558: She Made $100K in 90 Days Selling Sunscreen | Tori Gill
Apr 4, 2025
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In this conversation, Tori Gill, founder of Sun & Daughter and a former hairdresser, shares her remarkable journey of launching a six-figure sunscreen brand in just three months. She discusses identifying a market gap and how she leveraged Instagram for rapid sales. Tori recounts the challenges of obtaining TGA approval and navigating manufacturing hurdles. Additionally, she reveals the importance of product bundling and building a community around her brand, while balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with family life.
Tori Gill successfully identified a market gap for appealing children's sunscreen, launching her brand with a vibrant identity that resonated with parents.
Utilizing organic marketing strategies on social media and community engagement, Tori leveraged her personal journey to build trust and drive sales.
Deep dives
Inspiration Behind Sun and Daughter
The idea for Sun and Daughter emerged from a personal experience on the beach when the founder struggled to find a suitable mineral sunscreen that wasn’t thick or chalky. After realizing the importance of using mineral sunscreen over chemical options, she identified a gap in the market for children’s sunscreen that was both effective and appealing. The realization that existing products lacked appealing branding and that many were marketed towards adults motivated her to create a product specifically designed for kids. This approach, along with a strong brand identity, allowed her to differentiate Sun and Daughter from competitors.
Branding and Product Development Journey
The branding process for Sun and Daughter was characterized by a hands-on approach, utilizing design tools like Canva for logo creation and mood boards. The founder spent time experimenting with colors and designs to create a fun and vibrant aesthetic, deviating from the traditional beige, minimalist trends in the market. After finalizing the branding, she collaborated with a branding agency to polish her vision, which included strong mission statements and brand values that resonated with parents. This branding strategy has played a significant role in the impact and initial success of the product at launch.
Challenges in Manufacturing and Launching
Finding suitable manufacturing partners proved to be challenging, especially due to the regulatory requirements for sunscreen in Australia, which is classified as a medicine. The founder had to navigate large minimum order quantities and ensure products met strict safety regulations set by the TGA. Launching the product involved significant logistical hurdles, including delays in receiving packaging and approvals, which brought stress and necessitated rapid decision-making to stay on schedule. Despite these hurdles, the product launched successfully, generating impressive sales on its first day.
Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement
The marketing strategy for Sun and Daughter relies heavily on community engagement and founder-led content to build trust and relatability among potential customers. The founder actively shares her journey and personal experiences with the product, posting relatable content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with other parents. Innovative promotional tactics such as time-limited offers and engaging product bundles have helped boost sales and keep customer interest. The combination of memorable branding, effective social media strategies, and authentic storytelling continues to drive the brand's rapid growth.
In this episode, Tori Gill shares how she transitioned from being a barber to launching a six-figure sunscreen brand in just three months. She dives into how she identified a gap in the market, built a brand that resonated with parents, and leveraged Instagram and organic marketing to drive rapid sales. Tori also reveals how she balanced starting the business while still working her day job and the lessons she’s learned about manufacturing, branding, and scaling a product-based business.
Listen to Nathan and Dan discuss:
- How Tori built a waitlist and used urgency to generate first-day sales
- The viral Instagram moment that helped Sun & Daughter take off
- The challenge of getting TGA approval for sunscreen and how she navigated regulations
- The role of upsells and complementary products like hats and brushes in boosting revenue
- The future of Sun & Daughter and plans for expansion beyond sunscreen
And much more early stage business advice…
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