Salty Buddha was born from a moment of inspiration at a local art & home decor consignment shop in Sea Girt, New Jersey, back in 2011. On early morning walks and after dawn patrol surf sessions, I’d always been drawn to the most amazing driftwood that had washed ashore, inspired by the organic, natural beauty of the wood itself, as well as the smells of the salt and the wood, and the sounds of the breakers.

In that shop, surrounded by “salty” themed items others had created, I knew I wanted to make something of my own. The next morning I gathered some of that driftwood and created my first batch of crafts. The shop owner was happy to let me sell my wares, but told me I needed a name to sell by. “Salty Buddha” it was, a name that blended my lifelong connection to the ocean with a hint of Buddhist philosophy.