Salty & What?
Coming up with the right name for a venture is one of the hardest things. It needs to be broad enough to encompass your vision but specific enough to hint at what you’re all about—all in just a few words.
When I started thinking about names for this passion project, I went through quite a few options. But Salty & Lit stuck with me. It’s curiously unconventional, unique, and makes you do a double take: Salty and… what? I thought, Perfect!
The name came to me one random summer night back in 2021. It wasn’t until years later, after a lot of stops and starts, that I truly began to unpack its meaning—not just for me, but for what I wanted the brand to represent.
It’s a name that sparks curiosity, and that’s the whole point. It’s a conversation starter. But more than that, it’s rooted in something deep—something biblical, personal, and even a little playful.
Our Identity and Purpose
For anyone familiar with Scripture, the name Salty & Lit might ring a bell. It’s inspired by Jesus’ call to His followers in Matthew 5:13-16:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
This passage is both an identity and a mission. As Christians, we’re called to be preservers of faith (salt) and bringers of hope (light) in the world. It’s not just who we are—it’s what we’re meant to do. It’s what Jesus Himself told us what to do.
So, why not turn those nouns into adjectives? Salty and lit describe how we’re meant to live: grounded in faith and radiant with purpose. That’s the heart of the brand—wearing our identity so we can live out our God-given mission, wherever we are and whoever we’re with.
A Personal Journey
Beyond its biblical roots, Salty & Lit reflects my own spiritual journey, and that of a lot of others’, I’d imagine. There was a time in my life when I was more "salty" than anything else—not in the biblical sense, but in the modern one. Cynical. Bitter. Exhausted.
Like many, I went through a phase of questioning everything, including God. As I transitioned into adulthood, the harsh realities of life hit hard. The world felt unfair, and I grew skeptical of a higher power who could allow such brokenness. I became self-reliant for years, but that only led to burnout—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I couldn’t imagine living life that way for the rest of my life.
Deep down, I longed for peace, but I struggled to reconcile my doubts with the idea of faith. Then, during a convention I attended with my now-wife, something shifted. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I found myself praying to the God I wasn’t sure I believed in.
That moment was the start of a transformation. Slow yet profound. Over time, God became my source of love, peace, and comfort. As I looked for answers to my questions in the Bible, my cynicism melted away, and my faith was rekindled. I went from being "salty" about life to being "lit" by His grace.
For me, Salty & Lit isn’t just a brand—it’s a summary of that journey. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, seeking, and trusting that God is always ready to meet us where we are.
If you’re in the same gray area I was between belief and disbelief, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s okay to wrestle with your faith. God is patient, and He’s always listening.
If you want to talk about it, I’m here. Drop me a message, and let’s chat—preferably over a good cup of coffee. Sometimes, just sharing your thoughts with someone can help you take that next step.
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:8
A Name That Pops
Salty & Lit also has a nice modern ring to it. I thought that it was a nice coincidence that salty and lit are Gen-Z slangs describing contrasting things, salty meaning being bitter, while lit meaning exciting or on fire. It’s a fun juxtaposition, and I love how the name works on multiple levels.
For those unfamiliar with its biblical roots, it’s curiously intriguing. It makes you want to ask, What does that mean? And that’s the whole point. The name creates an opening to share the Good News, which is exactly what this project is all about.
Understated Faithwear
Salty & Lit is envisioned to be Understated Faithwear: pieces of quiet conviction that inspire powerful action. It’s a brand that hides or reveals itself depending on who’s looking. It’s a reflection of how faith works—sometimes subtle, sometimes bold—but always present.
The brand serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of who we are in Christ. Whether it sparks a conversation or simply encourages you in your walk with God, my hope is that each piece helps us root our identity in Christ and live out His purpose for us.