Photos: Alaska Salmon Sisters

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Emma and Claire Laukitis in Salmon Sisters apparel, Homer, Alaska in 2013.

It all began with a rockfish.

An Alaskan rockfish, bright orange and spiny-finned. After a remote coastal childhood and nearly a decade of commercial fishing with her family in the Bering Sea, Emma Laukitis knew the image well. On a college study abroad art program in Italy, Laukitis learned how to screen print. Contemplating what design to make first, she thought of a rockfish. It reminded her of Alaska, of home.

Now, about three years later, 23-year-old Laukitis has taken her nautically inspired art to the next level, selling ocean-print apparel with her sister Claire, 24, through their company, Salmon Sisters. Using Claire's business education and Emma's graphics, the two have created a company that is more than just clothing: Ideally, it builds community, spreads awareness of sustainable fisheries, and cultivates pride in young fishermen and fisherwomen in Alaska and beyond.

READ MORE: Love of the ocean inspires Homer's Salmon Sisters