My Story

Gratitude

Grateful I am for the gifts I receive, none of my doing, as I believe.
It’s the kindness of others, the love they bestow, that fills my life and helps me grow.

To all who’ve shared in shaping my way, your light is the dawn of every day.
I carry this gratitude, steadfast and true, a lifelong song, inspired by you.

I am forever blessed, through all my days, a life adorned with love in countless ways.
A supportive family, a bond so divine, guided my journey, a lifelong sign.

Under the shadow of my father and mother, their wisdom and care, unmatched by any other.
They shaped my spirit, steady and true, A foundation of strength I’ll always pursue.

I am eternally grateful, for a partner so kind, a caring wife with a heart aligned.
Two loving children, my life’s sweetest part, their smiles and laughter fill my heart.

I feel deeply fortunate, in peace to reside, No wars, No terror, No sorrows to bide.
No calamities, no pandemics to fear, just the quiet blessings of life’s tender care.

I am blessed by a world striving to heal, with equality, inclusion, and diversity real.
Where dignity graces each soul’s embrace, and freedom finds every life its place.

I’ve witnessed the marvels of humankind, life-changing inventions that open new gates.
From darkness to light, progress unfolds, a testament to dreams the future holds.

With a humble heart, I fervently pray, for blessings to reach those in dismay.
May the underprivileged find solace and peace, and the world’s kindness grow and never cease.

To every soul who has touched my days, I offer my thanks in heartfelt ways.
May your kindness ripple, your light never dim, For together we flourish, in life’s grand hymn.


Salice Thomas

Personal Biography

I was born in Kerala, India, a land celebrated as “God’s Own Country,” where verdant landscapes and serene backwaters mirror the richness of its culture. As the eldest of four brothers in a middle-class family of six, I grew up amidst the disciplined nurture of my mother, a school teacher, and the entrepreneurial wisdom of my father, a cardamom planter. Their contrasting influences—a foundation of structure and an appetite for calculated risks—shaped the dual ethos that has guided my life.

My childhood was marked by independence, with much of my schooling spent away from home, living either with my grandparents or in hostels. These early experiences taught me resilience and adaptability. After completing my primary education in Kerala, I ventured to Tamil Nadu for better academic opportunities, eventually graduating in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Ironically, my initial fear of computers drove this choice, yet destiny had other plans. The tech revolution of the late ’90s swept me into the burgeoning software industry, and in 1998, I began my career as a software engineer with Quest Global (formerly Network Systems and Technologies) in Kerala. What started as reluctant conformity turned into a defining career decision, as history validated my choice.

It was during this transformative period that I got married, my steadfast partner, who was then in the final year of her engineering studies. Her entry into the same company soon after graduation brought comfort and camaraderie, solidifying the foundation of our early life together.

The rhythm of my life has been a journey across borders, embracing new cultures and challenges. A decade-long chapter in Tokyo, Japan, added layers of experience and perspective, as I navigated the intersection of tradition and innovation in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. In 2016, our family relocated to Portland, USA, immersing ourselves in the Pacific Northwest’s rugged charm. Later, we embarked on a new chapter in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where the confluence of natural beauty and diverse cultures continues to inspire us.

Each phase of my life has been a mosaic of discipline, courage, and growth, reflecting a story of serendipity and determination. From the spice-scented hills of Kerala to the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene landscapes of Vancouver, this journey has been as much about discovering the world as discovering myself.

The Story Behind the Salice Logo

Let me tell you a story about how my love for wine turned into a full-blown obsession—and how a tree became the star of the show. It all started with my passion for creating homemade wines. Of course not for commercial purposes! I decided to use my name Salice as the brand name, knowing it was an Italian word (because, let’s be honest, everything sounds fancier in Italian). Little did I know, this name would lead me down a rabbit hole of discovery, creativity, and family bonding.

When we decided to brand our wine, we knew we needed a logo as majestic as the wine itself. After all, every great wine deserves a great story, right? Meanwhile, my family jumped into the brainstorming session like it was a wine fueled reality show. My kids even declared, “Salice should be our family name for future generations and they are not going to change it” Excitedly, I started digging deeper to know more about the word Salice. I found pictures of the Salice tree in all its glory, twisted and falling branches, elegant leaves, and a vibe that screamed sophistication. I had seen this tree before but never knew its name. I knew instantly that this was it. It was like fate was whispering, “This is your logo.” I designed the wine label myself and used it on the bottle. Now, every bottle of Salice Wine not only carries the taste of my passion but also the story of a tree that became our brand’s identity.

As we selected the Salice tree for wine, it was an obvious choice to select the same for all future brands, especially for the Saliceonline website and magazine. I shared a few sample pictures with designers to come up with a professionally done logo.  After countless design iterations, we finally landed on the perfect logo, the Salice Tree. It’s elegant, timeless, and quirky enough to stand out on any brand.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the logo! Thanks.

To be Continued….!