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. Que Sullano - Gavan Avatar

    Doing what you love most will really help you stand out from the crowd! I wish entrepreneurship will be taught to kids early and for surely this will help them in the future.

  2. Paulline @ milastolemyheart Avatar

    She looks so pretty. Beauty and brains! I wish I’m half as courageous as her in getting into business.

  3. Maan Avatar

    Fashionista nga! Very pretty! I will join the giveaway; I’ll find the time today or this weekend. Paghahandaan ko yan!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Haha, go go go mommy Maan!

  4. Vanessa Ally Avatar

    I love Gabby’s entrepreneur spirit and the way she succeeded so much at a such young age. That proves that if you have talent and persistence everything is possible.

  5. Khushboo Avatar

    She is so enterprising and I believe in what her mom says, business is business :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Works well for them, too!

  6. franckxethee Avatar

    She looks real pretty too. Her pleasant personality can really bring in the customers.

  7. Manu Kalia Avatar

    Lucky you to start your business at your age. More power!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Yes, good for Gabby indeed!

  8. MollyMia Avatar

    wow, so all her bags are actually handmade by her mom? that’s friggin cool! probably can’t really buy from her (she ships internationally?) but will still check out her IG!

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Hi! No, her mom is the manufacturer. She has a business where she designs, manufactures, and supplies bags to shops. Gabby designs the bags she sells and submits these designs for manufacturing. :)

  9. Raymond Vasquez Avatar

    Interesting story of a young entrepreneur. Worth sharing. Would love to echo this story to my BA students… :D

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Thank you Raymond! :)

  10. Glenda Candedeir Avatar

    Happy for you sissy! I am also a student-entrep way back in college :)

  11. sikat101 Avatar

    Oh, I love those printed blazers. Entrepreneurs get younger and younger. Inspiring! I also wanted to start and online shop. Hopefully, next year. -katrina centeno

  12. rozellevendil Avatar

    It’s nice to know that there are a lot of young people nowadays that are into having their own business. I hope someday, I’ll be able to put up my own business too and be a mom entrepreneur. Thanks for sharing!

  13. lizaonmute Avatar

    I’m a dowdy kind of girl and I never had an eye for fashion. I like looking at pretty and well-dressed girls though. She’s very pretty. :)

  14. thedreamermom Avatar
    thedreamermom

    Wow, will be checking her IG :)

  15. karenmeetsworld Avatar

    “I think the toughest Kids make it to their DREAMS”- Tiffany, It’s being brave to follow our dreams that makes it come true. Young entrepreneurs are so inspiring. :)

  16. Gilliannong.com Avatar
    Gilliannong.com

    gabby looks awesome! wishing her all the best :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      Yes, she’s very attractive and she’s got great taste in fashion. :)

  17. Rackell Lumberio-Villareal Avatar

    Congrats Gabby on you business! Very inspiring! I will join the giveaway. Hope to win! Yay!

  18. Amie Avatar

    Wow, haven’t met Gaby before but I’m already v proud of her for her achievements. It’s not easy but she did it! :)

  19. franckxethee Avatar

    Gabby is really good at fashion and it shows in her business. That’s the right treatment that transaction between her and her mom is at arms length (same as other customers) because business is business.

  20. momhandsarefull Avatar

    Kids these days are becoming more creative and entrepreneurial. Its a good sign, though. I wish I was that creative when I was younger :)

    1. May De Jesus-Palacpac Avatar

      I knowww, right? Me too!

Leave a Reply to karenmeetsworld Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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