Discover the Joy of Shopping Small This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to shift our focus from the hustle and bustle of big-box retailers and online shopping giants to the charm and significance of shopping small. Salty Sisters Designs invites you to support local businesses in your community while also exploring the joy of knowing where your gifts come from. Let's delve into the benefits of shopping small this holiday season and why attending arts markets can be a unique experience.

Supporting People in Your Community

One of the most significant advantages of shopping small is the direct impact it has on people in your community. When you make a purchase from a local store, like Salty Sisters Designs, or a talented maker who isn't tied to a brick-and-mortar shop, you're putting money directly into the pockets of your neighbors and friends. These small business owners and artisans rely on your support to make a living, and your choice to shop small can help them achieve their dreams.

Unique and Personalized Gifts

Local businesses and makers often offer a curated selection of products that you won't find in larger, mainstream stores. When you shop small, you're more likely to discover one-of-a-kind gifts that have been handcrafted or carefully chosen by the business owners and artisans. These unique gifts carry a personal touch that can't be replicated by mass-produced items. Salty Sisters Designs, for instance, specializes in ethically sourced cured fish skin jewelry inspired by the time we spend outdoors, making each piece a unique and thoughtful gift.

Attending Arts Markets

Arts markets are a treasure trove of creativity and talent. They provide a platform for makers who may not have brick-and-mortar stores but excel in their craft. By attending arts markets, you have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of handmade products, from jewelry and ceramics to textiles and artwork. These markets offer a vibrant and festive atmosphere, making shopping a delightful experience in itself.

Connection and Community

Shopping small creates a sense of connection and community. Local business owners and artisans are passionate about their products and their customers. They take the time to get to know their patrons and offer a personalized shopping experience. By supporting small businesses and attending arts markets, you become a part of a close-knit community that values and appreciates your loyalty.

Transparency and Accountability

When you shop small, you can have confidence in knowing where your gifts come from. Local businesses and makers are often more transparent about their sourcing and production methods. You can ask questions, learn about the origins of the products, and make informed choices that align with your values. This transparency ensures that your gifts are not only unique but also ethically and sustainably produced.

Sterling silver ring with cured black rockfish skin.

This holiday season, consider the joy of shopping small for you and your loved ones. Embrace the opportunity to support people in your community, explore the creativity of talented makers, and experience the satisfaction of knowing where your gifts come from. Whether you're looking for unique, handcrafted items or want to foster a sense of connection and community, shopping small can truly enrich your holiday shopping experience. So, as you prepare to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones, remember Salty Sisters Designs and the many benefits of supporting local businesses and artisans. Happy holidays!

Why Salty Sisters Designs Thinks You Should Keep Up With Trout Unlimited

As a small, women-owned jewelry company that values sustainability and ethical sourcing, we at Salty Sisters Designs are big fans of Trout Unlimited. This non-profit organization works tirelessly to protect and conserve freshwater streams, rivers, and upland habitats for trout, salmon, and other aquatic species, as well as for the people who rely on these resources.

At Salty Sisters Designs, we use ethically sourced cured fish skin to create unique and beautiful jewelry pieces. Each piece is carefully crafted with the fish species listed, as well as the responsible contributing fisherfolk. We believe in the importance of responsible resource management, which is why we are so drawn to the work of Trout Unlimited.

Trout Unlimited is dedicated to the conservation of freshwater habitats and the species that depend on them. From working with local communities and governments to implement conservation measures, to conducting research and advocacy efforts to protect important habitats, this non-profit is committed to ensuring that these vital ecosystems are preserved for future generations.

In addition to their conservation efforts, Trout Unlimited also works to educate the public about the importance of these habitats and the species they support. From hosting events and workshops, to producing educational materials and resources, Trout Unlimited is dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of freshwater conservation.

As a company that relies on the bounty of the outdoors for our materials and inspiration, we know firsthand the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources. That's why we are proud to support Trout Unlimited and the important work they do to conserve and protect our freshwater habitats.

Sustainable and Chic: The Best Eco-Friendly Jewelry for Outdoor Enthusiasts

As a nature-loving woman, you know the importance of preserving our planet's natural resources. From choosing reusable water bottles to supporting environmentally-conscious brands, every little action can make a difference. And when it comes to your accessories, you can make a statement and speak up for the environment at the same time with Salty Sisters Designs' fish skin jewelry.

Sporting one of my favorite shirts from Pure Lure Gear.

But what makes fish skin jewelry an eco-friendly choice? For starters, the material is sustainably sourced. At Salty Sisters Designs, we work with responsible fisherfolk who adhere to sustainable fishing practices. We use the skin of the fish that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring that no part of the catch is unused.

A fish is NEVER caught solely for its skin. The whole idea to do this was because we were inspired by how much of the fish was being used while working as deckhands on a salmon trolling boat in Southeast Alaska. Our commitment to sustainability was evident in every aspect of our fishing process. Each fish is carefully caught using hook and line, ensuring that it is of the highest quality. We not only sold the meat, but also the roe, maximizing the value of each catch. And, as an added bonus, the leftover parts of the fish were used in shrimp pots, minimizing waste and maximizing the utilization of resources. We just wanted to take it a step further.

And let's not forget about style. Our fish skin jewelry is chic and unique, adding a touch of personality to any outfit. We wanted to keep our curing process simple so as to maintain the natural look of the fish. Each piece is handcrafted with attention to detail, so you can feel good about supporting small businesses and artisans as well.

So why wait? Start your collection of eco-friendly jewelry today with Salty Sisters Designs. Whether you're hitting the trails or dressing up for a night out, our fish skin pieces are the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Breaking Barriers: How Salty Sisters Designs is Supporting Women in the Fishing Industry

The fishing industry and the sport of fishing has long been a male-dominated area, but that’s changing and we love to see it. As a women-owned jewelry company, we recognize the importance of supporting and uplifting woman both in outdoor spaces as well as in the small business world. While we love to collaborate with any responsible fisherfolk, our primary group of contributors are women that we are so very proud to work with.

But let's take a step back and examine the current state of women in the commercial fishing industry. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, women make up just over 15% of the global fishing workforce. This number is even lower in certain regions, where cultural and societal barriers prevent women from entering the field.

Despite these challenges, women have always played a vital role in the fishing industry. From processing and marketing fish to participating in the catch, women have contributed to the industry in countless ways. At Salty Sisters Designs, we want to give them the recognition and support they deserve. And we want to continue connecting with the men and women we know in the fishing and maritime industries that are doing the exact same.

That's why we work with people we know. People who are both good stewards of the environment and who have a desire to continue making being on the water accessible to everyone. Each piece of our jewelry includes the fish species and the name of the contributing fisherfolk, allowing you to connect with the individual and any project or community that they are involved with as well.

By supporting Salty Sisters Designs, you're not just getting a beautiful piece of jewelry. You're also supporting the empowerment of women in the fishing industry and breaking barriers for future generations. Join us in this mission and add a fish skin accessory to your collection today.