Introducing Rising Tide
Connecting Community
For nearly 30 years, our founder, Cari Phelps, has been driven by a passion for storytelling, brand-building, and—above all—connecting with other small businesses. Throughout her career as a brand strategist and creative director, she has found the most rewarding part of her work in uncovering what makes each business unique.
Retail is tougher than ever for small businesses, which is why I’m launching Rising Tide—a monthly series celebrating local and regional businesses that stand out for their innovation, sustainability, and community connection.
In 2005, Cari co-founded cSpot, a networking group designed to bring together Savannah’s creative community. Meeting in different small business venues each month, cSpot fostered a spirit of collaboration that continues today under the leadership of Olive Ridley Studios.
She also introduced Savannah to its first-ever “pop-ups” in 2011—hosting them right in her own home—as a way to connect people with local makers and artisans, including her own brand, Salacia Salts. A few years later, she expanded this concept with Make Savannah, a platform to promote and market creative businesses through events, storytelling, and digital exposure.
From 2020 to 2025, Salacia Salts had a retail shop in historic downtown Savannah, where Cari spent five years connecting visitors and locals with her favorite regional makers. After selling the shop to The Indigo Cottage, she found herself once again drawn to her passion for championing small brands.
That’s why she launched Rising Tide—a monthly series dedicated to shining a light on regional and local businesses. Through Rising Tide, we continue our mission of uplifting creative entrepreneurs, sharing their stories, and fostering a community where small brands can thrive together. Because when one of us rises, we all do.
Follow the Tide
In addition to featuring a new business each month here on our blog, on social media and through our VIP email list, our Southern Charm subscription box will feature a collection of 4 Salacia products, along with our Rising Tide spotlight. Inspired by the beauty of the South and the sea, every box celebrates coastal charm and discovery. Subscribers will enjoy something extra from our Rising Tide feature of the month, plus surprises like gifts, samples, new Salacia products in development (be the first to try!) and exclusive invitations.