Daily Inspiration: Meet Abby Gasper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Gasper

Hi Abby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hey hey! I’m Abby Gasper, the proud owner of Goldie Sun Accessories, and I am SO excited to share my story! My love for fashion started in my small southern Oklahoma hometown where I competed in pageants. I worked at Payless ShoeSource throughout high school and college, where I learned so much about retail, business, and fashion. During college, I was on a show choir scholarship and fell in love with stage makeup, costume changes, and of course, big hair. After graduation, I landed a corporate job at the Payless ShoeSource World Headquarters in Product Development. In 2017, I shifted into Bridal Design and even helped design my own wedding dress. But in 2020, life threw a huge curveball—I was furloughed from my dream job during my pregnancy due to the pandemic. It was a challenging and dark time, but I found light being with my daughter Goldie, my “Goldie Sun”.

In April 2022, I made the first pair of Goldie Sun personalized sunglasses for a zoo playdate, and things quickly took off from there. What started as making gifts for friends turned into a full business, and in 2024, I took the huge leap to leave my corporate job and go all in on Goldie Sun Accessories. I’m beyond grateful for the journey and so excited to continue spreading sunshine and sparkle!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a small business is such a wild ride, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! In the early days, I was balancing a full-time corporate job, motherhood, and handcrafting every product, all while figuring out the ins out and outs of running a business. Every free moment was poured into Goldie Sun—working through lunch breaks, burning the midnight oil, and spending weekends at pop-ups. When you’re genuinely passionate about what you do, challenges tend to resolve themselves and you just find a way. I’m so grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, who have been part of this journey every step of the way. Now I feel like I’ve stepped into my light, and it’s shining brighter than ever through my business!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our motto is, “where the sparkle meets the sun” — Goldie Sun is all about spreading joy and providing accessories for everyone! While we have so many different offerings, we specialize in customized sunglasses, or “sunnies,” each one handcrafted by me to ensure they are unique and special. Countless hours of dreaming, planning, creating, and crafting go into this business, and I take great pride in that.

One of the most rewarding parts of the business is seeing Goldie Sun out in the wild. It’s also so fun to witness the joyful faces of little girls who approach my booth, in awe of all the sparkle. I love customizing sunglasses for any occasion and getting to be a part of so many special moments by creating unique mementos. Being part of the Kansas City small business community has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to meet so many amazing people and make lasting friendships along the way.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My grandmother, Virjean “Emmie” Ogle, is a gifted artist, and her paintings are my most cherished possessions. She dedicated many years to teaching art classes. She has always been a passionate believer and supporter of Goldie Sun Accessories and when I began selling at pop-up shows, she shared countless tips and tricks from her art fair days. I remember one day sitting at her kitchen table, watching her paint a butterfly for my daughter, Goldie. She worked quietly and intently, mixing highlights and shadows into the painting. Then she said softly, almost to herself, “You need both the highs and the lows—if you only have one color, it won’t work. You need both to create the full picture.”

The biggest risk (and reward!) for Goldie Sun so far has been partnering with, and investing in, so many retail stores. We currently consign with seven thriving stores in the Kansas City metro:
– Artisan’s Corner on Wall | Harrisonville, MO
– KC Style Haus | Country Club Plaza
– Queen Bee Boutiques | Blue Springs, MO
– Shop Local KC | Brookside Plaza & Crown Center
– The Merrymaker Collective | Lee’s Summit, MO
– Urban Edge Co. | Kearney, MO
Goldie Sun also wholesales with numerous others throughout the area.

Embracing both the highs and lows has, and will continue to resonate with me as I pushed forward, full-steam ahead, with Goldie Sun Accessories. Every challenge and uncertain moment I may encounter along the way is part of the larger, and fulfilling, journey. Without risk, there isn’t growth. Always keep growing, never give up, and leave a little sparkle where ever you go.

Pricing:

• Girls Sunglasses | $20
• Adult Sunglasses | $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopgoldiesun.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopgoldiesun
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopgoldiesun
• Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/shopgoldiesun