Sunny&Ted Founder Brings Holiday Joy with Diverse Home. Jasmine Williams, the visionary founder of SUNNY&TED, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with a heartfelt mission—to fill a gap in the market and celebrate the joy of the holidays with a touch of inclusivity. The inspiration behind SUNNY&TED was rooted in a simple yet profound desire: to find a Black Santa Claus mug for her growing family when expecting her first son in 2018. Faced with the unavailability of such a product, Williams decided to transform her vision into reality, giving birth to SUNNY&TED in 2023.
The brand, officially launched in November 2020, is a holiday company with a distinctive focus on celebrating Black and Brown communities. Williams drew inspiration from her children, naming the brand after her two sons, Sunny (Sunday) and Ted (Theodore). The journey of SUNNY&TED reflects the founder’s commitment to ensuring that her children and others can see themselves represented in the holiday decor, books, and art within their homes.
The centerpiece of SUNNY&TED’s offerings is the bestselling Cocoa Santa Mug, available in three rich shades of brown: honey, caramel, and chocolate. The thoughtful selection of hues speaks to Williams’ dedication to providing representation and a sense of belonging to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In essence, SUNNY&TED is more than a holiday brand; it is a manifestation of Williams’ commitment to creating a space where inclusivity, celebration, and the joy of the season converge. As the brand continues to spread warmth and cheer, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship fueled by passion and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
‘Tis the Season: Crafting Inclusivity in SUNNY&TED’s Goods
In the spirit of the season, William’s journey in creating SUNNY&TED’s goods was guided by a fusion of research and patience.
This intricate process became the foundation for bringing to life a product suite that seamlessly weaves together style and representation. From delving into the intricacies of manufacturers to meticulously navigating multiple rounds of sampling, every step was a testament to the commitment to excellence.
At the heart of this endeavor was a dedication to perfecting the nuances, and for William, it centered on the rich spectrum of brown hues that define SUNNY&TED’s entire collection.
“The most important part for me was perfecting the shades of brown that you’ll find throughout our entire product suite,” she shares. This commitment speaks volumes about the brand’s ethos, aiming to provide a space where people of color can authentically see themselves and their loved ones reflected in the products.
William’s journey involved an exploration of Pantone Colors, a quest to identify three specific shades that would splendidly capture and represent the diversity and beauty of Black and Brown communities.
Each shade tells a story, embodying the richness of heritage and the tapestry of experiences within these vibrant communities.
In the season of giving and celebration, SUNNY&TED’s goods stand not just as products but as symbols of inclusivity and thoughtful representation.
William’s meticulous efforts echo a desire to create more than just commodities; they are an invitation for people to connect, see themselves in the narrative, and celebrate the diverse tapestry that makes each individual unique. ‘Tis the season for products that go beyond the surface, embodying a deeper commitment to diversity, and reflecting the spirit of inclusivity that brightens every season.
An Empowering Empire: The Genesis of SUNNY&TED
The realization of a dream often requires years of dedication and unwavering support.
For Williams, the journey to bring SUNNY&TED to life was marked by perseverance, familial encouragement, and the backing of cherished friends. The culmination of these efforts materialized into an empowering empire that transcends the realms of fashion.
In 2020, SUNNY&TED emerged onto the scene, strategically timed amidst the fervor of the Black Lives Matter movement, which had reached its pinnacle earlier that year.
Williams reflects on this pivotal moment, stating, “The world was rallying around Black people and Black businesses, which really helped propel us forward. ” The global resonance of the movement created an environment conducive to the growth and visibility of enterprises founded by individuals of color.
SUNNY&TED, in its essence, became more than a brand; it became a symbol of resilience, representation, and empowerment.
Williams’ vision, supported by the collective energy of those around her, manifested into an enterprise that not only provided fashion but also became a part of a larger narrative—a narrative that celebrated diversity, championed inclusivity, and reflected the strength of the Black community.
The launch of SUNNY&TED in such a transformative period was not just about timing; it was about aligning with a movement that sought to amplify Black voices and businesses.
Williams’ journey serves as a testament to the idea that dreams, when nurtured with passion and surrounded by a community of support, have the power to evolve into something extraordinary—an empowering empire that resonates with the spirit of the times and extends far beyond the realms of fashion.
Crafted with Love: SUNNY&TED Goods for Cherished Holiday Moments
In the world of SUNNY&TED, the essence of the holiday season is captured in carefully crafted goods designed for the creation of precious “memory-making moments.
” For founder Williams, these pieces are not just products; they are keepsakes meant to be treasured for a lifetime. The meticulous attention to detail and choice of materials reflect a commitment to quality that ensures longevity.
Take, for example, The Nutcracker Collection, thoughtfully crafted in melamine to address the concerns of parents whose children may have experienced heartbreak with more fragile earthenware.
Williams explains, “I steered away from traditional plastic, which is more prone to damage because I want families to be able to use their SUNNY&TED pieces for years to come. ” This decision to prioritize durability while maintaining a touch of elegance ensures that each piece becomes a lasting part of families’ holiday traditions.
Collaboration plays A Key role in the creation of these meaningful goods.
Williams joined forces with Ashley Murphy of Kinfolk Dolls to bring the Cocoa Santa Pillow to life. The process involved digital prototyping and meticulous fine-tuning until the art felt just right.
To achieve a timeless, handcrafted look reminiscent of Grandma’s creations, wool felt was chosen, and the facial details were delicately embroidered. Special gilded details, like gold-tone thread for the pillow’s “beard” and gold scallops adorning the Mrs.
Cocoa Claus Mug, add an extra layer of charm and uniqueness to these holiday treasures.
In essence, SUNNY&TED goods go beyond being mere decorations; they are a testament to the passion and care woven into every stitch and detail.
As families gather and create memories During the Holiday Season, these thoughtfully crafted pieces become more than just items—they become cherished companions in the journey of making enduring and heartwarming moments.
Aspirations for Inclusivity: Shaping the Future of the Home Goods Industry
In the ever-evolving landscape of the home goods industry, Williams harbors hopes for greater strides in diversity and inclusion.
While she acknowledges the emergence of more inclusive lines in recent years, she envisions a future that goes beyond representation to provide meaningful opportunities for Black business owners.
Williams emphasizes the importance of diversifying the products available on shelves, stating, “It is also important that Black business owners are given the opportunity to take up shelf space.
” Her vision extends to fostering a landscape where Black entrepreneurs are not only recognized but are actively engaged in creating exclusive products for major retailers. By doing so, Williams envisions a more inclusive marketplace where a diverse array of products reflects the varied experiences and perspectives of the consumers.
In essence, her hope is to witness an increase in the number of Black business owners contributing to and shaping the offerings in big box retailers.
By creating exclusive products, these entrepreneurs can provide a broader audience with access to goods that resonate with their identities and experiences. This, in turn, has the potential to redefine the narrative of what is considered mainstream in the home goods industry, making it a space that authentically reflects the rich tapestry of diverse voices.
Williams’ aspirations highlight a commitment to not only breaking down barriers but actively creating pathways for increased representation and participation.
By envisioning a future where the home goods industry becomes a more inclusive and equitable space, she advocates for a transformative shift that empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs and enriches the consumer experience for all.
Jingling Through Challenges: Embracing Growth and Creating Lasting Memories
For business builders venturing into the entrepreneurial journey, Williams offers a valuable piece of advice: do not fear failure.
Recognizing that entrepreneurship is a continual learning process, she emphasizes that allowing the fear of failure to paralyze one’s actions can hinder the discovery of untapped potential and possibilities. Williams shares her perspective, saying, “I have seen so many ups and downs since launching SUNNY&TED, and instead of stopping, I use each ‘failure‘ as an opportunity to learn, put measures in place that will prevent that event from happening again, course correct, and keep going.
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This resilient approach to challenges underscores the ethos of embracing setbacks as stepping stones toward growth.
Each setback becomes a lesson, an opportunity to refine strategies, and a catalyst for ongoing improvement. Williams acknowledges that the entrepreneurial journey is inherently dynamic, and by confronting challenges head-on, entrepreneurs can unlock their full potential and navigate the path to success.
Looking ahead, Williams envisions SUNNY&TED continuing to evolve as a cherished part of families’ key memory-making moments, extending beyond holiday festivities.
Expressing the desire for the sentiment to transcend the Christmas season, she notes, “Whimsical characters can be found in almost every season, and we would love the opportunity to represent Black and Brown communities year-round. “.
In this vision for the future, SUNNY&TED emerges not just as a seasonal delight but as a constant companion, weaving its whimsical characters into the fabric of everyday life.
As Williams and her brand jingle through challenges and triumphs, they exemplify the spirit of resilience, creativity, and the enduring pursuit of making a meaningful impact in the lives of families and communities.
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