I can’t tell you how proud I am of Gabby. I’ve known her since she was, what, six or seven? It’s been so long, I really can’t remember anymore. I’m so amazed at how beautiful she’s turned out and when I learned that she now runs a business of her own that she fondly named “Sunshine & Citrus“, I immediately wanted to feature her here.

If you know Gabby, you know what a young fashionista she is, in the truest sense. After following a lot of online fashion shops, it dawned on her that she, too, can put up her own, after all, she’s got her own unique style to boot.

It seemed like a good way to get some extra cash, while doing something I really enjoy,” she says.

Gabby Suzara of Sunshine & Citrus. Image used with permission from Gabby, NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION.
Gabby Suzara of Sunshine & Citrus. Image used with permission from Gabby, NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION.

What is Sunshine & Citrus about?

Sunshine & Citrus started out as an online shop for trendy bikinis on Instagram in May 2013.

Image grab from Sunshine & Citrus IG.
Image grab from Sunshine & Citrus IG.

Later on, Gabby realised that it only makes sense to include bags in the Sunshine & Citrus collection because she knows someone who manufactures bags that she can trust — her mom!

floral

Sunshine & Citrus now carries a wide array of designs that cater to all types of personalities of women of all ages. They’re affordable, classy and most importantly, functional. Gabby chooses the styles and designs most of them, herself.

Business is business, even with mom!

Although there are perks on working with her mom, such as the convenience of being able to meet and talk about the designs when they need to, when it comes to business, Gabby receives the same treatment as her mom’s other clients– being charged the same costs and fees.

The explanation? They may be mother-daughter, but the costs of labor and materials do not change according to your affiliation. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Before they were bags...
Before they were bags…

Student entrepreneur

I asked Gabby what she learned out of being a young entrepreneur, and she says that aside from learning a lot about the business process, she’s also come into terms with the reality that it can be tiring, at times.

Being an Interior Design student at the DLSU-College of St. Benilde, Gabby has to find time to attend to buyers and inquiries, update her online shop, and to personally participate in bazaars, while keeping up with her studies and her social life.

Gabby with fashion blogger, Vina Guerrero. Image grab from Sunshine & Citrus IG
Gabby with fashion blogger, Vina Guerrero at the Trend setters bazaar. Image grab from Sunshine & Citrus IG

But as far as her entrepreneurial sense goes, she says, “I learned to become more avant garde, to explore different styles and see how they work!**

You can follow Sunshine & Citrus on Facebook & Instagram.

___________________________________________

ARE YOU READY FOR A GIVEAWAY???????

bags watermarked

Not just one bag, but 4 bags! Sunshine & Citrus is giving away 4 bags to four of my FEMALE readers! Wouldn’t it be nice to receive an early Christmas gift?

For deets on how to join the giveaway, click here!

89 responses to “Student Entrepreneur rising! Gabby of Sunshine & Citrus”

  1. Audric's Mom Avatar

    Starting young can be very rewarding. Good job! :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Yes, I believe it is! Join the bag giveaway, mommy! :)

  2. work@homeMillie Avatar

    I’m always hopeful for young entreps. I used to sell a lot of things before, from food to RTW. I’d love to do it again, though- but caught up with responsibilities! I love her tenacity and her being strict! “NO charity in business!”

  3. aggietha Avatar
    aggietha

    Wow, kids these days are very bright and brave — good luck on their startup!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      yes they are, and I think with the new economy, that’s a good thing! Join the giveaway mommy! :)

  4. Michelle Solee (@michisolee) Avatar

    I feel happy when I see young entrepreneurs, nakakabilib lang. Sana ganun din ako when I still young. lol

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Naku, oo! One of my biggest reminder to my kids is to START YOUNG talaga. Join the giveaway, Michelle! :)

  5. JeniG Kalikotpepot Avatar

    A great bio for a rising entrepreneur!Kudos to Gabby. I wish to join but I’m not yet a housewife… :( Lovely prizes!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      It’s not just for housewives. The blog site’s name is Fully Housewifed (scroll up to top to see). The promo is open to all female readers of Fully Housewifed. :)

  6. Tiffany Yong Avatar

    That’s so nice! But why only housewife bloggers? i want a chance too! Haha… It’s nice to see daughter mummy business partner as who knows the daughter better than the mum, vice versa!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Awwww…Female readers of Fully Housewifed (the name of the blog site) based in the Philippines only for this giveaway. :) maybe someday soon, I can host an international giveaway :)

  7. misslouisechelle Avatar

    I’ve seen her from bazaars and yay! It motivates me more to pursue also with my online shop though I’m studying again. It’s very inspiring how there are many young people doing business than the older ones. :)

  8. Diana Grace V. Tolentino Avatar
    Diana Grace V. Tolentino

    Her style is so refreshing, laidback and classy :)

  9. The Vanilla Housewife Avatar

    Very inspiring! So young but she already runs her own business! Kudos!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Don’t forget to join the giveaway! :)

  10. krisle703 Avatar

    Nice inspiration to young women. I’ve had a business too when I was in college but wasn’t able to sustain it when I became a mom.. This post makes me wanna continue that :) -kaycee

  11. Marc Teng Avatar

    Wow! i hope to be like her someday!

  12. Lorna Mariano Avatar
    Lorna Mariano

    done joining !!! and email sent too …

  13. Lorna Mariano Avatar
    Lorna Mariano

    wow!!! .. at least at young age she know more on Fashion and being a business minded .. more success , God Bless !!!

  14. alissamags Avatar
    alissamags

    She’s an inspiration! Online shopping is what I prefer more than shopping at malls.Will join the giveaway!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      I had a feeling you would. ;) There are many styles in Sunshine & Citrus that fits you.

  15. Renz Avatar

    I love young entreps! Mabuhay ang business mo Gabby! I’m browsing her shop…good for her… bad for ze wallet LOL

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Join the giveaway, Renz! :)

    2. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      hahaha, lalo if you visit her IG!

  16. Toni Tiu (@macaronigirl) Avatar

    Super cute! I love how natural this all comes to Gabby – the love for fashion AND business. Wishing you more success on this exciting journey! :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Yes, fashion indeed comes naturally to her. Business is like technology to the kids of today, it’s like they were born with it . :)

  17. Celerhina Aubrey Avatar

    When I was in college, I turned my love for shopping into a little business – RTW. :) Now I want my business mojo back. I wish I could start up a little business again. And do something I really love. Good job Gabby for doing this. :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      I was not into entrepreneurship until only a few years ago…wish I started young. :) Go go go Mommy!

      1. Celerhina Aubrey Avatar

        Hahaha! I started an online Ukay just recently. Crossing my fingers it’ll be a hit. Kahit konti lang.

  18. lally Avatar

    Someone told me that we can turn our passion into a profit. Hats off to you Ms Gabby. You are an inspiration to all women, including me. ! More power to your business and God bless!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Yes a very good example of a passion to profit story. :)

  19. Ma. Clarice Lao - Itumay Avatar
    Ma. Clarice Lao – Itumay

    Great young entrepreneur! I wish I could have started as young as her. :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      I knoww, right? Wish I did too!

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I’m May

Fifty-something storyteller, award-winning writer, long-time content creator, podcast host, artist, an advocate for alternative learning and a staunch supporter of the arts.

Email me at maypalstories@gmail.com