We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emma Simkin. Check out our conversation below.
Emma, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
In my current stage of life, I’m being called to embrace change—and to let my dreams, goals, and desires guide the direction of my business. In the past, I thought pivoting meant I was failing, like I wasn’t consistent enough to be a “real” business owner. But I’ve realized my business isn’t separate from me; it’s meant to grow with me. Right now, that means leaning more into photography and travel, things that light me up and remind me why I started this journey in the first place. It’s scary to shift focus, but also freeing to know I get to write the rules as I go.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
When I first launched Salt Coast Creative Co., it was a little bit of everything—PR, marketing, content creation, website management, newsletters,—you name it, I probably offered it. At the time, it made sense because I’ve always been curious and passionate about so many different creative outlets.
But as the business grew, so did I. I started to notice what truly lit me up: the creative, hands-on side of things—specifically photography. Instead of ignoring that pull, I decided to let Salt Coast evolve with me. Now, the business is shifting into a space that feels more aligned with where I am in life; capturing people, places, and brands through my lens while allowing room for travel and new adventures.
What makes Salt Coast unique is that it’s not built to stay still. It’s a living, breathing reflection of my dreams, my goals, and my curiosity. Every pivot is part of the story, and that authenticity is what keeps the work exciting, not just for me, but for the people I work with too.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was someone who chased what I loved without thought. As a kid and even into early adulthood, I was always eager to try a little bit of everything. I didn’t question whether it made sense to others or fit into a clear box. Somewhere along the way, I started to believe that success meant following one path, staying consistent, and proving I could “stick it out.” That mindset made me feel like changing directions was a weakness.
Now, I’m circling back to that original version of myself, the one who isn’t afraid to follow her curiosity and explore new passions.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that the things worth having rarely come easily. Running a company from across the world was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced. I was constantly juggling time zones, working through language barriers, and trying to keep everything moving while feeling stretched thin. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of moments where I questioned if it was worth it. But I’ve learned that if something truly matters, it’s going to hurt a little. That struggle sharpens you in a way success never could.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Nothing. Not a single thing. I live by asking myself, if I only had a year left, what would I do? That question shapes every choice I make. In the past 14 months, it’s led me to start a new business, travel to two new continents and ten countries, live in Italy for three months, pick up a dozen new hobbies, and even jump out of a plane. You’ll never catch me saying “maybe in another life…”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saltcoastcreativec.wixsite.com/salt-coast-creative
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltcoastcreativeco/
