Erika Drolet | Cofounder

From Canada // See Erika’s online classes  ✧  Read latest articles

What is your role in the Salty Souls Experience?

When I speak about Salty, I often describe it as an invitation to “rewilding” — a call to reconnect with nature and rediscover the raw, unfiltered version of who we are meant to be in this world. This experience, both online and in-person, is designed to strip away the constraints and expectations, guiding people back to their most free, unapologetic selves through playfulness and meaningful connection! Imagine waking up by the ocean, grounding our feet in the earth, nourishing our bodies with nature’s offerings, and embracing the wild beauty of living beyond the ordinary.

I curate the brand’s identity, shaping the way we communicate our essence to you. At destination and in-app, I lead movement sessions (primal movement, yoga, HIIT) and empowerment workshops, helping you find or redefine what makes you come alive.

What’s your background and how did you acquire those skills?

A big part of me — okay, all of me! — is proud to say I did exactly what we were often advised against: I studied Arts instead of something “practical” and eventually dropped out of university to fully commit to my first business venture. These choices became my launchpad into a life of non-conventionality. It’s not that I don’t value traditional education, but I deeply believe there are countless alternative paths to build a successful career. Travelling the world solo will teach SO MUCH you’ll never learn at a desk…

Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in diverse movement practices, earning 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training in Indonesia and achieving a Level 3 Ginastica Natural certification in California. I’ve also attended numerous workshops and received private coaching with teachers from everywhere. Most importantly, I’ve deliberately challenged outside my comfort zone (physically, mentally, emotionally), building a solid foundation of knowledge fueled by a deep curiosity for human optimization!

Biggest challenge with Salty Souls ?

Honestly, I feel there’s so much more positive than challenging with Salty Souls. Sometimes, I even catch myself wondering if something terrible is bound to happen, simply because we’re taught that life and work should be somehow painful. Yet, I’ve never really felt that way.

My biggest challenge, though, lies in managing our ever-growing range of offerings. Being a CEO means mastering the art of balancing countless projects, ideas, team needs, and tasks that all seem essential. Learning to prioritize what truly demands immediate attention versus what can wait is an ongoing and skillful practice!

Ninja super skill people don’t know you possess?

I’m a surprisingly agile triathlete! When I’m away from the ocean, I dive into endurance training, almost like living a secret, double life that contrasts with my surfing persona. Suzan is the name of my alter-ego in a jersey, white socks and speed glasses who’s road-cycling! Haha!

Favorite place in the world?

Such a tough question for a nomadic soul! El Salvador has been my home base for the past 10 years, but recently, Siargao in the Philippines has truly captured my heart. And the Canadian West Coast? It’s absolutely majestic and always high on my list.

What gets you the most excited in life?

Movement, being outside, and mind-sparking conversations.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

In January 2015, I held a one-way ticket to Vancouver, planning to spend the winter season in Whistler. But I never boarded that plane. Other things came up, and relocating didn’t feel right at the time. Just weeks later, an opportunity in Ecuador crossed my path. It was there that M-C and I connected and first spoke about what would soon become Salty Souls. After that trip, I called her and said, “You know what we talked about on the beach? I was serious. Let’s make it happen.” Six months later, Salty was born, and it’s been at the center of my life for nearly 10 years now. I often look back at that unboarded flight as a true sliding door moment — a choice that changed my entire storyline.