Meet Sissy Hamilton, the founder and creative force behind Humble Oak Co.
Founded in 2024.
My favorite thing to do in this life is simply make people smile. I wear quite a few hats on any given day, but my most important—and cherished—jobs are being a wife and a mom of four. Today, you can usually find me working on the business, filling orders, designing new products and thinking of ways to torment my husband. Whether I’m creating or spending time with family, my goal is always to bring a little extra joy and beauty into the world.
The story behind Humble Oak Co.
Before the business
When we first started Humble Oak Co., I was juggling life as a nurse practitioner, homeschool mom and creative entrepreneur. It was one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, but as Humble Oak continued to grow, I knew it was time to step away from nursing to focus fully on building our dream and being right where my heart is: at home with my family.
The idea that started it
My first project—the Cape Set—was born purely out of love for our family vacations on Cape Cod and a desire to match the coastal aesthetic of our home. I honestly never intended to sell it. But after putting so much work into designing my own custom set, I thought it was simply too beautiful not to share.
Behind the name
I like to think the best memories aren’t made in grand, formal ballrooms—they’re made around kitchen tables, backyard patios and cozy living rooms, often under the shade of a sturdy, welcoming tree. We named Humble Oak Co. for that spirit of unpretentious gathering. Mahjong is a game of community, conversation and shared time. Our goal is simply to craft the pieces that make those moments a little more beautiful, comfortable and inviting.
The first launch
The first product we launched was our custom-designed set of 20-inch acrylic racks. I had the product exactly how I wanted it. The biggest challenge was taking a risk on something I made, putting it out there for others to see and waiting to learn whether they liked it too.
From idea to the table
The weight behind the work
People often talk about the logistics of running a business, but rarely the psychological weight. The time, the notoriety, the competition and comparison all challenge your sense of fortitude. It tests how much you trust your own voice. The turning point is realizing that you can’t measure your behind-the-scenes reality against anyone else’s highlight reel—you just have to put your head down, build something you can be proud of and stay true to who you are and what drives you.
What kept the vision moving
Our customers. Truly. When you’re buying from a small business—especially when you leave positive feedback—that is as good as a hug. It tells me, “You’re doing good work. Keep it up.” I read and respond to every DM, email and review that comes in. Kindness in business reminds me that we’re doing something right and that we should keep going.
“You can’t measure your behind-the-scenes reality against anyone else’s highlight reel.”
Where inspiration begins
I try to stick with things I love, would use in my own home and can build from there. There are products people have asked me to make that I haven’t pursued because I personally don’t like or use them. Humble Oak’s point of view begins with creating pieces that feel genuine to the way our own family lives and gathers.
What it takes to create
I’m a big believer in bringing your ideas to life, but I don’t think people realize how many steps there are between an idea and having a tangible item in your hand. Even once the design is perfect, there is so much that goes into manufacturing, choosing materials, building trusting relationships and making the costs worthwhile. If you want to make something, the best mindset is to make it for yourself and share it with the people who enjoy it.
A detail worth noticing
All of our designs are hand-drawn by me, and each product is uniquely designed. You may find aftermarket items that look similar to ours, but if we are selling it, it means we designed the product ourselves and were the first to make it.
Knowing when it is finished
This is so hard. As a creative person, it’s tempting to keep making changes. I reach a point where the design—whether racks, bags or tiles—feels cohesive, and then I send it to be sampled and make final adjustments. Once the finished product is in hand and I’m excited to see and feel it, I know it is ready to share.
What matters most
The most meaningful product
The Cape Tiles were the first tile set I made and shared, so they are very special to me. Sharing your personal artwork—especially on the internet—is scary, and having others receive them so well was both humbling and incredibly rewarding.
The many roles of a small business
I don’t think people understand how many roles small-business owners take on—or that every small business can be different. Success looks different for everyone, and each business’s goals may be different too.
The advice that guides the work
Own your mistakes and treat others the way you want to be treated. Not everyone will like our products, but everyone who interacts with us can expect kindness and respect. We want our customers to love our products and feel good about their decision to purchase from us.
One thing every customer should know
When you shop with us, you are truly supporting our family. We see every order that comes in, package it and answer every email. We bring home your encouragement and share your pictures with our kids. You have kept us humble and helped us build something we can be incredibly proud of. Thank you.
Quick tiles
What’s next
A new twist on favorite pieces
Some of Humble Oak’s oldest products are returning with new twists. Customer feedback is shaping what comes next, especially more racks and more layered tiles.
The set that almost happened
The Summer Set is adorable, and we love it. But just as it would have entered production, our manufacturer’s timeline changed. We have the final samples at home, but we didn’t want to rush the launch—so it will be ready to go early next year.
The dream project
I created most of these products to match the minimal aesthetic of our home. I would love to keep going in that direction—creating pieces we would genuinely use and display in daily life, and that help a home feel warm and welcoming.
The spirit she carries forward
We have made mistakes, and most companies will. We are determined to stay humble, kind and honest through it all—and to keep creating with love.