An Inspired Chat with Laronda Sullivan of Richmond, Ca.

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Laronda Sullivan. Check out our conversation below.

Laronda, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In essence, I think a lot of people are struggling with simply being their authentic selves. Society sets a lot of unspoken rules, and many people feel pressured to fit into those molds. That often leads to a lot of hidden unhappiness, because they’re not living in a way that feels true to who they really are.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Laronda Sullivan, the proud founder and CEO of Coco’s Beauties. In a nutshell, Coco’s Beauties is all about celebrating and enhancing natural beauty from the inside out. We’ve grown from a small, in-home setup into a full-fledged beauty and wellness sanctuary right here in Richmond, California.

What makes us unique? It’s the way we blend top-tier skincare treatments—like facials and waxing—with holistic wellness services and mentorship. I’m passionate about helping people not just look good on the outside, but also feel empowered and confident on the inside.

Right now, I’m focusing on expanding our wellness offerings and making sure our message of authentic beauty really shines through. It’s all about helping our community flourish—inside and out.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was a couple of years ago when I read The Four Agreements. That book gave me a huge “aha” moment about living in my authenticity rather than by society’s script. We’re often taught to follow this linear path—get good grades, get a job, get married, and do all these things because that’s what we’re “supposed” to do. But reading that made me realize that true happiness is about doing what genuinely makes you happy, not what the world expects. We have to learn to manage our emotions, communicate honestly, and choose a path that’s driven by passion, not just money. Because when you’re doing what you love, you’re healthier and you lead a richer, more fulfilling life. Money matters, sure, but it’s not the key to happiness. Doing what lights you up is what really makes life worth living.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I had a real turning point in 2023 when a lightbulb went off. After many years of living the way I thought I was supposed to, I realized I needed to reclaim my own happiness and live authentically. It wasn’t about any one event, but just that realization that I deserved to put my own joy and authenticity first. Turning that pain into power is really what fueled me to build Coco’s Beauties into a place where others can do the same.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I definitely feel like the public version of me now is the real me, because I’m finally walking in my authentic self. It’s kind of funny, though, because I’m sure some people who knew me in the past might think, “Oh, she’s changed” or “That can’t be the same Laronda I remember.” And the truth is, they’re right—I have changed. We’re all supposed to grow, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves over time. My conversations have changed, my community has shifted, and my emotional intelligence has grown. So yes, the me you see now is absolutely the real me—just a more evolved and authentic version. It’s all part of the journey.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the experience more than anything else. Of course, they’d miss the facials, waxing, and wellness services, but what really sets Coco’s Beauties apart is the atmosphere I’ve created—the safe space to relax, release, and feel seen.

They’d miss the way I make them feel cared for beyond the treatment table. I don’t just provide a service; I listen, I educate, I encourage, and I remind people that they deserve to pour back into themselves. My clients often say it feels like therapy when they come in, and that’s something you can’t just replicate with a machine or another spa.

So I believe they’d miss that personal connection, that energy, and that authenticity that comes with every appointment. It’s not just beauty and wellness—it’s healing, community, and empowerment wrapped into one.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Anthony Notes
IG: https://www.instagram.com/model4notes?igsh=MXQ2cXlqb25tb2JkbA==

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