Today we’d like to introduce you to Micaela Elrod.
Hi Micaela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve called Charleston, South Carolina home for the past eighteen years, since moving here in 2007 with my family from the upstate. I’ve always craved time outdoors, even before being introduced to the beautiful marshes of the Lowcountry. Although my surroundings changed from crawdads and rippling brooks to estuaries and oysters, my desire to spend most of my waking hours in the sun hadn’t changed.
Some of my favorite Charleston memories are the weekends I spent with my older brother and his dog, navigating what felt like endless creeks. Those days on the water—throwing lures, tossing cast nets, and watching the tides roll in—are when I fell in love with the boating community. My brother taught me how to drive his small Gheenoe skiff, and before long, I was heading out on my own. Looking back, that independence and sense of adventure sparked the inspiration that eventually grew into Salty Girl Detailing.
After graduating from the College of Charleston with a degree in Public Health, I stepped into the healthcare field. It felt like the sensible path—both my mom and brother had built careers in healthcare, and I’ve always admired their dedication to serving others. Still, I found myself wondering if I could carve out something different for myself, something that blended my love for the outdoors with an entrepreneurial calling.
That shift began when I took a part-time job washing boats in the afternoons and on weekends. I eventually became a contractor for a local detailing company, Swift Marine Yacht Management, whose support and guidance were instrumental in building the skills and confidence I needed. Soon after, I launched my own mobile detailing business: Salty Girl Detailing. I wanted a name that reflected my identity as a female business owner while embracing the “salty” character of our coastal wetlands—and the spirit of the Lowcountry that shaped me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my own business was intimidating, especially since no one in my family had ever launched a company. I wasn’t sure where to begin—whether to form an LLC or a sole proprietorship, what licenses or insurance were required, or even how to build a pricing structure for my services. After a lot of research, I realized the best thing I could do was simply start somewhere. Hearing the stories of other young women in the area who had built successful businesses also gave me the encouragement I needed.
Marketing has been one of the biggest challenges. I created a website and set up a Google My Business page, but I quickly realized that while those steps were important, they weren’t enough to generate consistent leads. I learned that I needed to build a social media presence, post regularly, and engage with different online groups. I also designed business cards and began handing them out at local marinas, marine dealerships, and supply stores to increase visibility.
Although it sounds cliché, the greatest challenge has been overcoming my own fears—fear of putting myself out there, fear of judgment, and fear of failure. To work through these obstacles, I constantly remind myself why I started this business in the first place. I wanted to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. Failure is always a possibility, but I’ve come to see that the real success lies in the growth, confidence, and experience I’m gaining along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mobile boat detailing company
What’s next?
Moving forward, I hope to build stronger connections within the boat detailing and marine maintenance community to create opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. The industry can be competitive, but I believe that fostering partnerships allows detailers to expand their skills, elevate the quality of their work, and support one another’s growth.
As Salty Girl Detailing expands, I envision hiring a team of dedicated, hardworking employees and developing a positive, supportive work culture. I’m also passionate about mentoring young women in business, and I would love to partner with the College of Charleston School of Business to create internship or mentorship opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
For now, my focus is on continuing to learn, refining my craft, and delivering high-quality work. I believe that gaining experience and maintaining excellence in every project will help shape the long-term direction and vision for my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saltygirldetail.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/saltygirldetailing/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/689764954229677
