A Salty Soul brings comfort in more ways than one.
Erin Wilson knows the seductive power of Nantucket as well as anybody. After working abroad in the corporate world for almost fifteen years, Wilson came to the island for a reprieve and some reflection in 2016. She only intended to stay for six months or so, but during that time the salt air got deep into her soul and she fell madly in love with the community. Deciding to stay, Wilson got her real estate license and ultimately took a position at Fisher Real Estate. But this washashore also wanted to pour her passion for her newfound life into something tangible, something she could share. Enter A Salty Soul.
In 2017, Wilson launched what she describes as a “casual lifestyle brand for those who simply love the sea and are passionate about giving back.” A Salty Soul’s super-comfy T-shirts and sweatshirts designed for men, women and children are the perfect post-beach garments to extend that carefree feeling you get lying in the sun and swimming in the waves. Her designs are simple and charming, reminiscent of the motifs you’d find in an old beachside shack. “A Salty Soul is Nantucket-based and committed to the island community,” Wilson says, “but it’s really for all coastal towns and for people who love the ocean.”
This season, Wilson will be offering A Salty Soul, which also includes fantastic summer accessories like hats, tote bags and wine glasses, primarily through her website (asaltysoul.com). With her wholesale business taking a major hit amid the coronavirus pandemic, she has had to streamline much of her business direct to consumer. Thankfully, customers have responded, enabling Wilson to continue her Salty Soul mission, which goes well beyond her products.
Since launching the business three years ago, Wilson has dedicated a portion of her profits toward funding surf lessons for kids at the Boys & Girls Club. “It’s all about bringing the community together,” Wilson says. “Gavin at ACK Surf School gives a discount on the lessons and then A Salty Soul pays for the lessons.” Most recently amid the coronavirus pandemic, Wilson donated 30 percent of the sales of her popular “Nantucket State of Mind” line, as well as 15 percent of the sales of all her other lines, to the Nantucket Food, Fuel, Rental Assistance Program.
“I’m just trying to do my part however I can,” Wilson says. “Helping others is core to our mission.” Indeed, whether it’s wrapping up in a cozy Nantucket State of Mind sweatshirt while watching the sunset, or knowing that purchasing that sweatshirt might have inadvertently helped someone on the island in need, A Salty Soul brings comfort in more ways than one.
Visit ASaltySoul.com to peruse and purchase Erin Wilson’s island-inspired lines.
