Meet Leslie DeSimone & Miriam Siefken | Salty Cali’s Co-Founders/Co-Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie DeSimone & Miriam Siefken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie DeSimone, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It was pretty organic. At the time, Leslie was managing a surf shop and realized there was a lack of high quality beach jewelry for surf shops. We saw a need for it and that’s when we went to the jewelry store with $50, bought some materials, made a couple pieces and we had our first shell collection! It had sold out in one weekend-that’s when we knew we definitely had something. We both had full time jobs, but we believed we could transition this hobby into a business!

Fun fact: our shiva shell is still one of our best sellers!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We started with the surf shops and we still go off of that same style, which is beach inspired jewelry and we try to incorporate that into every look. I believe that you should always stick to your roots, who you are and who your brand is. No matter what the fast trends are, we always stay true to the Salty Cali brand and what it represents.

If it wasn’t for the shops, big and small, in the beginning of our journey, we would not be where we are today. We are very grateful for those shops and for our success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The beach of course! What better way to embrace salty vibes than enjoying the ocean.

Our go to beach spots would be Pacific Beach- prefect for a stroll along the boardwalk, especially at sunset.
Or Coronado, visiting the iconic Hotel Del and shops throughout town (must go to Seaside Papery!)
Food/ Drink-

We are regulars at Wayfarer Bread & Pastry in Birdrock. This cute neighborhood gem is our go to spot for coffee, fresh pastries and special sandwiches daily! While in Birdrock definitely stop and shop at Birdrock Surf Shop~ also just steps from the ocean!

Juice Wave in mission beach has the best açaí bowls and fresh juices around! All ingredients are from local farmer markets. It’s perfect for grabbing a bowl and steps from the beach -highly recommend their homemade granola & peanut butter in it .

For breakfast our go to places are Woody’s and Caroline’s Seaside Cafe. For dinner must try Barbusa in Little Italy or Cesarina

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel that the trend of shopping small and supporting small businesses really helped us to get our first accounts. They loved the idea that it was locally made and without their support I don’t think we would have believed in Salty Cali as a brand. Big shout out to Bird Rock Surf Shop for giving us our start. Also, Hansens & Surf Co.

-Miri

Website: https://saltycali.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltycalijewelry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltycali/

Image Credits
Kristina Davini Photography