Behind the Brand: Sunshine Tienda Celebrates Vacation Happiness With Stylish Hats and Resort Wear Influenced by Warm-Weather Destinations
Sunshine Tienda co-founders and sisters, Amanda and Laura Ernst.
From long, sunny days spent basking in the sun to sun-kissed tan lines peeking through a colorful sundress, the carefree elements of vacation and feelings of freedom and adventure have been perfectly captured by Sunshine Tienda, a Texas-based lifestyle brand founded by twin sisters Amanda and Laura Ernst.
Their products include playful sun hats, statement jewelry, and breezy dresses and beach accessories that are handcrafted by talented female artisan partners from around the globe. The signature Sunshine Tienda hats are available in a wide range of styles and are created using all-natural palms that have been sourced from the jungles of Guatemala. They also generate regular income for more than 100 women in rural Guatemala.
“We both went to school for this and gained experience in corporate product development, trend and account management,” say Amanda and Laura. “Combining that with our love for travel and wanting to build a business together, it just made so much sense. We started by buying artisan goods while traveling and selling them at markets, eventually turning that into our own designs and manufacturing at a larger scale.”
Out of Office: Vacation-Inspired Products to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
Sunshine Tienda’s collection will instantly put you in vacation mode and are perfect for every occasion. Their products are carried at retailers across the country as well as at various resorts and spa boutiques.
“At the heart of Sunshine Tienda is a love for travel, adventure, and the incredible artisans who bring our designs to life,” Amanda and Laura add. “Every piece tells a story, and we hope that when you wear our designs, you feel that same sense of joy, escape, and sunshine—wherever you are. #BeVacationHappy!”
In our chat with Amanda and Laura, they shared more about the inspiration behind their brand, most popular products, future plans, and more.
Sunshine Tienda’s hats are available in a wide variety of styles and colored bands, perfect for every occasion.
When was Sunshine Tienda founded and what does the name mean?
Sunshine Tienda was founded in 2014 with one goal in mind: to start a brand that evoked the feeling of vacation-happiness all year long! We noticed there was a gap in the market for accessories and apparel that truly embodied that “vacation-happy” spirit, so we set out to change that.
During our travels, we met incredible female artisans with the skills to bring our vision to life, and from there, Sunshine Tienda was born! The name itself means “sunshine shop” because, honestly, what sparks vacation happiness more than a bright sunshiny day?
Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.
Our signature palm hats are not your average sun hats! Each one is handmade by our talented female artisan partners in Guatemala using locally-sourced palm fronds. Not only are they beautifully crafted, but they also provide UPF 50+ sun protection—because looking stylish and staying sun-safe should always go hand in hand!
Beyond our hats, we’ve expanded into apparel, sarongs, jewelry, and bags—all designed to bring that effortless, vacation-ready vibe to your everyday wardrobe. And we’re not stopping there—new categories are always on the horizon!
Sunshine Tienda’s Rosita Palm Hat ($149) is created from palm fronds and accented with a brightly colored band.
Do you have a signature hat style? What’s your favorite?
The Rosita Palm Hat is our all-time bestseller, and it’s easy to see why! The natural palm weave paired with a pop of color from the vibrant band makes it a must-have for every adventure. A close second? Our Rainbow Stripe Sarong, which adds a fun, breezy touch to any beach day or getaway. Honestly, we love them all—it’s hard to choose a favorite!
Where are your products sold?
You can shop Sunshine Tienda online via our website or in select retail stores across the world!
The Sunshine Tienda Rainbow Stripe Sarong ($78) adds a fun, breezy touch to any beach day or getaway.
What's next for the brand?
We’re always dreaming up new ways to bring that vacation-inspired magic into your life! Right now, we’re thrilled to be expanding into new categories—including kidswear and pajamas! Picture little ones in the cutest sun-ready styles, and cozy, breezy sleepwear that makes every night feel like a getaway. We can’t wait to share what’s next!
For more information, visit Sunshine Tienda’s website. Follow on Instagram: @sunshinetiendashop
[Images courtesy of Sunshine Tienda]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk