Meet Katie Neuman | Founder and Owner of Salt + Blue

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

Hi Katie, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Salt + Blue came from a deep longing to pursue a creative endeavor while I was a stay-at-home parent. As I had the great joy to be home while my kids were young, I also had a persistent itch to continue working in some capacity of design, creative direction and photography, which was my professional background and experience.

I envisioned starting a finely curated e-commerce store that would feature seasonal goods made by small batch makers for an intentional and slowed down lifestyle – a reflection of how I found myself to be enjoying the everyday since I was spending a lot of time at home. It was also a dream of mine from a very young age to own my own retail space one day. Even though this would be e-commerce, I would get to create something that I was passionate about growing. And I loved the idea that I could occasionally pop Salt + Blue up at local markets and events, and enjoy being part of a small business community which was also something I was longing for at the time.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Something that I am most proud of in my life is that I took a risk to create my dream job for myself by designing and starting my own business.

I got to where I am today by way of working for two exceptional big name retail companies, both of which inspired me and supported me in numerous ways. I also had the opportunity to work for smaller, locally owned businesses in the realm of visual merchandising, interior and commercial design, and creative direction. Additionally, I have worked as a freelance photographer (editorial and portraiture) for the last fifteen years. This is a combination of 20+ years of professional experience, and has led me to where I am today. There were definitely challenges along the way, but the biggest challenge was trying to balance staying engaged in some form of creative work while simultaneously being a stay-at-home parent.

What really stands out to me in the lessons that I have learned along the way is the importance of listening to the voice inside of you that has a passionate idea, and to act on it, no matter how big or how small. This is what the world needs from you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I would start by taking them to RiNo where Salt + Blue is located. The area is a vibrant mix of funky and refined in every way. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love to have drinks at Death & Co. For an incredible meal, The Greenwich or Work & Class are two of my favorites. Taco Uprising is my current favorite little gem in Five Points.

Then we’d make our way over to Tennyson. I love to meander around the neighborhood. Post Oak BBQ is not to be missed, and lingering over coffee at Huckleberry is a favorite. I haven’t been yet but am dying to go to Hey Kiddo.

We would definitely go to downtown Louisville, which is where I spend a lot of my free time. I love to get lunch and coffee at Moxie along with a loaf of fresh baked bread to have at home for the week. From there we would head to Boulder and do some shopping on Pearl Street. Peppercorn and the Boulder Book Store are my favorites and a must go-to for my out of town guests.

After Louisville and Boulder, we would go to Golden. A walk along Clear Creek and a refreshing dip of the feet in the cold water is always a good idea. Downtown Golden makes for great strolling and shopping, topped off with dinner at Buffalo Rose.

Picnic at Wash Park, savor a meal at Annette, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, and if it’s summer a concert at Red Rocks is a must. I know I’m missing a million things. How lucky are we to live in this great city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been so blessed to have incredibly strong women in my life from family to friends to women who inspired me and continue to inspire and motivate me in various ways. It’s wonderful to surround yourself with a tribe that lifts you up and wants to see you succeed.

Website: www.shopsaltandblue.com

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

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