West Side Newspaper Profile Questionnaire
Name: Emma Kraft Saldivar
Place of birth: Salem, OR
How long in West Salem: I was born and raised in West Salem (attended Myers, Walker and West High), then moved to Los Angeles for college. After graduating, I traveled for a bit and then lived in Portland for a handful of years. My husband and I moved back to West Salem in 2020.
If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the area: N/A
Profession: President and second-generation owner of Kraft Custom Construction — a residential design-build company my dad started in the early 1980s. We specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, whole-home remodels, and the occasional custom new home.
Other professions: Social services case manager
Favorites:
Movie/and or Musical – Crash, for being so thought-provoking and well-directed, and Dumb & Dumber because it's a classic! I grew up watching it and still laugh every time. It's a little embarrassing how many quotes I know from that movie.
Actress and Actor: Sandra Bullock
TV show: A couple of my favorites were Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and Breaking Bad.
Book: I recently discovered the author Kristin Hannah, and loved the first two books I read by her: “The Nightingale” and “The Women”
Type of music: It depends on my mood at the time, but generally, alternative/indie music or blues/country rock from my childhood.
Food: I’m a huge foodie! I love trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes at home. In the summer, anything fresh from the garden is hard to beat. And I definitely have a sweet tooth for chocolate.
Hobbies: Cooking/baking, spending time outside, exercising, spending time with family, playing games.
If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why: Somewhere tropical and exotic, perhaps Bora Bora. I’d want to go somewhere where the only agenda is to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.
Best lesson learned as a child: You learn and grow most when you take risks and challenge yourself.
Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment A defining moment in my life was spending two months in Costa Rica as a 15-year-old on a cultural exchange. It was the longest I'd ever been away from my family, and I lived with two Costa Rican families who spoke very little English. I learned a lot of Spanish, fell in love with the culture, and grew so much that summer. It sparked a lifelong love of travel and a desire to see the world through different perspectives.
A memorable dinner: Friday night family dinners growing up — required family time, usually with pizza and a movie.
If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why: I recently learned more about Abigail Adams and admire how far ahead of her time she was. She was intelligent, outspoken, and constantly reminded those in power to "remember the ladies" and others whose voices were often overlooked. I think she'd be both insightful and fun to talk with.
Describe yourself in one word: Curious
When you're not reading The West Side News, what book/author/magazine/other do you read: Some sort of novel to relax with, or a business book.
If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be: The Unexpected Path
Pet peeve: Leaving the toilet seat up!
Bad habit you’d like to break: Scrolling on my phone before bed.
Famous person(s) you have met, and the circumstances: My dad has always been involved in coordinating music for local events like the Salem Art Fair & Festival and the Portland Blues Festival. Growing up, he'd take me backstage to meet the performers after their shows. He was always much more excited than I was. Looking back, I probably met some pretty famous musicians – but I couldn't tell you who they were!
Favorite quote: "Find out who you are and do it on purpose." – Dolly Parton
Favorite part of The West Side News: Learning more about other local business owners and West Salem residents.