From home decor to apparel, accessories and so much more, Amanda is on a mission to help people “connect with quality goods to enrich their surroundings + create moments of beauty.” Through her thoughtfully curated, elevated boutique picks from over 200+ independent makers and designers, Salt & Sundry has become one of D.C.’s most popular destinations for home and lifestyle products since its inception in 2012.
Salt & Sundry is near and dear to the hearts of the SIMPLi team, and not just because it’s one of our favorite spots to shop – but because it was one of the first shops in D.C. to sell SIMPLi! Whether you’re looking for a place to shop for your next dinner party or simply need some creative inspiration, Salt & Sundry has it all, thanks to Amanda’s creative expertise. Be sure to check out Salt & Sundry’s website and read on for our full interview!
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to create Salt & Sundry?
Convincing people that they could throw a great dinner party and treat loved ones to something special was the real kernel of inspiration behind the shops. I had been a food writer for about a decade, highlighting amazing chefs, producers and artisans through my writing, and when I’d entertain at home, I kept hearing people say, “I could never do that.” Yes, you can! I wanted to take the intimidation factor out of opening your home. That’s where the product mix really started — how to create a beautiful, approachable table that makes people feel the glow of hospitality. Since then, we’ve found our real mission is promoting well-being in a more general sense through the creation of thoughtful spaces — whether it’s welcoming folks into our spaces for a mental reset at the end of the day or helping you create a space that will nourish and inspire you at home.
Food has the powerful ability to create long-lasting memories for us. Can you describe a memorable dish from your childhood or a meal you’ve shared with others that has stayed with you throughout your life?
When I was begging for something or some permission from my dad, I’d say, “Pretty please with crab cakes on top?” because I knew he loved crab cakes. How convincing? Some of my best food memories are from the beach in North Carolina, watching my dad assemble big hunks of jumbo lump crab meat into patties, while my mom and family members created other perfectly summery dishes … tomato pie, cheese grits, steamed clams, salted watermelon. I could go on and on.
Where does the name “Salt & Sundry” come from?
I love salt! I’d rather eat French fries for dessert than sweets any day. And I’m quite the evangelist for why salt shouldn’t be demonized from a health perspective. (I even named our LLC “Good Salt”.) Sundry literally means miscellaneous objects and had a sort of vintage mercantile feel to it. I loved the alliteration created when linking them together. Alas, plenty of people think it’s “sun dry.” We get Salt & Sultry, too.
How do you go about curating the unique and artisanal products that Salt & Sundry is known for?
I’m looking for an amazing story wrapped in a beautiful, functional package. I’m always on the lookout for pieces or people that catch my eye.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the retail space or start their own business?
Ask for help and know what you’re willing to put on the line. No one’s giving you an award for figuring things out on your own, so reach out and seek help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things that are new to you. If you’ve never started a business, so much will be unfamiliar! All the acronyms, jargon, blah blah. Don’t hesitate to stop someone and say, “Can you explain what that means?” (Also, Google - I Google full sentences all the time, haha.)
Photo taken by Isa Salazar
What are some trending home decor, products, or styles you’re seeing right now? Do you have any favorites?
Little fishies are everywhere which makes this salt lover happy because I’m a big fan of anchovies, sardines and the like. From jewelry to pottery to textiles, I’m seeing lots of fish love.
If you had to list your personal style as 5 adjectives, what would they be?
Beachy, flowy, bohemian, practical, and also unsettled. (Regularly wanting to reinvent my personal style, anyone else?)
