MEET THE BOSS | Q+A with Jessica

Behind every great brand is at least one amazing visionary. We thought it high time to give you the dirty on our one and only boss-lady extraordinaire, Jessica Wilson. She is an entrepreneur by nature, always seeing the possibility to create, well, anything that will inspire her and others. She let us in on a few details about herself, her life, and what drives her. 

Who influences your style?

Life - ha ha. That is the life I want to live. Living in a small community, I don't need to ‘dress up’ very often, but I like to look nice and be comfortable. So I just focus on designing for what I want in my life. I will also say that Instagram and other social media have a part to play too. If I see something I want, I put it on the board to make!

Where do you work best?

HOME, for sure! I love to be in my office with my computer and a cup of tea. And slippers, my feet are always cold. Good music is usually playing and I can get the most done when I am not distracted.  

Why did you pick the name SALT?

It was a quick decision. When I sold my last company I had 30 days to rebrand and get ready for the busy season again so I had to think fast. I thought about what natural element brings me the most joy + balancing energy. The answer… was the Ocean. So that is were I started, I wanted a simple name that meant something to me. I found SALT to be the perfect name to unite the ocean + the island I live on!

If you could start your next business right now, what would it be?

OH, I have so many building in my head it’s hard to choose. I think the one I wish to start is my dream of having a Creative barn! My vision: a large piece of acreage, that I build a BEAUTIFUL barn on. The top floor, SALT headquarters, the bottom floor gets split into artist studios + of course a coffee shop / juice bar / retail shop. I think it would be a really fun community space to visit + host events! Its the big dream :D

But the new business I am actually working on in the background is Wilder Designs. A multi-faceted design company that covers everything from graphic design, media layouts, residential and commercial decor + so much more! Its in the works and I am excited!

You just designed your first home. Tell us about that process?

Whew, it was a whirl wind! I am super lucky all of my family is into contracting so the support system was rad. It took 4 months to build + I designed it myself. I kept function + affordability at the top of my list of priorities. I loved making the design choices; it was extremely gratifying to see it all come together, albeit a tiny bit exhausting.

How would you describe your home decor tastes?

White + Black + Plants! I would say that is my main theme. However I do like a mixture of a little bohemian and a little industrial in there too. So I guess I’m just my own bag of tricks!

What was the last recipe you tried that you loved?

I was recently given a meal plan my by cousin who runs Ingrained Nutrition. She is a delight, and her food - OMG. It is so healthy and extremely vibrant and flavorfull. Her recipe for Buckwheat waffles is EXCELLENT (find it  on our Journal!), as well as her Zucchini Noodles + Alfredo sauce made with cashews + dill. All to die for, yum yum! Might have to be a wellness feature in the future! ;)

 

Where is your favourite outdoor space?

I would have to say the swim grid on our family sailboat. Because when I am sitting on it it usually means that the sun is out and I am soaking up some rays in my bikini! It also means that I am taking some well needed time out for myself.

What are 3 things you have learned as an entrepreneur that you think all business owners should know?

1) Follow Thru - Ideas come into our minds constantly and they are almost always worth following thru, just trust your gut and leap!

2) Take at least 2hrs a day of personal time. Whether that’s cooking a nice meal, going for a run, doing yoga or...? Just make sure you have 2hrs a day to be calm in your mind, not engaging with anyone or technology. 2hrs seems like a lot, but it flies by fast and keeps your mind open and ready to receive all those great ideas you have to follow thru on! I don't always make it everyday, but I try!

3) YOUR TO DO LIST WILL NEVER GET SMALLER. This one is a big one. It seems simple, and takes awhile to accept and adjust to. Once you accept this, it helps you schedule in that much needed 2hrs of you time. Sure, we all have times when we need to hustle, but it does not need to be everyday, otherwise we will burn out.

If you had a band, what kind of music would they play?

I'm sure it would be indie folk, I'm obsessed.  

Would you trade the experience you have gained from starting multiple businesses, to be able to go back in time and do things over again differently?

Nope, never. I have had some extremely tough times, but each and every one has taught me something. I have gained some many nuggets of knowledge I wouldn’t want to live without.

What are the top qualities you look for in a friend?

Travel buddy, dreamer, + up for a good laugh! I would say the biggest quality though is someone who is a doer! I love to have friends that are moving and shaking in their own lives. Because when we get together the energy is great! We have lots to catch up on, and sometimes we even boogie together and make magic happen! Like plan a trip, event, or head to the beach! I am always busy doing something, and I love to share it with others. So people who take joy in action are my kind of people! Lets HIKE! :D 

What is your favourite aquatic activity?

Floating! I don’t mind if it’s in my bikini on a lylo or on a boat. I just love to be on the water :D

 

That is our Jessica! Thanks for taking the time to get to know her. She's pretty rad, right? (And doesn't she have the best hair!) Anything you want to know that she didn't share? Leave your questions in the comments box for round two!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/meet-the-boss-q-a-with-jessica

WAFFLES | Bring on the Buckwheat

When we think about decadent breakfasts, we often lust after fluffy flapjacks stacked high, with sugary syrup running over the sides and pooling on our plate. Then many of us hold our middles as our stomachs groan, and move on to a smoothie. Not so with this tantalizing morning treat! No wheat, no sugar, no problems.

These are our favourite fermented Buckwheat Waffles. Buckwheat groats, despite the misleading name, are actually seeds from the buckwheat plant, not a grain. Their benefits and functions are much like quinoa.

This receipe is awesome for those of us with wheat sensitivities or anyone who is looking to get away from wheat heavy recipes and into something healthier.  

 

 

While super easy to make, the first step you have to think of ahead of time. The buckwheat is mixed with yoghurt and left out to soak for 12-14 hours. This is when the fermentation happens, making the seeds easier to digest for all, but especially those that have a difficulty with grains. 

When Jessica makes her waffles, she likes to use sheep's yoghurt, mostly out of personal preference. You can use whatever dairy option you like!

 

Buckwheat has been getting extra attention these days, and with good reason. These little gluten-free nuggets have a low glycemic index and are packed with protein, putting them near the top of the superfood list. It can be eaten on it's own as a porridge or side-dish with savoury meals in place of rice or potatoes, or incorporated into recipes like this for a healthy non-wheat option.

Recipe

Step One  |  Combine + Soak for 12-24hrs

• 1 Cup buckwheat groats
• 1/2 Cup yogurt + 1/2 Cup water

Step Two  |  Blend Batter

• Rinse soaked buckwheat + yogurt mixture, then toss into blender

ADD

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• pinch of salt

Puree until smooth then pour into waffle iron.

Step Three  |  Waffle it up!

Bake for 3-5 min depending on desired crispness. Makes 4-6 waffles depending on size. 

You can keep left over batter in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes an easy on-the-go breakfast you can whip later in the week. So make extra batter! You can also use the batter for pancakes, no variation needed. 

 

As our Grandmothers told us, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it something you enjoy instead of something you have to eat? Pick a topping that you will look forward to. Jess paired it with a rhubarb compote + coconut cream. Grabbing some fresh rhubarb from a market or the garden is a great way to fit some veggies into your meal, and works well with the fermented taste of the batter. The coconut cream, well that's just delicious. (Learn to make it here) Pop on some of your favourite berries, a little drizzle of real maple syrup, or even some roast chicken if that's what you're into.

We hope this meal brings you full and delicious mornings!

 

 

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/waffles-buckwheat-yogurt-heaven

CANADA | Why we love it

We have so much to be grateful for in this vast country of ours.

Sure, we have things like Tim Hortons, plaid, hockey, toques, and all the other funny little things that we are associated with abroad. We love those things, but it is the fundamentals of our country that make it fantastic. Openness, respect, compassion.

Our country takes care of us, so that when we are hurt or a family member is sick, we don't have to decide between getting better or going into debt. We have freedom and peace at levels far beyond so many places in the world. Travellers the world over talk of our welcoming and affable nature; we care about each other. 

We haven't always been all cute beavers and friendly smiles. We have our dark past. Our indigenous peoples have suffered greatly at the hands of new settlers not that long ago, and still do. We hope that the work we are doing in our country progresses, and that their hearts soon find peace.

As any country, we have our list of widely known names that have made a splash in their field. We have brought the world the talents of Leonard Cohen, Michael Buble, Ryan Gosling AND Reynolds, Rachel McAdams, Ellen Page, Joni Mitchell, and Sarah Mclachlan to name a few. We have sent astronauts like Chris Hadfield to the moon, we have had nobel prize winners, inventors, athletes, and many more great minds. Not to mention bringing poutine, Caesars, peanut butter, and Nanaimo bars to the table. 

More than anything, we have so much beauty here, so much wildness. Our natural landscapes span an incredible range, from snow capped mountains and rainy forests, to flat prairies and rocky shorelines. We have big skies and great open spaces, lights that dance across the night sky to the heavens, and lakes for miles.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to call this country home knows what we're talking about. We are proud to be among them. Happy 150th Canada!

 

Images by  |  Julie Williams Photography

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/canada-why-we-love-it-here

BALANCE | Work + Life

I have to laugh as I start to write this. The topic is a little ridiculous due to the fact that I have been trying to write this post for four weeks, which just goes to show you how balanced my to do list is at SALT these days.

Finding a good work/life rhythm is a subject that weighs on me heavily, not in a bad or good way. It is just something that I try to be mindful of. Being an entrepreneur for the last 12 years of my life has lead to some high highs alongside low lows. Now in my 29th year as a human, I look back and see those moments as a lesson to take better care of myself. So that is exactly what I plan to do! 

Work/Life Balance is a topic that gets plenty of airplay. Working in the digital age means that things can happen fast, and work is always at your fingertips. So how do we cope when we feel overwhelmed? What can we do to stay grounded?

Since January, I have reserved some mental space for observing myself and my work habits. I believe that balance is different for each and every one of us. It is through being mindful of our personalities that we can learn to understand what helps us to feel empowered and grounded from day to day. In the last six months I have learned a couple of key things about myself that help keep my rhythm flowing.

I truly value my time in nature; it is extremely grounding and calming. It is also a great opportunity to leave my phone behind and just settle into being me. Hiking or beachcombing are my favourite ways to get outdoors.

What I consume is crucial. The food we put into our bodies is fuel for what we need to accomplish in a day. I need a lot of fuel to keep up with my schedule, so I have to commit to eating whole foods that treat my body right!

My To Do list never gets smaller, it just turns over with the next important tasks at hand. It is a good reminder that I am constantly up to great things (and helps me not forget to do them!).

These three realizations are how I manage to maintain a sense of calm in between running my life and my businesses. Being an entrepreneur at heart, you can be sure that SALT is not the only venture I have on the go. I am usually juggling between 3+ different projects at once. It’s pure insanity, but I love it!  

So, how am I doing? Well, by how delayed I was in writing this blog post, some would think not the best! Ha. However, I think it is quite the opposite.  

My biggest factor in maintaining balance is an understanding of my personality first. I honour what drives me and acknowledge that sometimes I have genius ideas at 11pm at night that can’t wait to be written down. But I also set up my life in a way so that after a late night brainstorm, I can wake up slow, with tea and maybe a little yoga or a walk on a nearby trail. It is honouring all aspects of my personality, firey, energetic, calm, quiet, creative, and positive that help me to understand what balance means for me, and how to keep it.   

- XX Jessica

Images by Sweet Heirloom Photography

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/work-life-balance

FATHERS DAY | TO THE DADS!

Father, Dad, Pops, Papa, Daddy, Dada, Old Man - there are a lot of names we could call the guys who gave us half our DNA. No matter what you call him, he's the figure we'd like to pay tribute to this week.

In the past, Dad's were stereotypically supposed to be the tough guys. They were the ones tasked with protecting us and teaching us to be strong. They were meant to be a stern presence in the house that you respected and obeyed. They weren't given a lot of leeway on how they were expected to behave.

There is no less respect for these men in our lives now, there is just a shift in the way we see their roles. There is much less pressure to adhere to the archetypical Father character.  

Men are allowing themselves to be more comfortable talking about their softer sides. You can see them in small gestures if you look closely. The way they learn to braid your hair when Mom isn't around. They way they hold us when we scrape our knees and tell us it's ok to cry. They way they play catch, even though they were never good at baseball. The way they read us stories at bedtime. 

We'd like to think that this side of Dad is becoming a more popular topic. Men operate on an emotional spectrum just as much as women, and we're thankful that they are stepping up to express themselves a little more. It's healthy for them personally, meaning it will be healthier for their families. Cheers to happier households all around!

We've got lots in store that you could pass on to your Pops to let him know you appreciate him. Whether you write him a card, buy him his new favourite shirt, or just spend some quality time together, make sure he knows that he matters.

XX TO DADS! XX

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/fathers-day

MAKERS Q+A | JULIA + HONUBELLE

NAME  |  Julia Barnes

BRAND  |  Honubelle

LOCATION  |  Calgary, AB

Coffee or Tea  |  Coffee with cream

Currently Listening  |  Weird Fishes by Radiohead

Favourite Quote  |  "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Mark Twain

In 10 words or less, what do you do?  I design swimwear for women to feel confident and sexy.

What motivated you to start your business?  I've wanted to design and create fashion since I was a little kid. I needed that creative outlet, but I wanted it to be meaningful for me as well. So I combined my desire for creating garments with my passion for living an ocean/surfer lifestyle.

What has been your most rewarding experience since starting your company?  The most rewarding experience was when a customer told me that she has never received a compliment on a beach until she wore the Jericho bottom. Helping women feel confident and beautiful is what keeps me driving forward.

What does a typical day look like for you + your crew?  Here is where I wish I could say that a typical day for me involved 2 hours of kitesurfing to do product testing, haha. Not there just yet. ;) A typical day for me involves balancing being a Mom, a designer/business owner, and a fitness instructor. I start the day early so that I can squeeze in as much as I can.

How did you grow your business from a hobby to a full-time job?  Because it was a hobby, there was passion. That passion is what drove me to make something worthwhile out of it.

Work / Life balance, how do you keep it?  Being a business owner, you always push forward and it's easy to burn out. It's important for me to have downtime on the weekends, when I spend time with my family doing things we love, like going kitesurfing or skiing. But most importantly I strive to achieve balance by being present in everything I do, so I can stay focused and get things done.

What’s the next milestone for your brand?  Growing the distribution channels and getting into more surf shops and boutiques across Canada.

JULIA'S SALT WISHLIST

 

 

 

 

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/makers-honubelle

OOTD | Putting It All Together

Do you dress from the bottom to the top, or the top to the bottom? Do you dress by season? By mood? Choosing an outfit isn’t always just about throwing on something clean and heading out the door. Our outerwear is often an expression of our inner selves.

Sometimes, no matter how strong our personality, building a wardrobe and deciding on what to wear everyday is not easy. Everyone has those days where they try on 7 different tops that end up in a pile on the bed, and you inevitably choose something you are tired of. Or you have that one piece that you love but can’t figure out how to wear it.

We picked an outfit that we love, and we’re going to break it down a little. How these pieces go together and why we love having them in our closet.

This outfit is put together with some of our favourite items at SALT. It is versatile for both seasons and occasions. You can imagine it strolling through a Spring or Fall market, or at brunch. Even at the office; the neutral tones and quality fabrics are professional and it is still comfortable enough to last all the way through Monday morning meetings.

 

Ula V-Neck Tee | Integrity

 

 

 

 

Brand: SALT

 

Everyone needs that staple tee that they can throw on for any occasion and know it’s going to look good. The Ula Tee is that for us. It’s v-neck and rounded hem give it a feminine feel that looks great on any shape. It works with any bottom, and can be worn on it’s own or under any style of top layer, like a blazer or cardigan, for a variety of looks. The Integrity print gives the outfit an extra bit of interest, and is hand drawn and printed for authenticity. 

Skinny Hazen High Waisted Denim | Blue Pride

Brand: Mud Jeans 

We’re pretty sure the skinny jeans style is here to stay, so having go-to denim in a slim fit is a smart choice. The tapered leg and high waist of this silhouette balances sexy with conservative, making for a work appropriate option that is also stylish. You’ll also feel good about wearing Mud Jeans for the BCI certified cotton, and the option to lease them back. Perfect with ankle booties, flip-flops, or something taller in the Fall.

 

Oceana Cardigan | Heather French Terry

Brand: SALT

The Oceana Cardigan is made from our bamboo french terry. The Heather contrasts with the black of the tee and brings some lightness to the outfit, both in colour and in how it moves with you.The long hem works with the tight ankle of the jeans so that the bottom of your outfit isn’t too heavy.The length also adds a bit of class, allowing it to stand out and feel a little more formal if need be. Plus, it is so soft and comfy!

 

Wool Floppy Hat | Black

Brand: Connor Hats

The beauty of a wide hat is that it can totally update your look in one move. Black goes with everything, so it’s a solid choice for an accessory. The curvy brim is playful, and might just create the opportunity for a few long-lashed, upward glances in a choice direction. The wool makes it easy to travel, as unlike some fabrics, it can get a little rolled or squished and still keep it’s shape. And it’s soft fit is less likely to leave you with hat hair if you need to remove it indoors.

 

Shop the look in multiple colour options online and in-store today!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/ootd-putting-it-all-together