Ready for a bit of self-care? We know we are! Aussie-made skincare and wellness brand Summer Salt Body is joining us for our Spring/Summer market in Melbourne with their gorgeous range of all-natural, vegan-friendly products to nourish your skin and make you feel wonderful! Want to know more? Founder Sarah Howe joins us to share her small biz journey and give us a preview of what we can expect to discover at her stall on the 13th-15th of October at the Royal Exhibition Building.

When did you start Summer Salt Body, and what do you love most about being a small biz owner?

I started Summer Salt Body in 2014 through a passion for natural and vegan-friendly skincare and my love for the ocean. I started with a range of 5 different ocean-inspired Salt Scrubs, selling at local markets on the weekends for a bit of fun while working full time. What started out as a hobby, grew into a growing business very quickly! A large pharmacy group took on my range and soon enough, I was able to quit my job and work on Summer Salt full time. It was an absolute dream! I expanded the range into skincare and gift products and haven’t looked back ever since. I absolutely love being a small business owner, as I can create anything I dream of and provide affordable products and gifts to the public. I love the flexibility of owning a small business and the fact that the more you put into it, the more you get out. It’s very satisfying! 

Can you share a highlight or moment you’re most proud of?

I have so many proud moments. Looking back, even just moving into my first factory and having to employ staff was surreal. I couldn’t believe it at the time and now we have moved three times and are taking on more staff as we keep growing! Another pinch me moment was when Cotton On started selling our Essential Oil Rollers, Scrubs and Soaks across their stores. Walking into stores and seeing something I made by hand on the shelves was just incredible! 

What’s the most special product that you’ve created?

Our Essential Oil Rollers would have to be the most special product we make. They are still all individually made by hand with so much love and care. I also love how they can uplift someone when they’re feeling down or make them feel a certain way. It is really incredible. 

What can shoppers expect from your Finders Keepers stall?

All things natural, vegan and Australian-made skincare. We will be launching our new crystal soap and bath bomb gift sets, which will be perfect just in time for Christmas!

Tell us about your self-care routine!

I’m an athlete, a mum and own two businesses, so I am very busy and don’t have much time for self-care, so I make it part of my everyday routine. I keep my Cleanser and Scrub in the shower so I can use them while I wash my hair. I do a quick spritz of the Toning Mist when I get out of the shower, and then I use the Collagen Serum as I get dressed. Before heading out the door, I pop on some Moisturiser and Eye Cream and often use our Collagen Eye Masks in the car on the way to work or picking up kids. Sometimes, I train more than three times daily and have three showers, so my skin gets quite dry. I always keep a little bag of Summer Salt products in my gym bag or in the car to use after training and that makes me feel fresh! 

What are you reading at the moment?

I recently read a book called 4000 Weeks. It explores the concept of time and how we can make the most of the limited weeks in our lives while also recognising that we are here at all and that it’s an absolute miracle to be here in this world. 

What are you looking forward to at The Finders Keepers?

Discovering new brands and doing all my Christmas shopping! I love supporting small businesses and love giving gifts that are handmade or locally made. You just can’t beat it! I also love the community at Finders Keepers! We always meet other like-minded business owners and look forward to seeing them. Jo from Pink Nade is one of our favourites! We also love the food stalls and finding lots of yummy vegan treats. 

Connect with Summer Salt Body:
summersaltbody.com
@summer__salt