About Us

a capstone project turned coastal business

Sanibel Saltworks was born from a simple idea: to transform the natural beauty and abundance of the Gulf of America into something pure, sustainable, and meaningful. Founded in Southwest Florida by lifelong Fort Myers native and entrepreneur Katie Hayes, our company is rooted in a deep love for coastal living, environmental responsibility, and small-batch craftsmanship.

Each batch of our salt is hand-harvested from the Gulf waters near Sanibel Island using a low-impact, solar-evaporation process that relies on sun, wind, time, and care—nothing more. We believe nature already provides what is needed; our role is simply to honor the process. From water collection and evaporation to hand harvesting, drying, and packaging, every step is done with intention and respect for our coastal ecosystem.

Our branding tells our story just as much as our salt does. The mermaid in our logo represents both the magic of the sea and the next generation we hope to protect. Our colors are inspired by Sanibel’s beloved Periwinkle Way and the deep blues of the Gulf that shape our daily lives.

Sanibel Saltworks is more than a business, it’s a legacy project built on sustainability, community, and a commitment to preserving the waters that have given us so much. Whether you are a local or a visitor taking a piece of the Gulf home with you, we are honored to share this journey from tide to table.