Salt + Roses began in 2017 as an idea I couldn’t shake—a desire to live with intention and encourage others to do the same.
The “salt” comes from Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth.” A friend pointed out how perfectly it fit my vision, and it instantly clicked. It’s also a quiet nod to life with cystic fibrosis—people with CF are literally saltier. The “roses” symbolize beauty, growth, and a tribute to the CF community, where many kids call it “65 Roses.”
At Salt + Roses, our mission is simple: live boldly, see beauty in every season, and inspire others to do the same.
who are we
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, life-shortening disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Caused by a faulty CFTR protein, CF leads to thick mucus buildup that can clog airways, trap bacteria, and cause infections, respiratory failure, and digestive issues. Symptoms vary but often include coughing, shortness of breath, salty skin, digestive trouble, and poor growth. With over 1,700 known mutations, no two people with CF are alike. Thanks to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, life expectancy has drastically improved since the 1950s. What was once a fatal childhood disease now sees many living full, vibrant lives. But there’s still no cure. The Foundation receives no federal funding—every breakthrough is made possible by private donations. That’s why raising awareness matters. Until CF stands for “Cure Found.”
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Why Matthew 5:13?
Matthew 5:13 is a verse from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”
In biblical times, salt was more than seasoning—it was valuable for preserving food, purifying, and symbolizing loyalty and covenant. When Jesus called His followers “the salt of the earth,” He was reminding them to live boldly, preserve what is good, and add value to the world around them.
For Salt + Roses, this verse is a core part of our foundation. It’s a daily call to live with purpose, hold fast to what matters, and bring out the best in the spaces and people we encounter. It’s faith in action—gritty, steadfast, and unapologetically bold.
Why Salt + Roses
Salt + Roses carries more than a name—it carries a story.
Salt, from Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth.” A reminder to live boldly, preserve what’s good, and bring light and purpose into the world.
Roses, for beauty and growth. And for something far more personal—a quiet tribute to cystic fibrosis. Some children with CF can’t say the words, so they call it “65 Roses” instead. For us, those roses are a symbol of love, resilience, and the fight we carry close to our hearts.
Our logo brings it all together—the chemical symbol for salt alongside a single rose. Simple, yet layered. A mark of faith and fight, grit and grace, purpose and beauty.
I’m Kailee Mathews—wife, mom to two amazing kids, full-time Realtor, cystic fibrosis advocate, DIY junkie, live music lover, and unapologetic over-committer. I believe in loving people deeply, keeping things real, and showing up with purpose.
Salt + Roses has been in my heart for years. The name comes from my life with cystic fibrosis—people with CF are literally saltier, and “65 Roses” is what many kids call it. It’s a phrase that’s been part of my story for as long as I can remember, and it’s always carried meaning far beyond the words.
Faith has been woven into my life from the very beginning. I grew up in church, surrounded by examples of what Jesus’ love really looks like—especially my Papaw, who was a pastor and loved people exactly as they were. A friend once pointed out how beautifully the name Salt + Roses ties into Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth.” And just like that, something clicked. The name wasn’t just a name anymore—it had purpose. It became a reminder to live boldly, preserve what’s good, and find beauty in every season.
This blog is where all of that comes together. It’s a space to share the layered, messy, meaningful parts of life—faith, family, DIY, deep thoughts, and small joys. Not everything will preach, but it will always mean something.
And while this is just the beginning… we’ve got some big, exciting things coming. So stay tuned—because Salt + Roses is only just getting started.
Oh, and if you’re wondering? Coffee before chaos, wine after bedtime, and sushi whenever possible.
Kailee Mathews
