, she hopes to help other entrepreneurs grow their own businesses alongside Two Fish.
It feels like a natural direction for a business that already has so much personality behind it. Two Fish began as a reflection of two people and the things they love. Now, Kalani hopes it can become a space where more people can discover something they love, too.
“What I hope Two Fish becomes as it grows is a place that I can host more local artists, whether that’s clothing, housewares, anything unique. I feel like there’s so much talent in Phoenix and I would love to highlight that.”
Watch the Full Interview!
Want to get to know Kalani and Two Fish Emporium a little better? Watch the full interview on The Upper Middle here and follow Two Fish Emporium on Instagram to discover more from the shop!
