Meet Phoenix Gonzalez | Inventor, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder

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

Hi Phoenix, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
At Silked we are inspired by clean and healthy living. In a world full of unhealthy choices we are on a journey to finding clean alternatives that support ourselves and our families which in turn support our amazing tribe of customers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about:

Silked is a beauty lifestyle brand dedicated to providing clean beauty alternatives that support our customers day and night. What sets us apart is our flagship product—the Silked Pillow Sleeve—a one-of-a-kind innovation born out of necessity. Unlike traditional pillowcases, our pillow sleeve effortlessly slides over any existing pillow and pillowcase, offering an easy and travel-friendly solution to protect skin and hair.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise?:

In 2017, my co-founder Sandra and I, along with our amazing tribe of girlfriends, came together to fund an Indiegogo campaign to bring our invention to life. This campaign not only helped us learn how to manufacture and launch our Silked Pillow Sleeve, but it also gave us the opportunity to gift our first production-ready sleeves to our incredible supporters. With the remaining inventory, we beta-launched our e-commerce website, taking the first step toward building our brand.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?:
We never took outside investment. Instead, we used our own credit and secured wholesale orders to fuel our growth, definitely the path less travelled.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way:

Since we didn’t have a large budget for marketing and advertising, we focused on strategic partnerships to amplify our reach. Collaborations with brands like AMEX, FabFitFun, and Facebook helped us gain exposure and credibility, allowing us to reach a much larger audience without the heavy costs of traditional advertising. Partnerships have been key to our success, helping us gain market adoption and build brand recognition in a way that aligned with our values and resources.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Founded and female-owned by two Caribbean best friends, Silked was born from our deep-rooted tradition of using silk for hair care. What started as a passion project has grown into a small business that’s changing the way people sleep and travel worldwide.

With over 650,000 customers, the Silked Pillow Sleeve has become an essential beauty and wellness product, helping people wake up without bedhead, frizz, sleep lines, or dryness. Snuggle-approved and travel-friendly, it’s truly the bestie your beauty routine deserves!

Quality sleep is essential. According to USA Today, 7 in 10 Americans say pillows have a big impact on their ability to get a good night’s sleep, as reported by the National Sleep Foundation. Studies also show that frequent travelers, especially business travelers, often find hotel pillows unsuitable for quality rest. The Silked Pillow Sleeve provides a simple, packable solution—ensuring better sleep, wherever you go.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were planning a week-long itinerary where I live, traveling along Florida’s west coast here is a nice blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Itinerary to make the most of her trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Tampa

Settle In: Check into The Tampa Edition, a chic hotel in Tampa’s vibrant downtown area.​

Dinner at Ulele: Kick off your culinary journey with a waterfront dining experience at Ulele, known for its native-inspired dishes and craft beers.​

Day 2: Explore Tampa

Morning at the Tampa Riverwalk: A stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, exploring local shops and cafes.​

Afternoon at The Florida Aquarium: Dive into marine life exhibits and maybe even book a behind-the-scenes tour.​

Evening Cocktails at Armature Works: A restored industrial market that offers a variety of eateries and bars. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening.​

Day 3: Sarasota’s Arts and Beaches

Morning Drive to Sarasota: Approximately an hour’s drive from Tampa.​

Visit The Ringling: Explore the art museum, Ca’ d’Zan mansion, and beautiful gardens.​

Afternoon at Siesta Key Beach: Renowned for its powdery white sand, it’s an ideal spot to unwind.​

Dinner at Ophelia’s on the Bay: Enjoy waterfront dining with a diverse menu and stunning sunset views.​

Day 4: Adventure in Weeki Wachee Springs

Morning Departure: Head to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, famous for its live mermaid shows and crystal-clear springs.​
Southern Living

Kayaking the Weeki Wachee River: Paddle through serene waters, often accompanied by sightings of manatees and diverse wildlife.​

Lunch at a Local Café: Refuel with fresh, local fare before heading back.​

Day 5: Anna Maria Island Retreat

Morning Drive to Anna Maria Island: A charming barrier island known for its laid-back atmosphere and pristine beaches.​

Beach Day: Relax on Bean Point Beach, known for its tranquility and stunning views.​

Evening at The Sandbar Restaurant: Dine with our toes in the sand while enjoying some fresh seafood and watching the sunset.​

Day 6: St. Petersburg’s Culture and Nightlife

Morning Visit to The Dali Museum: Immerse ourselves in the surreal world of Salvador Dalí.​

Lunch at The Canopy Rooftop Lounge: Enjoy panoramic views of the city with delightful bites and cocktails.​

Afternoon Shopping on Central Avenue: Explore boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops.​

Evening at Ka’Tiki: Experience live music as my band Phoenix5live.com performs, located in the Sunset Beach area, steps away from the white sands of Flordia.

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

Morning Spa Treatment: Indulge in a group spa session at a local resort to rejuvenate before departure.​

Brunch at Oxford Exchange in Tampa: A stylish spot offering a delightful menu and a boutique for last-minute shopping.​

Afternoon Departure: With our hearts full of memories, send her off with lots of love and light.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my Shout to my fantastic business partner, Sandra McCurdy. Without her, Silked would not be the inspiring company that we are! The other person I would like to recognize is my loving and supportive husband, Joe Pascual, who is my rock. Without his encouragement, “The Silked Pillow Sleeve” wouldn’t be a Thing!

Website: https://silked.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkedco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silked/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silkedco