At just 19 years old, Chris Pearce is already making waves in the fashion industry. As the founder of Sôlt and Stōn, a new menswear store opening soon in Orange Beach, Alabama, he’s proving that age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurial ambition. His journey, which blends a passion for fashion with a strong work ethic and a commitment to offering something fresh, is truly inspiring.
“Growing up in Orange Beach was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything,” Chris shares.
It’s a place where the laid-back coastal lifestyle meets a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The natural beauty of the area, combined with a thriving business environment, shaped Chris’s mindset early on. The community’s emphasis on hard work and building something meaningful resonated with him, setting the stage for his future business ventures.
“There’s a strong sense of ambition here,” he said. “People work hard to build something of their own. Being surrounded by both natural beauty and a thriving business environment shaped my mindset early on.”
It’s no surprise that Chris’s parents played a significant role in shaping his professional path.
“Watching them successfully run multiple businesses gave me a firsthand look at what it takes to build something from the ground up. They instilled in me the values of hard work, persistence, and innovation,” he explains.
These early lessons laid the foundation for his desire to one day start something of his own. In addition to his family, Chris draws inspiration from entrepreneurs who take risks and disrupt industries. His admiration for those who challenge the status quo helped him develop his own entrepreneurial mindset, driving him to create a business that blends passion with innovation.
During his high school years, Chris was drawn to business and marketing and anything that involved strategy.
“I was always fascinated by the idea of branding—how a business can create an identity that connects with people,” he shares.
Though he wasn’t heavily involved in clubs or extracurricular activities, Chris dedicated much of his time to learning about different industries and networking with like-minded individuals. This early exposure to various aspects of business proved invaluable when he began planning his own venture, Sôlt and Stōn.
Chris’s high school experience taught him more than just academic skills—it helped him develop discipline and time management, both of which he now applies to running his own business. However, the most important lesson he took away from his education was a realization: he wanted to carve out his own path.
“That realization pushed me to take action and start something on my own,” he says.
It was this drive that led to the creation of Sôlt and Stōn, a menswear store that blends modern style with classic influences, offering men the opportunity to develop confidence in their personal style.
Fashion is more than just clothing to Chris; it’s a way to express individuality. This philosophy is at the heart of Sôlt and Stōn, a brand he created to merge two seemingly different worlds. The name itself represents balance: “Sôlt” refers to the ocean and the coastal lifestyle that Chris holds dear, while “Stōn” symbolizes strength and timeless style. For Chris, fashion is about creating a unique identity that blends effortless style with enduring quality.
“I wanted to create a brand that blends those two worlds—effortless but elevated, classic but modern,” he explains.
This vision is at the core of Sôlt and Stōn, where high-end fashion meets the laid-back, coastal vibe of Orange Beach.
Finding the right location for a new business is crucial, and for Chris, Portside at the Wharf in Orange Beach was the perfect spot. The Wharf is known for its mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining, making it a prime location for attracting both locals and visitors. Chris believes this area captures the essence of what his store represents—coastal luxury. The location’s appeal to those who appreciate quality and style makes it an ideal place to introduce Sôlt and Stōn to the community. It’s a place where fashion, lifestyle, and the beachy charm of Orange Beach can come together.
Sôlt and Stōn isn’t your average menswear store. Chris aims to redefine the shopping experience, focusing not just on selling clothes, but on helping men develop a personal sense of style. The focus is on curated, high-end fashion that fits a modern lifestyle.
Sôlt and Stōn will offer pieces that stand the test of time, both in terms of style and quality. The store’s concept goes beyond clothing—it’s about building confidence. Chris believes that fashion has the power to make a statement, and he wants every customer who walks through the doors to feel like they’re stepping into something special. The customer experience is central to the brand, and Chris is committed to making every interaction personal and meaningful.
Chris’s passion for fashion developed over time, particularly during his travels. While he’s always appreciated clothing as a form of expression, it wasn’t until he saw how different people around the world expressed themselves through style that he truly understood its power. Fashion, in Chris’s eyes, is a language—a way for individuals to tell their stories without words.
“Fashion has the ability to tell a story, and I wanted to be part of that conversation,” he says.
By bringing something unique to Orange Beach, Chris hopes to contribute to the larger narrative of style and self-expression.
Chris’s journey is a testament to the power of taking risks and forging your own path. For other young entrepreneurs looking to follow in his footsteps, his advice is simple: “Start before you feel ready. There’s never a perfect time, so take action, learn as you go, and surround yourself with people who push you to be better.”
As he looks to the future, Chris is excited to see where Sôlt and Stōn will go. While the brand is just beginning, his vision for the future is expansive.
“I see Sôlt and Stōn growing into something much bigger,” he shares. “The goal is to expand our reach, whether through additional locations, online presence, or exclusive collaborations. I want to keep evolving and bringing fresh ideas to the brand.”
“I’m excited to see how Sôlt and Stōn evolves and to continue pushing boundaries in men’s fashion,” he says. “On a personal level, I’m looking forward to growing as an entrepreneur, taking on new challenges, and seeing where this journey takes me.”
For Chris Pearce, the sky’s the limit. With his strong work ethic, passion for fashion, and clear vision for the future, there’s no doubt that Sôlt and Stōn will continue to make a lasting impact on the fashion world—and Chris himself will be at the helm, steering the brand toward success.