MAKERS | HILE

With cream. A little sugar. A lot of sugar. Straight up black. Irish. Hot. Cold. There are many ways to enjoy a caffeinated jolt in the morning (or afternoon). Coffee has long surpassed the days when it was just a drink; it’s short of a religion for many people. And the worship happens daily.

The way we make it, store it, and present it is all part of the ritual of enjoying a cuppa’. Hilja Nikkanen of HILE is putting her stamp on products that make sure our beans stay fresh and our filters flat. Founded in Finland 6 years ago, HILE has evolved from a hobby into an internationally known brand. Being that Finn’s are actually the world’s largest coffee consumers per capita, it’s not surprising that despite a wider range in their initial product offerings, Hilja found that her main focus was quickly steered towards coffee related items. Their Kapu coffee scoop and bag closer, and Sola filter holder have garnered significant fandom that Hilja was able to translate into a full-time job.

HILE’s design responsibilities are shared with Hilja’s husband Teemu and together they pursue their goal of bringing “...locally produced items [to] coffee lovers.” Driven by an innate desire to create, Hilja started as a professional chef, and has transitioned smoothly into the world of design.

“I've been an entrepreneur already for 10 years. Sometimes part time, sometimes full. It has been my choice to be creative and to control my own work. My father was also an entrepreneur in the design field my whole childhood, so starting a company came really naturally to me.”

Far from the typical nine to five, every day at HILE is different. Hilja can find herself sanding, branding, and polishing for days without even touching a computer. Next she is packing up for holiday markets or revamping their website.

“In practice, I'm everything from the secretary to CEO, from bookkeeper to the marketing manager, and from carpenter to purchasing agent. I just have to divide my tasks well for the week [to stay on top of everything.]”

Luckily, despite managing another job her husband Teemu helps out when he has time, both with the business and with raising their son. HILE has become a kind of family business, and separating it totally from their lives isn’t realistic. As long as Hilja maintains her self-set schedule, production, design, and family all have a place at the table. (Along with her favourite coffee!)

This past Spring, HILE found itself taking a new step towards becoming a household name among coffee enthusiasts at the Helsinki Coffee Festival. As an entrepreneur, finding new partners and retailers is often best accomplished face to face with fellow lovers of your industry. Even though we have never had the pleasure of meeting Hilja in person, we are already hooked. Find her top selling items in-store and on our website, and bring a little freshness and a little Finland to your morning.

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

ADVENTURE 04 | Desolation Sound

I am always on the go. Even when I’m at home, not focusing on SALT, I have so many creative aspects that consume my thoughts.  So when July rolls around, and it’s time to head out for our annual family sailing trip to Desolation Sound,  I am happy to leave my many work hats behind and enjoy some time on the SALT water.

My family and I have been taking this trip since I was born. Desolation Sound and our sailboat have been a refuge for us over the years, as we all lead busy entrepreneurial lives. Our first trips were taken on board a small 27ft sailboat named Jubilie Blue. Just Mom, Dad, and two crazy kiddos setting off for a sunny adventure. Desolation Sound was full of childhood firsts for me. It is where I learnt how to row a boat, where I caught my first fish, and probably received my first rosey glow from the sun! These trips are just one of the ways I experienced the beauty of the natural world, and grew my profound love for the ocean at such a young age!

Over the years, our boat has grown multiple times and is now a 44ft sailboat named Akela. Alongside this growth has been the growth of the family. My parents are now known as Nan + Pops while I’m Auntie J!  This change is what made this last trip to Desolation such a profound milestone for us all. Sharing this beautiful place with a new generation of wanderers and tiny earth warriors is just pure magic!

Desolation Sound is a boater's haven. It is one of BC's provincial parks covering 8,449 hectares of land with over 60 km of shoreline. It is nestled in the waters way up the Georgia Straight, past Savary and Hernando Islands. Days spent here are filled with fishing, sun catching, book reading, swimming, and hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls. 

This natural haven tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland is home to a number of key anchorages but we choose our favourites and float between them! Mink Island is always our first stop, where we stern tie to a tiny island and jump in for our first experience of the warmer waters. The first evening is not complete until prawn traps are down and fresh oysters are harvested from the nearby rocks.

Each anchorage has its own charm. Pendrell Sound is known for warm water and fjord like mountains either side. Teakernarm is a favourite because of the walk to Cassel Lake and the waterfall that if feeds. I believe my family is one of the only to brave a crisp shower in the falls on the regular. It is a highlight, and the best outdoor shower I have ever experienced! This year, my niece, two year old Brynn was keen to give it a go! Sharing moments like these with little ones transforms one’s soul; it is pure joy to be a part of their new experiences, it takes me right back to my own childhood.

Living on the water requires being self sufficient. Power while at anchor and limited water are the two main factors we watch day to day. Yet, when we get low we head to Refuge Cove. This place has looked the same for as long as I can remember. It is one of the main supply stops for boaters in the area. It is a small shared community of about 20 families in the summer, and about 12 year round residents. The General Store is stocked by a barge from the mainland that rolls into the harbour weekly for the haul up the hillside to the store. You can get gas, liquor, and ice cream. There is a cafe, Upcoast Summers, that has changed management a few times over the years but is always awesome! You can sip Fantastico coffee that is flown in from Victoria by float plane daily, or stop in at the shed that houses used books and grab some local honey at the same time.

To me, this place is special, as all our natural spaces are. They deserve our care and respect. It is our duty to keep them flourishing for generations to come. So keep in mind to always pack out what you pack in. And try to leave these natural spaces better than when you found them. Enjoy these images, and I hope that you get to escape up here one day and bask in the salty water of the ocean on the beautiful BC coast!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/adventure-04

HOME | A Sanctioned Space

When you walk in the front door, especially after a long day, you just want to enjoy the sanctuary of home. Somewhere that is yours to be you and decompress from the distractions of the outside world. Lighting a candle or spritzing your favourite scent can really help with creating a tranquil atmosphere that separates you from whatever it is you desire space from.  

Candlelight is a comfort, and also a mystery. The flicker of the flame. The dance of the shadows. The calmness of the dim. It's soft light envelopes us like a hug. Yet, it's constant flurry of movement puts our surroundings in a dynamic state, never holding still for longer than a few seconds. 

It is dangerous, and fleeting, that tiny blossom of fire only in existence at our will. Yet the power it holds to spark catastrophe never forgotten. It lets us sink into the past, before bright neon illuminated every nook and cranny from above. It is an old school kind of love we have for these tiny sources of golden glow. 

A candle flame has become a blessed thing. Used in prayer, the light representing a sacred connection, even remembering a soul who has passed on. Appropriate for a relaxing bath, a romantic dinner, and as a saviour on stormy nights. The burning of the wax releases aroma into the air, filling our home with whatever mood we are craving. 

Scent is another important part of setting the tone in your home. Banish the lingering smell of last night's dinner and still air by adorning yourself and your house with rejuvenating aromas. The scent of anything pleasant, a flower, a perfume, your favourite person, can trigger memories and emotions that will take you back or propel you forward. It could be a sweetness that permeates the room, the subtle whiff of a delicate floral applied to the wrist, or the sharp freshness of evergreen. Scent can lull us into calm or awaken us to the present. It can balance us, ground us; it is inseparably linked to our emotions. 

Whatever ambiance you want to create in your home, surround yourself with things that suit you. Your home should fulfill all your senses, while simultaneously comforting you and reminding you why you get up everyday to go out into the world to accomplish great things. At SALT, we are for open spaces and curated, meaningful items. Let us help you build a home you love.

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/at-home-with-foxhound-collective

ADVENTURE 03 | Meet Wilder

Over the past year, I built my first home! A beautiful, modern 1350 sqft haven with the help of family + friends. After moving in and spending some time there I have realized that at this time in my life, I don't need that much space. Cue my next adventure.

I would like to introduce you to my newest kin member: Wilder. I will be taking on the renovation of this 31ft 1973 Airstream Sovereign starting in August, rebuilding it from the frame up. Owning a vintage trailer has been a dream of mine since I knew cool trailers such as airstreams, shastas + spartans existed. Growing up I always viewed campers as more of a home. For me, camping means sleeping in a tent under the stars + cooking over a fire. However, as a long term housing option, campers, and specifically an airstream, seemed like an exciting option.

I was lucky enough to find Wilder on Salt Spring. She was well loved and lived near a lake. I was ecstatic to be the ‘chosen one’ to purchase her. She had plenty of interest! I joke that I manifested her. I had decided to sell my house and knew that an airstream was my next adventure… within weeks, volia! The perfect project airstream for me, only 2 minutes down the road.

I scooped her up on the 13th of May, my 29th birthday! What a fantastic day to take a new step. She has been sitting and patiently waiting for me to start pulling her apart. I know the process is going to test my skills, patience, and perseverance, but at the end of the day, I am just so excited for the journey.   

I intend on starting in August, as soon as I am out of my house and back from a fun + relaxing boat trip (an adventure post will follow!).  Enjoy the images of her today and stay tuned for more as time passes! Follow my airstream Instagram account for the transformation: @MeetWilder

Stay tuned!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/adventure-03-airstream

AENONS | Nature-al Skin Care

The word Aenon is the Greek word for "spring" or "natural fountain." This makes it an incredibly appropriate name for a natural grooming line that gives your skin the refreshment it craves. 

The evolution of Aenon from just that into a full skin care line and wellness collection was inspired in part by founder Queenie Sitterson's battle with the dry climate** of sunny L.A. "My skin was irritated and became sensitive to the products that I was using. The only remedy that provided any temporary relief was using pure plant oils directly on my skin. I then incorporated medicinal herbs and simple oil and wax based recipes into my routine." Queenie marvelled at the calming effects that basic, natural ingredients had on her skin, and was soon attending cosmetic workshops to familiarize herself with advanced formulations.

Natural Products

We are so glad that she followed her curiosity. Her mission to create "...wellness products that are minimal, versatile, and honest" has produced luxurious lotions, scrubs, and soaks that are free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and artificial colouring, and full of natural goodness that nourishes our skin. The newly released Rituall skin care line consists of a cleaner, toner, antioxidant serum, and a COQ10 beauty oil. Ingredients like camomile, aloe, grape essence, and multiple seed oils will cleanse, soothe, and hydrate your skin leaving a healthy, even complexion. Queenie takes her commitment to nature's safety beyond just the inputs. Minimal, sustainable packaging that is low impact and keeps her products pure is a top focus for getting the goods from production to your home.

Life of a Maker

Now finding her products featured in the likes of Vogue and Refinery29, Queenie's goal to expand Aenon on all fronts is well on it's way. She has her hands in all matters of the business, from leading her team in production to administrative tasks to research. She knows first hand how much work goes into building a brand, and firmly believes that "...persistence and adaptability are key to becoming a profitable business." Work/Life balance isn't something she has quite mastered yet, (what entrepreneur has??), but hikes with her favourite pooch alleviate at least some of the stress that comes along with being a badass boss lady. 

 

With so many products on the shelf these days, it's hard to know which of these in-your-face items are going to treat your skin right. We love Aenon's use of real ingredients that gets back to the basics and let's nature do all the work. We leave you with Queenie's favourite quote, which in itself, is a great mentality when it comes to skin care and quantifies how she shows up for her business: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

GREAT ITEMS BY AENONS  |

Find many of Aenon's scrubs and face masks at SALT. They are the perfect gifts for friends or a treat for yourselves. And a reminder that it's ok to treat ourselves and to do it with natural, non-irritating products is even better! Featured in our photos is the Terra Sugar Scrub.

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

FRIENDSHIP | International Day of Friendship

This isn't just an arbitrary day that someone decided should be dedicated to their buddies. The United Nations declared July 30th International Friendship Day to support the idea that "...friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities." It is a commitment to show the youth of our world that camaraderie and cooperation are what we need to lead us to long term international peace.

That is a fantastic sentiment. Here at home, we want everyone to take this day as an opportunity to thank all those rad people who make up our support systems. The people who show up for us when we need them to, in whatever way we need them to. 

There are many different kinds of friends. Silent and wise. Overtly protective and strong. Warm and nurturing. We need all of them.

You can't expect everyone to be the same kind of friend that you would be, we are all different. But you can keep around those awesome humans with whom you find a comfortable compatibility. In the same breath, don't feel guilt for letting go of destructive influences in your life. Our social energy is not unlimited. Sometimes having a social life at all in between all our other commitments can be challenging. So we need to make our time count, and give it to those who don't take it for granted.

Real friends aren't afraid to give us feedback, and give us hugs. When we feel like we can't count on ourselves, they are there to hold us up. They don't let us give up on ourselves. We share our secrets and they keep them safe. They are our partners in crime, our shelter in a storm, our chosen family.

"Friend" is more than just a casual term. It represents a bond that is an integral part of human interaction. On July 30th, and every day, we should celebrate and appreciate those every day heroes we hold so dear.

 

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

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