We were lucky to catch up with Valentina Forero recently and have shared our conversation below.
Valentina, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
People always say, “You’re so confident!” And truthfully? They’re not wrong. I’ve always carried myself with confidence—but not because I had it all figured out. I just learned early on that if I looked like I believed in myself, eventually I would.
So I faked it. In rooms where I felt out of place. During services I was still mastering. In business decisions I made on gut instinct. I showed up, smiled, and acted like I belonged—until one day, I didn’t have to fake it anymore.
That confidence didn’t come without failures. I’ve had launches flop, clients disappear, business plans fall through. I’ve moved across the country, started from zero, faced self-doubt more times than I can count. But every setback taught me something. Every “no” made me sharper. Every challenge added a layer to the confidence I already carried.
Confidence isn’t about never falling—it’s about trusting that you’ll rise again. It’s built in the mess, the pivots, and the push to keep going when it would be easier to quit.
So yes, I’ve always been confident. But it was the failures, the risks, the quiet resilience that turned that confidence into something unshakable.
And if you’re still faking it? Keep going. That version of you—the one who’s bold enough to pretend—is already on her way to becoming the real thing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the founder of Bronzed Beauty Bar, a sunless tanning studio in Bethesda, Maryland—and what started as a side hustle during the pandemic has turned into a full-blown passion and career. I specialize in custom airbrush tans that are designed to enhance—not mask—your natural beauty. I’m also a master spray tan trainer and the creator of Bronzed Beauty Bootcamp, where I teach other women how to launch their own spray tan businesses with confidence and intention.
What makes my work so special is that it’s not just about the tan—it’s about the transformation. I get to witness women walk in feeling unsure, and walk out glowing from the inside out. There’s something powerful about helping someone feel confident in their own skin. That’s the part I’ll never get tired of.
One thing I’m especially proud of is that I built this business from scratch—twice. I moved across the country with no clientele, no network, and a new baby. But I hustled hard, DM’d strangers, offered promos, and stayed consistent. Now we’ve served hundreds of clients, partnered with amazing brands like Orangetheory Fitness, and opened a 1,300 sq. ft. studio where I work alongside other beauty professionals.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my education offerings—adding more online training options and business resources for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs. I also recently launched contour spray tans, a sculpting service that enhances your natural features in a subtle, stunning way—and it’s been a hit!
More than anything, my goal is to help women feel confident, capable, and seen—whether that’s in my studio, through my training programs, or just by sharing my story.
If you’re curious about spray tanning, want to start your own business, or just need a little glow-up… my door’s always open.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three biggest things that helped me grow—personally and professionally—were resilience, resourcefulness, and relationship-building.
Resilience – You’re going to fall. You’re going to hear “no.” You’re going to have slow seasons, self-doubt, cancellations, and curveballs. The thing that kept me going was the ability to get back up. I reminded myself why I started, gave myself space to feel the frustration—but then I kept moving. Expect challenges. They’re part of the process. But trust yourself enough to push through.
Resourcefulness – I didn’t have a business degree or a mentor holding my hand. I Googled. I watched tutorials. I tested things, failed, tried again. Being willing to figure things out—without waiting until you “know it all”—was key. Don’t wait for permission. Be scrappy. Use what you’ve got. Done is better than perfect.
Relationship-building – Whether it was clients, peers, or fellow business owners, relationships changed everything for me. I DM’d strangers. I introduced myself at events. I asked for help. And I poured into my community without always expecting something back. That goodwill came full circle. Be kind. Be consistent. Be real. Your network will grow if you nurture it.
For anyone just getting started: You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to start. Stay true to your vision, be open to learning, and give yourself grace along the way. Don’t be afraid to fail—that’s how you learn and grow. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re allowed to grow as you go.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing is navigating the growing pains that come with rapid business growth. It’s an amazing problem to have, but it’s still a challenge. As demand increases, I’m learning how to manage another employee while also preparing to onboard 2–3 more artists—and possibly a receptionist—to keep things running smoothly.
The hard part isn’t just hiring—it’s making sure the culture, quality, and client experience stays strong as the team grows. I want every person who works with me to feel supported and confident, and every client to still feel that personal touch we’re known for.
To manage this transition, I’ve been working on creating more structure—things like training manuals, onboarding checklists, and clearer systems for communication. I’m also leaning into delegation and trusting others with more responsibility, which is definitely a learning curve, but a necessary one.
It’s a season of stretching and scaling—but I know it’s setting the foundation for something even bigger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bronzedbeautybar.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronzed.beautybar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088800255644
- Other: Google: https://g.co/kgs/B78eX6K
Image Credits
Nohelia Valentin
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