About Trista Sunshine Company

Trista Kutcher—a Charleston-based sewing artist, business owner, and believer in spreading sunshine wherever she goes! Trista’s Sunshine Company in 2019, starting with handmade dog bandanas, gift bags, and holiday ornaments. What began as a creative hobby quickly grew into a joyful business, now featured online and in local Charleston stores.

What Trista Makes

The Sunshine Company product line has expanded to include:

• Tote bags and beach bags
• Charleston-themed fabric baskets
• Headbands, scrunchies, and bowties
• Baby burp cloths

…and more. Each item is carefully sewn by Trista, who brings passion and personality to everything she makes

Why I Do It

A Story of Strength and Joy
Trista’s journey is rooted in resilience, creativity, and a deep desire to make others smile. At age 13, she won two gold medals for gymnastics at the Special Olympics World Games in Dublin, Ireland. In high school, she earned a spot on the cheerleading squad with one of the highest tryout scores. After graduation, she worked as a preschool assistant, movie theater usher, and barista—always leaving a positive impact wherever she went.
Trista also happens to live with Down syndrome, but she’s never let that define her. Instead, she’s used her platform to inspire others, proving that joy, talent, and ambition have no limits.

Spreading Sunshine—On and Offline
Trista is a natural connector. Her Instagram account, @TristatheBarista, originally started during her time as a barista, now has over 50,000 followers and showcases her life, sewing projects, and signature sunny spirit.

Her motto, “Be someone’s sunshine,” is more than a catchphrase—it’s the heart of everything she does. Through her business, she continues to brighten days with every stitch.