About Us

The Story of Salix

Salix started in a sunlit, plant-filled space called Salix Intimates at the Water Street Market in New Paltz, New York. We built that shop with a clear, down-to-earth mission: to create an inclusive boutique where people could show up exactly as they are.

No judgments, no body insecurities, and no clinical, high-pressure retail tactics. It was a space designed to let you breathe, connect, shop ethically, and leave genuinely happier than when you walked in.

We created curations that focused heavily on eco-conscious undergarments, ethical sourcing, and specialized personal service because we believed that what sits closest to your body should align with your values.

Our Next Season

In late 2025, we took an intentional pause to look at the bigger picture. We realized that the community we built wasn't just looking for better undergarments; they were looking for a better way to navigate the heavy burnout of daily life.

We aren't deleting our history or letting go of our roots — Salix Intimates will always be a core part of our DNA. But right now, we are focusing on building Salix as a wider lens for a mindful life.

We are stepping into our next era as a curated lifestyle destination — a digital hub for conscious essentials, locally sourced sustainable apparel, apothecary staples, and lifestyle tools. We want to bring that signature "no judgment" feeling into every corner of your daily routine, because we believe that taking care of your well-being should never be tied to guilt.

Choosing happiness isn't something you have to earn or apologize for — it is a necessary anchor for any season of life you find yourself in. Whether you are navigating a massive transition or cultivating small daily rituals, this space is built to unfold and grow right alongside you.

Building the Future Space

Where We Are Now

Right now, we are operating online-only.

This allows us to keep our overhead low, focus entirely on sourcing incredible items, and gather the necessary capital to build our next home.

The Vision

Our ultimate goal is a multi-dimensional community hub that brings our vision under one physical roof: a welcoming storefront paired with a dedicated gathering space for workshops, local artisan features, and shared moments.

Your Role

Every online purchase you make today acts as a direct investment in funding that future location. We are still the same woman-owned, independent business dedicated to making you feel at home. Now, we're just expanding the walls of that home.

Welcome to Salix. Here's to shameless joy through every shift and season.

Be Part of the Story

Behind the scenes

Meet Melissa

Hi, I'm Melissa Orsini, the founder and dreamer behind Salix. My journey as an independent retail shopkeeper began with a simple belief: that shopping should be a sanctuary, not a source of stress. When I opened our first storefront in New Paltz in 2018, I wanted to build a space where everyone felt safe, seen, and celebrated.

As Salix evolves into its next chapter, my mission remains exactly the same. I spend my days tracking down conscious, locally sourced goods, working with incredible independent makers, and designing a lifestyle brand that encourages you to choose joy without an ounce of guilt. I'm a firm believer that well-being belongs in every season of life—and I'm incredibly grateful to have you along for the journey as I build the next iteration of Salix.

When I'm not researching brands and curating our inventory, coordinating our next lifestyle drops, or mapping out the blueprints for our future space, you can usually find me tending to my overgrown plant collection, having one of the latest creations at Lagusta's Cafe, or walking the rail trail in New Paltz listening for a weird bird to add to my bird list.

Thank you for supporting an independent, woman-owned business and investing in the future of our shared space.