Meet Sophia Hastings | Owner, Salt Marsh Mercantile

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Hastings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, I believe the most important thing I’ve done is nurture a strong foundation of faith and love in our home. The most important thing I can do as a parent is to guide my children to the cross and for them to have a strong relationship with The Lord. I homeschool my children, which gives me the opportunity to be closely involved in their education and to teach them not only academics but also the importance of kindness, respect, curiosity about the world, and a strong work ethic. By involving them in my journey with Salt Marsh Mercantile, I hope to show them the value of working hard, being passionate about what you do, and persevering through challenges.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Salt Marsh Mercantile is more than just a jewelry business; it’s a reflection of my love for the low country and the coastal lifestyle of Charleston. What sets us apart is the deep connection I have to each piece I create, often inspired by the natural beauty around me. I take pride in crafting unique jewelry that resonates with the stories of my customers and the rich heritage of our community.

Getting to where I am today has certainly been a journey filled with both excitement and challenges. Balancing my role as a mother and a business owner has its hurdles, especially while homeschooling my boys. There were moments of doubt, but I learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons about time management, resilience, and the power of community support.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my business. Connecting with customers who share a love for the coast and seeing their joy in wearing my creations is incredibly rewarding. I want the world to know that Salt Marsh Mercantile is rooted in faith, family, and a passion for craftsmanship. Every piece of jewelry tells a story, and I hope to inspire others to embrace their own stories through the art of jewelry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I truly think Charleston is one of the most magical places to visit! I love having friends come from near and far to see our beautiful city. When they visit, we are sight seeing, shopping, eating and relaxing! The restaurants I would take them to would be Leon’s Oyster Shop, Halls Chophouse, Raw 167 and we’d get Lewis BBQ for a picnic. We’d grab coffee downtown at Harkin before shopping down King Street and visiting the market. For drinks we’d go Camelia’s at hotel Bennett or Charleston Place. We would definitely visit Charleston Place for tea time or a cocktail because they always have something amazing going on and their decor is stunning. For activities, we’d go to Sullivan’s Island for a beach day and grab a delicious meal at Obstinate Daughter while there. We’d take the boat out for an afternoon and if the weather was good we’d anchor at Fort Sumter or Sandy Point beach, I’d also have us stop at Drum Island to look for sharks teeth. We’d spend a morning in the Old Village looking at the beautiful historic homes and walking Pitt Street Bridge and have lunch at my favorite spot, The Post House, they have the best burger in town! Recently, my family and I hopped on tuk tuk bikes after dinner and tour a grand tour of the city- it was the best way to see the beautiful homes along the battery and to admire Charleston’s history. For shopping, we are walking down King Street and stopping at Madison Mathews, Minnow, Hill House, Lake, and popping into Under the Almond Trees to grab something fun for the kiddos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to thank The Lord for His constant guidance, grace, and provision. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, and I believe that Salt Marsh Mercantile is a reflection of the blessings He’s given me. I also want to thank my family—my husband and my boys—who are my greatest supporters. I’d also love to recognize my local Charleston community and customers, whose love for the low country and support for my business have been such a blessing. Without these incredible people and the grace of God, none of this would be possible. I also am so inspired by all the female entrepreneurs in Charleston, our community is full of moms encouraging other moms to go for it, all while understanding that motherhood is the most important role.

Website: https://www.saltmarshmercantile.com

Instagram: @saltmarshmercantile

Facebook: @saltmarshmercantile