Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Gasper.
Hi Abby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I did not set out to start a business. I was simply trying to get through a very isolating season of life.
In 2020, I was pregnant, furloughed from my corporate fashion job, and spending most days alone. After my daughter was born, simple outings felt big and heavy, so I looked for small ways to bring light into our days. One of those places was the zoo. Before one visit, I made a pair of playful sunglasses so we could go outside and feel a little more like ourselves.
People started stopping us to ask about them. I made a few more. Then a few more after that. What began as something just for us slowly turned into something others wanted to be part of.
Over time, word of mouth turned into orders, orders turned into pop ups, and I realized I was building something rooted in joy rather than pressure. In early 2024, I left my corporate role to focus fully on the business.
Today, what I do is still simple at its core. I create things that feel happy, personal, and a little magical. The goal has never been to chase trends. It has always been to create small moments of brightness for families and kids, especially during seasons when joy feels hard to come by.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, especially when it comes to retail.
Finding the right store partners has taken a lot of trial and error. I have learned that just because something looks good on paper does not always mean it will be the right fit in practice. Some locations have done really well, while others have not, and I have had to make the hard decision to open, adjust, or close locations along the way.
At first, those decisions felt heavy and personal. Over time, I realized they are simply part of building a sustainable business. Every store has its own customer, rhythm, and price comfort. There is not one perfect formula that works everywhere.
What has helped me keep perspective is understanding that there truly is room for everyone. Not every customer will connect with my product, and that is okay. There is always someone new who will. Each experience has helped me better understand where my product belongs and how to grow in a way that feels aligned rather than forced.
Those lessons have made me more thoughtful, more flexible, and more confident in choosing partnerships that make sense long term.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work lives at the intersection of creativity and connection.
I design playful, personalized accessories for kids and families, with a focus on bright color, charm driven details, and pieces that feel joyful rather than overly polished. I specialize in creating items that feel custom and meaningful without being complicated. Every piece is designed to feel like it belongs to the child wearing it.
What I am most proud of is building something that feels approachable. My work is not about being exclusive or untouchable. It is about creating small moments of excitement, whether that is a child seeing their name for the first time or a parent finding something that feels thoughtful and fun.
What sets me apart is the intention behind the work. I design from the perspective of a parent and a former product developer, which means I care deeply about how things feel, how they are worn, and how they fit into real life. I am known for pieces that feel happy, personal, and full of personality, and for building genuine relationships with the people who support my work.
At the end of the day, I am most proud that my work brings light into everyday moments and makes people smile.
How do you define success?
I define success by the impact I can make rather than by numbers alone. For me, success is creating something that brings joy, connects with people, and feels authentic to who I am. It is knowing that the work I do adds a little brightness to someone’s day, whether that is a child seeing their name on a product or a family sharing a moment together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopgoldiesun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopgoldiesun/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopgoldiesun
- Other: https://vimeo.com/shopgoldiesun
