Gillian Nelson, the founder of Sunny In Denbigh, is redefining natural hair and skincare for families everywhere. Inspired by her own journey of addressing personal and family hair care challenges, Gillian turned her passion into a thriving business that delivers solutions for conditions like eczema, alopecia, and dermatitis. Her thoughtfully crafted, natural products not only nourish hair and skin but also inspire self-love and confidence in every generation. In this exclusive SwagHer Magazine feature, Gillian shares the heart behind Sunny In Denbigh, her go-to product recommendations, and her advice for women ready to turn their untapped potential into purpose.
Many women of color can relate to the struggle of finding the right hair care products. In what ways does Sunny In Denbigh provide solutions for unique hair care needs?
Sunny In Denbigh‘s hair and skin care products provide solutions for conditions such as eczema, alopecia, dermatitis, hair loss, moisture retention, and seborrheic dermatitis. Due to the natural nature of our products, they work really well for all hair and skin types. Our customers don’t have to worry about allergic reactions and sensitivities due to the natural nature of what we make. They also work well for the entire family, making it easy to try our brand!
For those new to Sunny in Denbigh, which product would you recommend they start with and why? What makes it a game-changer?
I would definitely start with the hair butter. That’s a personal favorite because it was the first product I made where I noticed the significant difference in the length, moisture, and hair health of my girls. It is such a versatile product. It can be used as a conditioner, a sealant, or a styling agent, and it’s excellent for repairing damaged hair.
You’re a woman of many talents—hair, skincare, cooking, and more. What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
So, I love this question so much because there are a lot of things that I do well. In all honesty, if I had chosen another skill set to go with as a business, I would’ve probably loved it just as much. But I always say people who can cook could probably formulate hair products, and I believe that is true. But ultimately, once I’m in a space where I can be creative and use my imagination to make things, I really love it! That fuel to my soul keeps me happy and grounded so that’s what I enjoy most—just the ability to be creative and do something different every day. I really love that a lot!
How do you see yourself expanding Sunny in Denbigh in the future?
Currently, Sunny In Denbigh is a direct to consumer brand. I’m open to whatever God has for us and whatever direction he wants us to go in. I always shy away from this question because I know that whatever he has planned for Sunny In Denbigh is so much greater than anything I could imagine for myself. I will just continue being obedient and doing my work and let him direct the path. Let’s see where it takes us!
How does Sunny in Denbigh aim to inspire confidence and self-love in the next generation?
Sunny In Denbigh aims to build self-confidence and self-love in the next generation by inspiring them to love and take care of their natural hair and skin. Being able to look in the mirror and love the person looking back at you is so important. This is all I want for my own daughters and all the young people of the next generation. I want them to love themselves unconditionally, regardless of how they choose to show up in the world.
Your journey began with solving a personal problem, which then blossomed into a business. What advice do you have for women who are sitting on untapped potential or passion projects?
I love this question as well. I would tell them to just begin to explore things that they like. Honestly, it doesn’t have to lead to a business opportunity, but just finding something that they find pleasure in, something that brings them joy and fulfillment, is such an escape. I find that the happiest people are people who have something outside of their work that they’re passionate about; it doesn’t even have to be anything that’s paid or business-oriented. It could simply be a hobby or something you can do to be creative, and that makes all the difference. Take the first step and explore what that looks like, and just follow your gut and not be afraid, just knowing that God will meet you at your point of need!
Learn more by visiting: https://sunnyindenbigh.com/
