We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I decided to go full force with my business I knew I needed a good, solid name that spoke true to my soul. I have always loved all things “happy”. I love bright colors, sunshine and some would say that I’m the everything is “rainbows and butterflies” type girl. I knew that I wanted a business name that exuded happiness and made you smile. I love the sunshine so much. It brings me life, lights my soul on fire, pulls me out of a funk, and give me all the endorphins. I remember sitting up on my bed and spewing out possible business names to my husband and said Sunshine. He then said Street. It was perfect and finally felt meant to be and exuded the happiness I desired in a name. And that’s how Sunshine Street Co. came to be, baby!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sunshine Street Co. is an accessories company ran by a one woman show. Me, Rachel Hunter! SSC is all about ‘Accessories that make you smile.’

Sunshine Street Co. carries earrings, necklaces, rings, hair swag, and hats. One of the main accessories I make and what I started with solely is dainty, personalized, hand stamped jewelry for women. Each piece I create is unique and special for whatever reason for that woman. Maybe it’s her kids’ name, her husband who passed away initials, a symbol that reminds them to rise up and be happy, etc. Oh, and most importantly one of the main reasons I decided to create SSC… it’s affordable and ranges from only $20-$30 generally. #holla

The business idea came out of no where in the summer of 2021 when I helped with a fundraiser for my now angel cousin, Brooklyn Trapp. We made copper bracelets with “Brooklyn Strong” hand stamped on them and sold them to help raise money for my aunt and uncle with cancer expenses. After the second time of getting together and making these fundraiser bracelets I just couldn’t stop thinking about how making personalized, stamped jewelry could be the thing that I was looking and praying for to help me contribute to my family’s finances and to feel some different fulfillment from the day to day mom life routine.

I launched my business August 26, 2021 and have had some awesome community support and great experiences. Every Monday I do what I call Make a Day Monday. Each Sunday, I post on my social media looking for nominees of local women (Lehi, UT area) who could use some sunshine for whatever reason: had a miscarriage, needs a reminder that they are beautiful and enough, going through cancer, etc. I have always had my local community pull through with sometimes heart wrenching nominations. It’s always hard to choose but I end up picking at least one Monday morning and then go and deliver a personalized necklace to their home and if able, sneak in a hug.

My mission with Sunshine Street Co. is to provide women, especially local, an opportunity to create a piece with a story behind it for themselves or as a memorable gift without having to pay an arm and leg. I also want to instill in my community of women that they are beautiful and enough just the way they are. The SSC community is full of confident, stylish, kind, HAPPY women and I love that so much! I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received in the last almost 2 years since launching Sunshine Street Co! Here’s to many more!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think that I’ve been able to build a good reputation within my market because of my transparency, word of mouth from satisfied local customers, and my top notch customer service! My goal with Sunshine Street Co. is to make the customer feel giddy about their accessories and do everything in my power to keep them giddy and 100% satisfied.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Oh man, this part of Sunshine Street Co.’s story makes me kind of nervous to share, even kind of embarrassed. But also kind of proud for how resourceful and determined I was to start. Oh well, here I go spilling the honest beans.

So, in order to get all the supplies to stamp necklaces (what I started with initially), and other must haves to be able to create and package up soon-to-be orders I used all my money from my personal bank account and then had to dip into my savings that left me with only about $15 or so. I’ll admit that the cost to start up SSC wasn’t extremely expensive (thankfully) but for a stay-at-home mom with a personal bank with not much money going in or out and to be able/determined enough to start it up on my very own without the financial help of my husband or anyone else, well, I’d have to say I’m proud. I’m proud of my stubbornness, determination and resourcefulness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sunshinestreetco.com
• Instagram: @sunshinestreetco
• Facebook: Sunshine Street Co.

Image Credits
Verina Chen