Today on the podcast I am speaking with Maddy Edye who is the Co-Founder of Melbourne based sunscreen brand Sonny & Felix. Maddy and her sister Genevieve founded Sonny & Felix in 2020, after years of struggling to find suncare products that were suitable and desirable to wear daily - can anyone relate?
After Genevieve was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, she experienced horrible breakouts from using certain cosmetic products - particularly sunscreen. Knowing the importance of daily sun protection in Australia's harsh climate, the sisters worked tirelessly to create a sensitive, non comedogenic sunscreen that women would want to wear - because if you can’t find it, make it!
Because the feel of traditional sunscreens is a huge deterrent for women wearing a SPF daily they created a formula that was pleasant to wear, even under makeup to promote suncare on a daily basis. Sonny and Felix ambitiously launched their first product in Winter 2020, as a part of their mission to separate themselves from being just a beach sunscreen. They want to use their brand to promote the daily use of SPF all year round - even in Winter! This is honestly one of those beautiful examples of purpose driven businesses who’s mission is bigger than just the founders.
Maddy and I spoke at length about how her and Genevieve started the business, the huge learning curve when it came to manufacturing a product that had essentially never been made before and navigating a business from the ground up. Not only is the purpose behind Sonny & Felix inspirational, their hard work and dedication to their product is extremely admirable too.
Maddy and I also spoke about the balance between having a full time job and a start up business, something so many people can relate to. How the skills you learn in the workforce are never a waste and the importance of patience in business.
This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to start a business but feels out of their depth or looking for inspiration when it comes to game changing products - Sonny & Felix are proof there is still space to disrupt and change an industry.
In today’s episode we discuss:
Passion and mission driven business
Maddy and her sister Genevieve’s journey to starting Sonny & Felix
What turns people off sunscreen and finding a gap in the market
Balancing a business whilst still working full time and how it can support your business
The daunting manufacturing process of a brand new product
The importance of going slow and how it can benefit you
And so much more!
If you would like to know more about Sonny & Felix and their products, you can head to their website https://sonnyandfelix.com.au/ and visit her their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sonnyandfelix/
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Music:
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