Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah McElrea.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Summa Salts was born after my husband, Tim, started a small raised herb garden for me in our backyard. We had such an abundance of herbs that I started researching ways to preserve them and learned about finishing salts. I made a basil and chive salt and used them every day on everything! When we ran out the garden had expanded even more and I started experimenting with peppers and more herb varieties to find every option was delicious and useful in its own way.
When I started giving them away as gifts to friends and family they quickly began telling me that I needed to sell these. As a former teacher, I had no experience in the small business world or with retail products and during this time I was also pregnant so starting a business was not something in the cards. After my baby was born I was struggling with postpartum depression and looking for ways to connect and find meaningful work in my new role as a stay-at-home Mom so we decided it was time to take Summa Salts to the next level. I decided on a name, ordered 200 grinder bottles and Tim purchased our domain name for me for Valentine’s Day in 2021. I started an Instagram as a way to learn from other local creators whose products I already love and as a way to connect with potential customers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
From the start, our goal was to grow ALL of the herbs and fruit we would use in our salts. Unfortunately, the harvests the first year of business were less than ideal. We battled geese, drought, severe storms, late freezes and just a lack of general gardening knowledge. Some of our plants did amazing though and I had our first round of salts available for sale. I still was selling via Facebook and Instagram with no website but we sold out in two weeks. I couldn’t believe how much everyone loved our product but now we had another problem and that was keeping up!
Being flexible is a cornerstone of my marriage and life and came in full force when we had the difficult decision of how we could grow this business knowing the limitations of our property and gardening capabilities. We had many chats with our community of vendors that had been created and eventually decided the best course of action that was most true to our brand was to start purchasing herbs from other local growers. We now have a network of 5 small farms that we work with to source over 30 different types of herbs, fruits and peppers with many more to come in the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of Summa Salts. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Summa Salts makes small batch gourmet finishing salts and cocktail salts. We are known for our seasonings being made with herbs and fruits we grow in our garden or by other local farmers we have partnerships with. Summa Salts come in a variety of flavors to fit any family’s preferences and we have the capability to make any meal more exciting with “Vampire chicken”, “Ranch broccoli” or “Unicorn Potatoes”! Our products are proudly made with only produce and salt. They are all vegan, gluten free and we add no fillers, extra preservatives or colors. The thing I am most proud about with my brand is how we have been able to build a community of creators, farmers, small business owners and customers. This community is not only the way that we are able to do business by word of mouth, getting more herbs and selling but also the point of my mission. Summa Salts is just the first step in the big plan of making our non-profit Rhiannon’s Garden a reality. Our hope is to build this business large enough to get the nest egg to purchase the building that will house free therapy services, community events and a large garden.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone facing any life challenge or starting a business is to build community. I have had more opportunities and friends come into my life than I could have ever imagined. Each one comes with more knowledge and guidance to bring me closer to the next step and the best version of myself. I believe that the way to create a healthy community is to participate. We have to show up to be seen and heard.
Pricing:
- Grinder $8
- Cocktail Rimmers $12
- Refill bag $8
- Pink Himalayan Grinder $10
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.summasalts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summasalts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summasalts904
Image Credits
Sindy Gonzalez
