November 27, 2024
From Mining to Glittering Sunscreens: The Journey of a Mum Entrepreneur
In 2016, my life took an unexpected turn when I was made redundant from my job in the mining industry. At the time, it felt like the end of an era and the closing of a chapter that had defined much of my career. I had been in leadership roles, overseeing teams and operations, but suddenly, the security of a structured corporate environment was gone. Yet, as many mums know, life has a funny way of pushing you into new directions when you least expect it.
Fast forward to 2019, I found myself on a beach with my two small children, their giggles filling the salty air. It was one of those rare, beautiful moments of motherhood where time slows down, and the world seems full of possibility. I remember watching them play with craft glitter and wondering, what if sunscreen could be fun? That thought quickly turned into a messy experiment involving sunscreen and glitter. Before I knew it, the spark of an idea was born: a sunscreen product that wasn't just about protection but also about self-expression, creativity, and joy.
From there, SunDust Sunscreen took shape. But starting a business as a mum is no walk in the park. Between toddler tantrums, sleepless nights, and the constant juggle of family life, there were moments when I questioned whether I could make it work. Yet, with grit and determination, I pushed forward. I wore many hats – formulator, marketer, accountant, and sometimes, even janitor – as I tried to build a product that people would not only need but also love.
In 2021, SunDust hit a major milestone. We secured a financial contract on Shark Tank (Channel 10), which helped us take our products to shelves in 65 stores across Australia. We even expanded with distribution contracts in New Zealand, the USA, and the UK. For a time, it felt like we were on top of the world. But as any entrepreneur knows, business is never a straight line.
In the years that followed, I faced challenges that forced me to confront a tough question: should I give up on SunDust? Running a business is expensive, and the demands of scaling up can sometimes outweigh the returns, especially for a mum juggling family and professional aspirations. I had to decide whether to let SunDust go or take the plunge, spend the money, and breathe new life into the brand.
After a lot of soul-searching, countless discussions with my business partner, and feedback from our loyal customers, the decision became clear: SunDust wasn’t just a business; it was a part of me. We love what SunDust represents – innovation, joy, and protection – and we weren’t ready to let that go.
So, we’re back on the horse. We have created a new improved Bio Glitter Sunscreen formula, a better product that builds on everything our customers have loved about SunDust while addressing new needs. This isn’t just a relaunch; it’s a reinvention. We’re excited to take this journey forward and bring something truly special to market.
Being a mum entrepreneur has been one of the rockiest roads I’ve ever walked, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding. I’ve learned resilience, creativity, and the power of believing in an idea, even when the odds are stacked against you. To all the mums out there dreaming of building something of their own: don’t give up. You’re stronger and more capable than you know.
Here’s to the future of SunDust and to every parent balancing big dreams with little hands. Thank you for believing in us, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!