A Salty Fox Story
MWhen I first started Salty Fox, I was simply creating clothing for myself and sewing small “darling dresses” for little girls — pieces meant to be keepsakes that could be cherished for years.
But creativity has a way of growing.
As I continued sewing, I kept pushing myself to learn more and challenge my abilities. I’m an artist and a perfectionist at heart, but also a natural-born learner. I’m always asking, “What else can I create?” or “How can I make this better?”
That curiosity eventually led me from garment making into bag design — and from there into the world of leather.
There is something truly special about working with real leather. Every hide carries its own story — a history, a life, and a natural beauty that can’t be replicated. When I design and construct a bag, I try to honor that story by preserving the natural elements of the leather whenever possible: the branding marks from the ranch, the organic curves of the hide, the raw edges and textures that make each piece unique.
Turning a single piece of leather into a three-dimensional object is a process I find deeply rewarding. Watching it transform from a flat hide into a bag that someone will carry every day fills me with joy.
My hope is that when someone sees or holds a Salty Fox bag, they feel that same sense of wonder — a spark of joy from something truly unique and beautifully made.
Meet the Maker
Tyan Long is the founder and maker behind Salty Fox, a Tampa-based studio creating colorful handmade leather accessories. A Florida native who studied marine science, Tyan has always felt deeply connected to the natural world. While the ocean first shaped her love for nature, that inspiration has expanded to forests, plants, and the quiet beauty found in simply noticing the world around us. A naturalist at heart, she draws creative inspiration from tropical leaves, flowers, and the vibrant colors of coastal landscapes. When she’s not crafting bags, Tyan enjoys spending time with her children, hiking, gardening, and exploring the outdoors — often listening for birds, wind through the trees, or the rhythm of nearby water. Friends often describe her as radiant and joyful, an energy she pours into every piece she creates, designing bags meant to be as unique, colorful, and full of life as the world that inspires them.
