Salt Society
Fowey's Award Winning Coastal Concept Store
Inside Fowey's Small Businesses is a series of articles that take a peek behind the scenes in some of our town's brilliant businesses. We took the opportunity to have a chat with Harriet Secular, owner of The Salt Society to find out more about this beautiful boutique.
Rachel Roberts, 27 November 2025
For Harriet Secular, founder of Salt Society, a career in fashion was a dream nurtured from childhood. Having studied Fashion and Journalism at university, Harriet’s varied early career took a decisive turn when she and her husband sold their hotel business to relocate to the Cornish coast with their two young daughters. “We wanted to bring them up by the sea, enjoying the outdoors and a different way of life,” she explains. Though she still works seven days a week, Harriet says it no longer feels like work as she pursues her passion for fashion in a family-friendly setting. Both she and her husband describe themselves as entrepreneurial and adventurous, driven not by money but by a desire to create something meaningful.
Salt Society is far from a typical boutique. It is a concept store rooted in slow, stylish and sustainable living. The vibe is minimalist and timeless, drawing inspiration from Cornwall’s coastline but steering clear of seaside clichés. It offers a carefully curated mix of clothing, homewares and lifestyle goods, alongside a social space with an espresso bar, crafting an atmosphere where customers are invited to linger, chat and explore. “It’s about ‘buy less, buy well’ - investing in versatile pieces that last, rather than chasing fleeting trends,” says Harriet.
The first Salt Society opened in late 2023 and quickly became a local favourite, prompting the launch of Boheme by Salt Society just over a year later, followed by another branch of Salt Society in St Ives last summer. Harriet’s inspiration came from a longing for the kind of thoughtful shopping experience she loved in the city and couldn’t find in Cornwall at the time. “I’d have to drive 40 minutes just to go to a shop I enjoyed. I felt Fowey could really benefit from something different - something that encouraged discovery and slower shopping, like the concept stores I loved in New York years ago.”.
Visitors to Salt Society can expect personal, attentive service from a team passionate about helping customers find pieces that feel authentically theirs. The collection is predominantly Scandi-inspired, featuring clean lines, quality fabrics and understated styles sourced from small European brands rarely seen on the UK high street. “We only stock small runs of each item to avoid saturating the town with the same look,” Harriet explains, emphasising the boutique’s commitment to individuality and sustainability.
The shops balance the tastes of locals and visitors alike by focusing on timeless wardrobe staples: great jeans, perfect white T-shirts, exceptional knitwear, alongside seasonal outerwear and on-trend denim, allowing customers to build capsule collections they can adapt and grow. Personal highlights include consistent day-one brands like Mos Mosh and Second Female, embodying the clean, contemporary Scandi style that defines the store’s core ethos.
Beyond the boutique floors, Salt Society nurtures a spirited and close-knit team that feels more like a family than employees. Store manager Laura has been with the business almost from the beginning, joined by Lindsay, Jess, Emma, Lola and newcomer Hilary, all united by a love of fashion and fun. Harriet credits this team camaraderie for much of the store’s warmth and success...
This heart and soul has not gone unnoticed. Salt Society has received national recognition, winning awards two years running against often bigger and busier city stores. “It means everything,” Harriet says. “I pour my heart and soul into this, so to be recognised is truly humbling.”
Looking ahead, Salt Society will celebrate the festive season with a “sip and shop” event featuring Berkman Wines, a fundraising brunch in St Ives supporting a marathon charity, and in the New Year, a fashion show raising funds for the Fowey Literature Festival in partnership with the Du Maurier committee.
For Harriet, the essence of Salt Society lies not just in the pieces sold but in the lasting experience. “I want people to remember the feeling - to think of us next time they want to make a conscious purchase, or recall the ‘nice lady who helped with their outfit dilemma’ or the friend who found the perfect pair of jeans. That connection, that care, is why we do what we do.”..
You can shop with Salt Society in either of their two shops in Fowey, in St Ives or online at saltsociety.co.uk
