Meet Lonna Wright | Brand Owner & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lonna Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lonna, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hey there, fabulous readers! So, picture this: I’m a proud Dallas native, born and raised in the vibrant community of Oak Cliff. Now, my roots are like a blend of Southern charm, with my mom hailing from South Dallas, and a sprinkle of Alabama flair, thanks to my dad’s journey from Fayette. Let me tell you, my parents are the real MVPs in my story. Dad’s got this killer entrepreneurial spirit; always cooking up innovative ways to serve his community. And then there’s mom, the ultimate go-getter and the driving force behind our family. Her mantra? “Start something, see it through to the end.” 🚀

Now, Oak Cliff might get a bad rap from some folks, but for me, it’s my superhero origin story. Living here turned me into this unstoppable force – a resilient woman with more drive and ambition than a rocket on a caffeine high! 🚀 I’ve got a backstage pass to the Oak Cliff Chronicles, where summers at OCBF Turnaround Summer Camp were like a crash course in life, introducing me to friends from every corner South of Dallas. And hey, shoutout to Bishop Dunne Catholic School for being the stage where my well-rounded journey unfolded. So, if you ever wonder how I became the awesome human I am today, just know, it’s all thanks to the magical mix of Oak Cliff dreams and a family that believes in turning dreams into reality! 🌟 #OakCliffVibes #DreamBigOrGoHome
 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Establishing Sunny Souf in February 2023, I rapidly achieved significant impact within six months, a testament to my unwavering dedication to my “Why.” Recognizing that worthwhile endeavors are never easy, I overcame challenges by actively engaging with local community influencers, builders, and mentors. My strategic approach intertwined my entrepreneurial mindset, inherited from my father, with my passion for fashion and expertise as an emergency room registered nurse.

The journey involved relentless efforts to integrate the brand into the Dallas community, staying true to my purpose. Inspired by my father’s entrepreneurial philosophy, I addressed industry gaps by merging my fashion knowledge with my healthcare background.

Sunny Souf transcended mere clothing to become a thriving community, forging a unique legacy of empowerment and cultural preservation. Through strategic networking, influencer engagement, and community immersion, I transformed challenges into opportunities, showcasing that a steadfast focus on one’s “Why” paves the way for unprecedented success.

Sunny Souf is more than a business venture; it’s a vibrant community fueled by a passion for preserving Dallas culture. Our profound mission extends beyond clothing—we provide insights, resources, and knowledge to uplift and equip individuals. Beyond fashion, we foster connections, empower minds, and contribute to the betterment of our neighbors.

Nurturing this community, we believe, creates a resounding and lasting impact on Dallas, generating positive change felt for generations. Our heartbeat lies in community service initiatives—blood drives, vital HIV testing, and back-to-school events for low-income families—all reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact.

Introducing business education to DISD is a forward-looking approach, sowing seeds for informed entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and growth. My journey is one of multifaceted growth—strategic networking, community immersion, influencer engagement, and impactful service.

Each stride is toward being a catalyst for positive change, shaping a legacy of empowerment and cultural preservation. Sunny Souf is a movement dedicated to leaving an indelible mark on Dallas and beyond, weaving a tapestry of inspiration, culture, and progress for a brighter future.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to the incredible individuals and groups who have been the driving force behind our journey – it’s time to give credit where credit is due!

First and foremost, I want to send a massive heartfelt shoutout to my supporters, the #SunnySoufGang! Without you, this business would still be just a dream. When I started on this entrepreneurial journey, I needed people with magnetic community presence, and Gabriel “Spaceboifresh” Moore Jr. stepped up without hesitation. His unwavering support, lightning-fast connections, and belief in our brand from day one have been absolutely invaluable. Let’s also give a massive shoutout to Dee Porter, a renowned activist for the South Dallas community and an incredible brand ambassador. If you haven’t stopped by The Sunny South Food Park, I advise you to go! She’s connected us with AU Pro Sports, where we were recognized during the Women’s Pro Basketball game halftime, taking our brand to new heights. And a special shoutout to my mentor, Evan Barringer, who has shared his graphic design knowledge and insights into the clothing line business right from the start. Instead of seeing competition, he has guided me on this journey while still pursuing his own brand. They say it takes a village, and these individuals have been a blessing beyond measure. They’ve stood in solidarity with our brand and continuously pushed us towards growth. Each and every one of you is a true gem in this venture!

A huge thank you also goes out to the amazing local pop-up markets that have played a pivotal role in our success. Shoutout to Black on the Block, Melting Pot Market, and Bishop Bazaar – your events have not only been wildly successful but also incredibly entertaining. Your support has been a cornerstone of our growth, and we’re beyond grateful to be a part of these thriving communities.

Let’s not forget the fantastic folks over at 97.9 The Beat – P. Skillz. Your enthusiasm and support from the airwaves have been instrumental in spreading the word about our brand. And K104, you’re not left out either – a special shoutout to Lil D for being an integral part of our journey.

Last but certainly not least, even though mentioned before, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the community we’ve built. To our loyal customers who keep coming back – you are the backbone of our success. We wouldn’t be where we are without your continuous support and belief in our brand. Here’s to you, the true heroes of our story!

Website: www.sunnysouf23.com

Instagram: Sunnysouf

Facebook: Sunnysouf

Image Credits
Christopher Brown