About us

Hey — I’m TJ, founder of Native Instinct.

I started this brand in 2019 while I was in nursing school, just sharing my fly fishing on Instagram. One cast at a time, it turned into something bigger than I ever planned.

I’m a member of the Navajo Nation. Native Instinct is Native American–owned, and every design is hand-drawn — built for people who love the water, the wild, and the work it takes to protect both.

We build around three things we refuse to forget:

Red Hand — for remembrance. The red hand stands for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. A portion of every Red Hand piece supports Native-led organizations doing the work. This collection is closest to my own blood. It will never disappear from this store.

Respect the Natives — for stewardship. Every design honors a native fish — its colors, its water, its fight. A portion of every order goes to native fish conservation. The fish on your back is not a logo. It’s a promise.

Chase Legends — for becoming. For the ones the river is calling. The fish is the excuse. The journey is the point.

I want this to feel personal, not corporate. Real people. Real mission. Thank you for being here, and for standing for something with us.