Meet Abby Senger

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abby Senger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abby below.

Abby, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Since I was a child, I’ve always considered myself an artist. I grew up dancing and eagerly signed up for every art class I could find. As I transitioned into adulthood, I knew deep down that I wanted to bring together my passions and become an entrepreneur. To prepare, I started working for small businesses to understand how they operate. During those years, I embraced a free-spirited lifestyle, often moving from place to place. Without realizing it, I put my own dreams on the back burner, channeling my energy into helping others with their operations.

It wasn’t until my 30s, when I had my daughter, Sage, that I truly reevaluated my path. I needed to return to work but knew I wanted to align my career with my values and lifestyle. In 2021, I joined Slow North, starting in their production studio and later moving into retail operations management. Working closely with Michelle Simmons—another mother who started her company after the birth of her first child—was incredibly inspiring. Seeing her journey made me realize that I could also share my passions with the world.

In my 20s, I had become deeply disillusioned with big brands, especially their harsh chemicals and additives. I embraced a more natural, holistic lifestyle, even creating my own skincare products. After Sage was born, I began crafting gentle, natural skincare solutions for her, disappointed by the unhealthy options marketed for children. This experience was my turning point: I finally found my purpose.

I decided to create skin hydration products that people could trust—100% plant-based, botanical ingredients, and nothing else. In today’s fast-paced world, everyone craves instant results. But true, lasting benefits come from slowing down and embracing the gentle power of botanical skincare.

When I had that “aha” moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to build. I needed a name that reflected the simple joys of life—like the warmth of the sun and the soothing nature of water. That’s how Sunsejoy was born.

My purpose goes beyond just Sunsejoy. I have many other passions I plan to bring full circle, and I can’t wait to share them with you. But for now, Sunsejoy is here to help you nourish your skin, naturally and mindfully.

This is just the beginning, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At Sunsejoy, I’m focused on creating 100% plant-based skincare that people can trust. As the founder, I pour my heart into every product, ensuring each blend embodies my commitment to natural, effective ingredients. Sunsejoy is more than a skincare brand—it’s a reflection of my values and a way to share my passion for holistic living with the world.

What excites me the most is seeing how Sunsejoy products positively impact people’s lives. I love getting out into the community, attending local markets, engaging in conversations, and educating others about the benefits of botanical ingredients. There’s nothing like hearing feedback in person—learning about someone’s favorite scent or how a product has transformed their routine. These moments fuel my passion and remind me why I started this journey.

Sunsejoy just turned one this past fall, and while I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, there’s still so much to do. One of my biggest challenges is conveying our mission effectively on the website. As a full-time employee and mother, I give myself grace, but I’m committed to improving this aspect. I want people outside Austin, Texas, to feel the same connection to Sunsejoy online as they would in person. My goal is to make our message clear, inspiring, and informative for everyone, no matter where they are.

Looking ahead, to wrap up 2024, we’ll be at Slow North’s Holiday Market on December 7th and Rancho Moonrise’s Howdy Holiday event on December 14th. Hopefully, we can catch a few of you there!

To kick off 2025, I’m thrilled to introduce our “Under the Sea” collection, focusing on micro-marine ingredients. This new line will highlight the incredible, nourishing power of the ocean—bringing another layer of natural, effective skincare to Sunsejoy’s offerings.

Sunsejoy is just the beginning!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities and skills played a pivotal role in my journey with Sunsejoy:

1. Customer Service

One of the most impactful skills I’ve developed is exceptional customer service. Knowing how to respectfully and professionally engage with others in the business world is essential. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about building relationships and trust. Listening to customers, understanding their needs, and genuinely caring about their feedback will set you apart. For those early in their journey, practice compassion and active listening. Whether interacting with customers in person or online, treat every conversation as an opportunity to learn and connect.

2. Design and Branding

Design is another crucial skill. Understanding how to appeal to others and how you want your brand represented is all about tapping into your artistic side. Good design isn’t just aesthetic—it communicates your values and creates an emotional connection with your audience. In the early stages, you might not have the resources to hire professional designers, so learning basic design principles and tools can be incredibly valuable. Explore color theory, typography, and visual storytelling. Stay true to your vision, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

3. Research and Inspiration

Research is a game-changer. I’m constantly learning from other brands, especially small skincare companies that inspire me daily. Studying what others are doing—not to copy but to gain insight and inspiration—helps you understand industry trends and what resonates with people. Dive deep into branding, marketing strategies, and product development. The more you know, the more confidently you can carve out your own niche.

Advice for Those Starting Out

The entrepreneurial path looks different for everyone, but the fundamentals remain the same: strong customer care, compelling design, and thorough research. These three skills can provide a solid foundation for launching your company.

Remember, it’s possible. Some days will be harder than others, but if you’re passionate, that flame will stay with you and keep you going. Surround yourself with inspiration, stay connected to your purpose, and never stop learning. Your journey is unique, but there are countless others who share similar stories—you’re not alone.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Sunsejoy celebrated its first product launch anniversary on October 24th and the launch of our website on November 13th, 2023. Reflecting on this journey, the growth and improvement we’ve experienced have been immense—both personally and as a brand.

What truly propelled Sunsejoy forward was attending local markets in Austin. These events allowed people to physically touch, feel, and smell our products—something that’s challenging to convey through an online store alone. Engaging face-to-face with our community not only provided valuable feedback but also deepened connections. We learned what people love most, which scents resonate, and how our products fit into their lives.

Selling skincare online is tough because customers can’t fully experience the product. That’s why improving our online descriptions to better capture the sensory aspect is a key focus moving forward. Despite this, our community outreach has been incredibly rewarding, with 90% of our sales happening in person.

For anyone struggling to sell their products online, my advice is simple: get out into your community. Share your passion, tell your story, and let people experience your products firsthand. Sunsejoy wouldn’t have had such a successful first year if we had stayed solely online. Local markets and events brought us invaluable growth, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of our Austin community.

The journey continues, and I’m excited to improve our online presence while staying connected to the heart of Sunsejoy—our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunsejoy.com
• Instagram: @sunsejoy