SunBum

SunBum is a staple name for the Encinitas community. It doesn't only advocate for skin safety but is also a large part of the Encinitas name. You can spot their bright yellow truck in the holiday parade, local surf competitions, and at clothing swaps. SunBum is a company I've been a fan of for a long time, so it only made sense to interview Drew, the senior community coordinator, and Delaney, the office and culture coordinator for SunBum. Workers at SunBum agree that the community is a large part of their company.

"I feel like the biggest thing is community. Like, just trying to bring people together and trying to preach. Sun safety and a lot of people just don't realize that it is like, really, really dangerous to be in the sun and not wear sunscreen no matter where you are," said Delaney.

"We also have seven values, the SunBum seven. But I think one of the biggest ones that represents the brand to me is trade everything for love. I feel like everything we do is with our passion for others in mind. Another one is catching the sunsets. Don't work too hard still have a life outside of work I feel like that is a big part of our culture here," added Drew.

Naturally, Drew and Delaney have some favorite products from the brand, they gave their top picks a shout-out. 

"We just came out with that new hair oil the repair oil, which I've been using every night because my hair dreads very easily  It works well, but every day I just use our cleanser, from our skincare line," said Drew.

"I use our tinted mineral face lotion under my makeup. And then I use our regular shampoo and conditioner whenever I need it. The three in one is a lifesaver for detangling too," said Delaney.

Drew and Delaney are big advocates for SunBum and what it stands for. They believe working for a place you can get behind makes all the difference.

"I think that's one of the coolest parts of working for SunBum is working for a brand where you actually believe in the products. I have a lot of friends who work for companies they're not that excited about, and it's really obvious that they don't really like or believe in the product, and I feel like that's something that makes us different from a lot of people," said Drew.

Delaney also touched on how the brand has become so successful. People worldwide use SunBum; a small brand that started in Coco Beach, Florida has grown worldwide.

"SunBum has always tried to stand by disruptive marketing, so anything that just catches your eye, we've done. Campaigns where they just put a banana suit on national monuments, all around the U. S. We have popped up at every contest we possibly can, every event we possibly can, with just a booth, and someone behind the booth that's friendly and wants to talk to you and educate you on sun safety, and all of our products."

Before the interview ended, Drew went back to the idea of community, and why they try to incorporate it so much into SunBum as a whole.

"I think for us it's nice to have like face-to-face time with customers. You might have no idea what something does, and it's nice to have a face-to-face conversation with someone who can explain it to you. Sampling is nice, but also just getting away from the retail side of things for a second, just to enjoy time with people who are like-minded and enjoy the same things and have that sense of community. I feel like Encinitas is probably one of the best places to do that, too, honestly. I think we also understand that our fanbase is who makes our brand. We're nothing without the people who use the brand, and the people who come to our events. And I think, like, catering to that is what makes us, us! I love our community events. I love interacting with people who like the brand.  Love hearing what they have to say about it and how many people actually know the brand. I think it's just really cool to have them be at the forefront of everything we do."

A big shout out to SunBum for being such a positive aspect of the Encinitas community. Try stopping by their concept shop on downtown 101 and see for yourself what the company is all about.