Plants need light, water, and care to thrive—and, it turns out, so do people. In 2019, Sarasota resident and single mom Jen Zak realized that, despite a great marketing career and two kids she adored, her mental health had begun to crumble. So, she made a bold decision: She took a month off from her corporate job and drove solo across the country to New Mexico in her Honda Civic to let the open space and desert winds rearrange her perspective. There, surrounded by healers, crystals, mountains, and new friends, she slowed down enough to see what she really wanted: a life fueled by growth, connection, and creativity.
Fast-forward to today, and you’ll find Jen at Salt Your Soul Gift Co., the “coolest plant and gift shop in Sarasota”—a place “powered by plants, crystals, and swear words.” What began as a dream of opening a salt cave, like one she’d experienced in Santa Fe, has evolved into a vibrant, plant-filled gift shop where the air buzzes with good vibes.
“When I opened the shop, I knew nothing about plants,” Jen says. “Now they’re one of my greatest passions. They’ve been a huge part of my own healing journey, and I want to make plant care approachable and fun. If I can do it, anyone can.” She’s gone from “black thumb” to walking plant encyclopedia, happily sharing her knowledge with customers who bring her their struggling greenery like patients to a doctor.
But Salt Your Soul isn’t just about leafy decor. It’s part shop, part community hub. Visitors can browse crystals, humorous cards, and handmade gifts from local artisans, or get creative at the build-your-own-terrarium bar. “I focus on choosing products that spark the imagination or have meaning behind them,” Jen says. “If I love it and it makes me feel good, I’ll bring it into the shop to share with my customers. I love learning as much as I can about the small business it came from.”
The shop also offers hands-on workshops and “magical experiences” such as immersive sound baths and classes in pouring candles and crafting macramé plant hangers and gemstone jewelry. Once a month, the parking lot transforms into the Sarasota Indie Market & Plant Swap. “We started with three vendors and one plant-swap table—now it’s up to 40 local artisans, food trucks, and an entire community showing up to support each other,” Jen says. “That’s what makes it really special. I feel lucky to be part of a community that values creativity and local connections.”
Running the store solo, Jen has relied mainly on word-of-mouth and social media to build her following. But her vision keeps expanding. In March of 2024, she moved the shop into a larger location, doubling her inventory, welcoming products from 25 local artists, and creating cozy corners where people can simply hang out.
“Some people like to come in just to chill,” she says. “There’s never any pressure to buy something.”
Looking ahead, Jen hopes to add more workshops and eventually hire a small team. In the meantime, she’s exactly where she wants to be: in her safe bubble of greenery, tending plants, chatting with customers, and reminding everyone who walks through the door that growth—like life—takes patience, care, and a little bit of magic.
Salt your Soul
7256 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
941-217-7533
saltyoursoul.com
