What do you typically tell people when they ask you what you do?
“I create natural skincare products.”
What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always created my own remedies for just about anything. I have a huge passion for natural therapies and found it quite hard to purchase products which weren’t laden with chemical based ingredients that were vegan friendly. I have also always wanted to own my own business. Working full time as a sales rep in the health food industry, I met so many amazing people who owned their own businesses. This inspired me to see if anyone would buy the products I’d already been making and using myself. I spoke to my sister who is a graphic designer about business name ideas and she came up with the name “Summer Salt.” She currently works as my designer, I’m so lucky to be able to work with my sister every day!
What was a defining moment in your business?
The most defining moment of my business would have to be exporting my handmade products all over the world to be stocked in boutique stores. The business grew quite quickly from selling the products at local markets to now having over 100 stockists across 4 continents. This allowed me to quit my day job and take on Summer Salt full time. It’s been a dream.
What do you love most about your business?
I love the fact that I have my own business. It allows me to be really creative, make decisions and gives me so much freedom. I do what I love every! I get to meet lots of amazing people.
What do you do to PLAY/ unwind?
Running along the beach with my dog Nacho, swimming in the bay, practicing yoga or candle lit baths. We live in such a fast paced society that it is essential to stop and slow down and appreciate the amazing world around us.
What’s your most quirky personal trait?
I’m always addicted to something. I’ve been living in Vanuatu for the past 5 months so my current addiction is Coconuts!
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The most satisfying moment has been the overwhelming positive feedback and support for the products I create. Customer feedback is what inspires me to continually expand the range.
Who has been your greatest inspiration in business?
I’m inspired by anyone who owns their own business. I think it’s an amazing thing to start something which ends up becoming your full time job.
What continue to be some of the greatest challenges you face in your business?
My biggest challenge to date has been keeping up with orders. I didn’t realise how fast the business would expand in such little time. It’s a good challenge to have, but one that I should have prepared for in the beginning. I am currently looking into moving into a warehouse which will give me more room.
What are some of the benefits of building relationships with other female business owners?
I have discovered an amazing community of female business owners on social media who all support one another. It’s really important to build these kinds of relationships as there is always so much to learn from one another. Many of my good friends are in business and they are filled with positive energy – great people to be around.
What advice would you give to other business owners trying to grow their business?
- Create relationships with other businesses on social media and help one another expand and grow. It’s great to attend functions or events for small business owners so you can meet the people behind the brands and gain an insight into what they do and how they run their business.
- Think about the design of your brand or product. If you’re not a designer yourself, it is definitely worth investing in a professional designer to create a unique look for your business. We have changed branding of Summer Salt Body a few times and have found sales to increase after creating a fresh look.
- Photography is everything. Keep your images on social media fresh and engaging. We are always keen to work with different photographers with their own creative style. Sales will increase as a result.
Any destination- where could we take you?
Take me anywhere! I think there’s so much to explore in every part of the world.
SummerSalt Body is based in Melbourne. You can find Sarah on Instagram at @summer_salt or online here.
