Finding Inspiration in Waves: The Story Behind Salty Palm
Erica Lytle
A Note from Erica, Owner of The Salty Palm
Hi there!
I’m Erica, the heart behind Salty Palm. If you’re anything like me, the ocean is more than just a place—it’s a feeling, a lifestyle, and a source of endless inspiration. My family and I have spent countless hours soaking up the coastal life, and that love for the sea sparked the creation of Salty Palm.
What started as a fun hobby of making beach-inspired decals quickly grew into a dream of sharing this passion with others. Salty Palm is all about celebrating the ocean's beauty and surf culture's laid-back vibes. But more than that, it's about building a community of ocean lovers who share this same passion for the waves.
I invite you to get to know us and join our growing Salty Palm family. Whether you’re a surfer, a beachcomber, or someone who just loves the sound of the waves, there’s a place for you here.
With salty vibes and a grateful heart, Erica
If you’ve ever spent time by the ocean, you know it has a way of drawing you in. For my family and me, Navarre Beach isn’t just a destination—it’s home, it’s our happy place, and it’s the heart of Salty Palm.
Our family lived in Navarre for years while my husband, Nick, was stationed at Hurlburt Field AFB. When his enlistment ended, we faced a big decision: where would we go next? But honestly, Navarre Beach already felt like home, and we couldn’t imagine leaving the sandy shores and peaceful waves behind. So, we stayed—and that decision shaped our lives in ways we couldn’t have predicted.
From a Humble Beginning
The idea for Salty Palm didn’t come from some grand, well-thought-out business plan. It came from a much simpler place—my love for the beach and a spark of creativity. After Nick separated from the military, we embarked on a new career path by launching a kayak company, Navarre Kayak Fishing, based on his passion for being on the water. It wasn’t long after that when we purchased a vinyl machine, which was originally meant to create decals for our new business. But as fate would have it, I started experimenting with designs of my own, just for fun at first.
With our shared entrepreneurial spirit, I quickly realized that my little hobby could be so much more. It wasn’t just about creating designs for fun anymore—it became a passion. Before long, I knew I wanted to turn this creative outlet into a business that reflected our life by the sea.
So, in 2016 I launched The Salty Blonde Shop on Etsy. What began as a humble decal shop soon gained popularity with fellow beach lovers. Seeing how much people connected with our designs showed me there was potential for something bigger. As time went on, I began to dream bigger, wanting to offer more than just decals. I started designing products that captured the laid-back, sun-soaked vibes of coastal life—tees, tote bags, and more—each one inspired by the ocean and our life near the water.
Fun Facts About Our Salty Life
Our kids have grown up as true beach babies. They learned to walk on the sand and their favorite activities include beachcombing for shells and catching the sunrise with us. The ocean is practically in their DNA.
With five kids, date nights come few and far between, but when we do get the chance, our favorite nights are spent sitting on the beach or an early morning on the water. It’s part of what keeps us connected to the ocean and to each other.
The Heart Behind Our Brand
Salty Palm is more than just a brand to us; it’s a way of living that celebrates the beach lifestyle. We hope that when you wear or use something from Salty Palm, it reminds you of that special connection we all have with the ocean. Whether you live near the coast or miles away, there’s a part of the beach that stays with you, no matter where you are.
Where We Are Headed
Salty Palm has grown a lot since those early decal-making days, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. Our focus will always be on creating products that celebrate beach living and support eco-friendly practices, but we also want to build a community of like-minded people who share our love for the ocean.
Thank you for being part of our journey—because honestly, Salty Palm wouldn’t exist without people like you who share in the love for this salty, sun-kissed way of life.
