Greetings to my treasured circle of friends, supporters, and curious minds,
As we step further into 2024, embracing March as it unfolds before us, I find myself in a reflective state, pondering the intricate tapestry that has become the story of SunPlum. This narrative is not just mine but ours, woven with threads that some of you may see as resilience, innovation, and a passion that refuses to be extinguished… is to me a saga of navigating through fire and smoke to breathe life anew—my only way forward.
The genesis of SunPlum was marked by a burst of creativity, marrying the world of e-commerce with a dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge design. Yet, the unforeseen challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic forced us into a corner. Marking what seemed an end but was, in truth, a pivotal juncture. Amidst the uncertainty and the shadow of potential failure, the decision to close the e-commerce shop was bittersweet, yet necessary, as I figured out how to survive the darkness and uncertainty of the times. While freezing the thoughts of SunPlum, preserving, and protecting it in a time capsule.
In the silence of what seemed like an unwelcome ending or a forced breakup or by some measures, a defeat, I discovered a period for reflection, but the glimmer of hope for reinvention and pivoting would come later. This hiatus allowed me to continue focusing on my family’s well-being and my professional life as an engineer, all while wrestling with the fear and contemplation of venturing forth once again.
In 2021, a spark within reminded me that SunPlum represented the better parts of me and deserved to not only live, but flourish anew. For by this time, I was also doing well enough at my next side hustle that I had developed a real knack for, where I was renting my home out part time as I traveled for work and became a Superhost in the process. However, that too was placed on hold.
As a result, when my entrepreneurial spirit started to resurface and become embolden again, I could only think of melding the worlds of real estate and vacation rentals with my design work that I also did as a creative outlet; that brought me almost as much joy, as my writing does. Subsequenlty, SunPlum was revitalized, this time as a sanctuary for those seeking memorable vacation rental stays and corporate travel in beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina.
Today, as SunPlum thrives, our mission has evolved to craft spaces and in between places, that not only inspire and comfort but also infuse every visit with relaxation, joy and cherished memories. The interesting thing I’ve realized is that…things have come full circle, as if what SunPlum represents now is what I was meant to do with it, as its still reflective of the lifestyle brand I created, with our slogan and mantra to enjoy the sweet life.
So, thanks to my family and everyone who has been part of this rollercoaster journey, where the path was not always clear—your support, trust, belief and camaraderie has been the wind beneath my wings and vision for SunPlum. As it has not only fueled this side hustle adventure but have also woven you into the very fabric of what SunPlum stands for. We have moved beyond just a brand; as we have nurtured a community bound by creativity, resilience, and a collective pursuit of dreams and positive vibes.
As we embark on the next chapter of SunPlum, I warmly invite you to continue this journey with me. Whether it’s through the relaxed and thoughtfully designed vacation rental homes offered by SunPlum, or the transformations felt through my interior design work, or the intimate or technical musings shared in my articles and poetry—there’s a place for you in this unfolding story.
I look forward to sharing more of what you have grown accustomed to before and my upcoming debut book, a reflection of my experiences and growth, as I work towards making SunPlum a continued beacon for all who seek a touch of magic in their lives.
Cheers to the new adventures that await us and our shared dreams, along with everything that we create and the stories we’ll share. Let’s continue to hold hands across the universe, nurturing that light and connection that binds us.
One Love ♥,
Kaylaa
Happy #internationalwomensday
