Nancy Bruns turned a forgotten Appalachian salt-making tradition into a nationally recognized business, and now YWCA Charleston is taking notice. Her 2026 Woman of Achievement nomination tells a story about heritage, perseverance, and what becomes possible when the two meet.
-- Nancy Bruns, co-founder of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, has been named a 2026 Woman of Achievement by YWCA Charleston, an honor that recognizes her leadership in reviving a centuries-old Appalachian salt-making tradition and transforming it into a thriving modern enterprise. Through her work, Bruns has helped build a business that now serves customers across 45 states as well as international markets, while remaining deeply rooted in the history and culture of West Virginia.
More information is available at https://www.ywcacharleston.org/woa
Presented each year by YWCA Charleston, the Women of Achievement award celebrates women whose leadership creates meaningful and lasting impact within their communities. The recognition reflects the organization’s broader mission of empowering women and working to break down racial and social barriers throughout West Virginia. In many ways, Bruns’ journey embodies those ideals.
After spending 22 years in the food industry, Bruns returned to West Virginia and, in 2013, co-founded J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden. In doing so, she did more than launch a business. She helped restore a family legacy tied to the region’s historic salt industry, bringing renewed life to a tradition long woven into Appalachian identity. What began as an effort to honor the past soon evolved into a venture with far-reaching influence.
Today, J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works produces premium culinary and bath salts that are distributed through its e-commerce platform, introducing regional craftsmanship to customers well beyond Appalachia. Yet the company’s significance extends beyond its products. Its Malden facility has become a gathering place for the community, hosting farm-to-table dinners featuring Appalachian chefs, as well as corporate events, fundraisers, and private celebrations. In this way, the business serves not only as a producer of artisanal goods but also as a space where culture, hospitality, and local connection come together.
This balance between commerce and community has made Bruns’ work especially meaningful in the Kanawha Valley. Reflecting on the recognition, a company representative noted that the award honors not only Bruns personally, but also the collective belief behind the vision being built in Malden. It underscores the idea that respecting one’s roots while embracing progress can create something of lasting value for an entire region.
Bruns was formally recognized alongside fellow honorees at the 2026 Women of Achievement event held on March 6 in Charleston, West Virginia. For a leader whose work has helped place Appalachian heritage in both local and global view, the occasion marked a fitting and well-earned tribute.
Learn more at https://jqdappalachianmercantile.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Nancy Bruns
Email: Send Email
Organization: JQ Dickenson Salt-Works
Address: 4797 Midland Dr. Malden, West Virginia 25306, Charleston, WV 25306, United States
Website: https://jqdappalachianmercantile.com/
Source: NewsNetwork
Release ID: 89185717
If there are any deficiencies, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release, we kindly request that you promptly inform us by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team is committed to addressing any identified issues within 8 hours to guarantee the delivery of accurate and reliable content to our esteemed readers.
