Brigitte McBride, the original founder of EARTH & SEA SALTS, and maker of gourmet sea salt, started her company in 2008 with a goal of making healthy, natural, flavorful salt blends for the kitchen. She worked at Midway Farms for a year learning about growing and using herbs for culinary use. EARTH & SEA SALTS was born from the love of cooking combined with the dream to create an independent business.
Brigitte’s grandmother was a big influence on her, teaching her many things about food, like using ingredients straight from the garden, saving extra food by canning and freezing and most importantly, to KEEP IT SIMPLE! When making EARTH & SEA SALTS, she used fresh ingredients and made each blend in small batches, just like grandma would have done.
"Food is a huge realm of possibilities in the form of choices, so remember to make some good ones. Be a healthy example for the people you love."
- Brigitte McBride
As of February 2018, I am the new proud owner of Earth & Sea Salts! Here is a little bit about me:
Food has always been a fascination of mine. From baking cookies with my grandmother to getting into my moms spice cabinet, I was always curious about cooking even as a child. In High School I was given to opportunity to take culinary classes at age 14 and fell in love with that industry! I even competed in culinary competitions and won multiple scholarships for culinary school.
After graduation from High School in Eugene, Oregon, I attended and graduated from the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute with my Associates degree.
After dabbling in a few different jobs throughout the food service industry, I became the Chef at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, catering High Teas and special events for the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon community. In addition, I took a position as Chef at Jazzy Ladies Cafe and Coffeehouse. Both of these experiences were amazing!
But, in August 2017, My husband Jared and I welcomed our little girl, into the world, and then in November 2019 our little boy everything changed.
Now, I am a full time Mama AND, the proud owner of Earth & Sea Salts!
I will continue to work on ensuring these salts are a total Pacific Northwest product - including the herbs, seasonings and the salt. Look for new and exciting changes, including packaging and labeling - and more products! I am looking forward to serving you! - Erin Emmert