From Cancún to Bonaire: The SunSmiles Journey
Sometimes life takes you exactly where you're meant to be—before you even realize it.
A few months after I arrived on Bonaire—the island where my mother lives—my world paused. I had only planned to stay for a short time before heading back to the Netherlands… but deep down, I already knew I didn’t want to leave. The sunshine, the people, the calm… this island slowly found a place in my heart.
And then, out of nowhere, SunSmiles appeared.
A “coincidence” that felt meant to be
It all began with a vibrant pair of sandals originally designed in Cancún. I found them in a small alleyway in Barcelona while on a weekend trip with Gabi, my boyfriend’s sister. I was immediately drawn to their story, the creativity, the playful colors and comfort—something about them just felt like freedom. As if the universe gave me a gentle nudge—“Hey, this is for you.”
Without realizing it, I was stepping into a new chapter.
A warm welcome on Bonaire
To this day, I’m incredibly grateful for the way both I—and SunSmiles—were embraced by the people of Bonaire. There was curiosity, kindness, support. Because of them, I found the courage to share my ideas, express myself creatively, start new collaborations, and reshape the brand—not from a sales perspective, but from a place of joy, connection, and love for beautiful things.
Since then, SunSmiles has grown into something much more than sandals. It’s become a part of me—part of my story. A symbol of freedom, of trusting your heart—even when it’s scary. And most of all, of saying yes to what life offers you when you’re brave enough to follow your path.
Gratitude & Growth
Bonaire gave me space—in every sense of the word. It gave me room to start fresh, to stretch myself, to grow. I feel so lucky for the opportunities this island has given me, and I hope to give something back through SunSmiles. Something small, something joyful—something that reminds people how beautiful life can be when you choose to live it your own way.
So if you ever wear a pair of SunSmiles sandals, know this: you're wearing more than just shoes. You're wearing a story—about trust, timing, and finding home in the most unexpected places.