This holiday season, the Salt Lake Chamber will showcase local small businesses weekly. These businesses are integral to our community, and we encourage you to join us in celebrating and shopping small this season! Discover this week’s featured business below:
Tell us about Salt & Honey Market, what is your mission?
Salt & Honey Market is a marketplace we founded to celebrate and support local artists and makers by giving them a dedicated space to showcase and sell their creations. Our mission is to serve as a bridge between the community and the artist, offering a curated selection of handcrafted goods — from art and jewelry to home décor and unique gifts — each piece telling the personal story of its creator. We take pride in providing our community with a year-round destination to discover and support local talent, offering something special for everyone who values handmade, one-of-a-kind items.
What’s the biggest challenge of being a small business owner?
Being self-funded means we don’t have the financial cushion that larger companies rely on when big challenges arise, like navigating the pandemic or facing unexpected issues with our locations. The tough times are undeniably difficult, yet they ultimately lead to growth and resilience. Challenges that might only slightly impact large retailers often hit us much harder, requiring us to adapt quickly and stay resourceful to keep going.
What’s the best opportunity of being a small business?
There’s something truly special about connecting with our vendors and customers over the stories and craftsmanship behind each product. It’s inspiring to know that each purchase not only supports a customer’s choice for quality but also has a real impact on the lives of local creators. Every item comes with a story and a purpose. By focusing on consignment, we’re able to give artists a greater share of each sale, which helps them continue their work and sustain their businesses. This approach strengthens our community and allows us to support the creative spirit that makes each piece so unique.
What’s one thing you wish customers knew more about when it comes to running a small business?
It’s incredibly challenging when items are stolen from our store because each piece represents the hard work and dedication of a local artist. Theft isn’t just a loss for us; it’s a direct hit to the livelihood of individual creators.
We wish customers could see how much heart we put into everything we do — from our team’s careful attention to beautiful displays and thoughtful marketing to creating a welcoming and enjoyable shopping experience.
We’re dedicated to helping local vendors thrive in their craft and build successful, sustainable businesses. For emerging creators, we offer opportunities to join our marketplace and participate in our monthly mentorship program, where they can present their products and receive invaluable, constructive feedback. This program is designed to foster growth, helping creators refine their skills and gain insights to advance both their craft and their business.
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About Salt & Honey Market
Ashley and Nicole first met in 2015 when Salt & Honey was a pop-up market designed to showcase local artists and makers. Inspired by their shared passion for supporting the creative community, they decided to establish a permanent storefront where local artisans could continuously sell their products. Combining Ashley’s strengths in illustration and design with Nicole’s strengths in manufacturing and business, they opened their first location at The Gateway. A year later, they moved to the vibrant 9th and 9th district, and today, Salt & Honey Market has grown to three thriving storefronts, each a unique space for local talent to shine.
