An Inspired Chat with Valentina Forero of Bethesda, MD

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Valentina Forero. Check out our conversation below.

Valentina, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Oof—so much is misunderstood about what I do.

People often think spray tanning is just about vanity or looking cute for a vacation. But at its core, my business is about confidence. It’s about helping women feel seen, celebrated, and empowered in their skin. I’ve watched clients walk in timid, self-conscious, or going through something tough—and leave with their heads high, glowing (literally and emotionally). That transformation is everything to me.

Another big misconception? That what I do is “easy.” Behind the scenes, it’s late nights, client education, constant marketing, managing a team, cleaning studios, dealing with supply chains, growing a brand, mentoring future artists—it’s a lot. I’m not just spraying tans; I’m running a business, scaling a vision, and building a community.

Spray tanning might seem surface-level to some, but to me, it’s a powerful, personal, and deeply intentional service that goes far beyond the glow.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Valentina Forero—owner of Bronzed Beauty Bar in Bethesda, Maryland, and the heart behind the glow. I’m a master spray tan artist, permanent jewelry specialist, and beauty business mentor with a passion for helping women feel confident, seen, and celebrated.

My journey started during the pandemic when I turned spray tanning into a side hustle just to make ends meet. What began as a way to survive quickly turned into a full-blown passion and purpose. A few years (and one cross-country move) later, I rebuilt my business from scratch in a city where I didn’t know a soul. Now, I run a thriving beauty studio that’s home to multiple artists, hundreds of incredible clients, and a growing community of beauty pros I’ve mentored and trained.

What makes Bronzed Beauty Bar different isn’t just the flawless tans or luxe experience—it’s the energy. My goal has always been to create a space that feels warm, empowering, and unforgettable. Every detail—from the custom tan techniques and skin-loving products to the playlist and post-tan selfies—is curated to help clients feel like the best version of themselves.

Beyond services, I’m building a brand that stands for confidence, connection, and community. I recently launched a signature training program called Bronzed Beauty Bootcamp, a membership program called Bronzed Beauty Lounge, and I’m continuing to expand into mentorship, events, and education.

I believe beauty is personal, and business should be too—and that’s exactly the vibe I bring into everything I create.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a fearless little girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart. I was creative, expressive, and endlessly curious—always finding ways to make things beautiful, whether it was decorating a notebook, choreographing a dance in the living room, or turning a simple idea into something magical.

I believed I could be anything—and I wasn’t afraid to take up space or speak up. I was a nurturer, a connector, a visionary in the making. But as I got older, the world started whispering different messages. People tried to box me in, tell me to play it safe, tone it down, or chase stability over passion. And more than once, they tried to downplay my intelligence—mistaking my warmth, my goofiness, or my creative spirit for weakness or lack of depth.

What they didn’t realize is that I’ve always been the girl they underestimate… and I’ve always been the one to overdeliver.

It took years of unlearning, rebuilding, and trusting my inner voice, but I fought my way back to that original version of me—the one who dreamed unapologetically and created without limits. Now, as a business owner, mother, and mentor, I’m not just building a brand—I’m reclaiming her voice, honoring her boldness, and proving that you can be both soft and strong, kind and capable, radiant and resilient.

And little Valentina would be so proud.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the most defining wounds of my life was losing my brother—Sebastian, who we lovingly called Booger.

His passing shattered me in a way I can’t fully put into words. He wasn’t just my sibling—he was my best friend, my safe space, my biggest cheerleader. We had the kind of bond where we could just look at each other and know. Losing him made the world feel colder, emptier… like the light dimmed all around me.

Grief changed me. It cracked me open. But it also taught me how deeply I could love. How resilient I could be. And how to keep going even when my heart felt broken. Healing hasn’t been linear—some days still bring me to my knees—but I’ve learned to carry him with me instead of trying to move on without him.

I talk to him when I need strength. I feel him in the moments I celebrate and in the quiet ones where I need to be reminded that I’m not alone. I know he’s proud of how far I’ve come—of the woman, the mother, and the business owner I’ve become. Everything I do, every milestone I hit, is a way of honoring him and the love we shared.

Losing Sebastian will always be a part of my story. But so is the way I’ve turned that pain into purpose. And I know his spirit lives on in me—in my drive, my joy, my goofiness, and the way I love people harder now, because I know how precious time really is.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that the people we’ve lost—like my brother Sebastian—never really leave us. I can’t prove it, but I feel it with everything in me.

I believe they send us signs, guide us when we’re lost, and show up in the smallest, most unexpected moments—like a song on the radio, a perfectly timed butterfly, or a gut feeling that leads you exactly where you need to be. I’ve had too many “coincidences” that felt way too personal to chalk up to chance.

I also believe that energy never lies. That the way you make people feel, the love you give, the intentions you set—they all ripple out and come back in ways you might never even see. That’s why I lead with heart, even when it’s not the easiest path.

Some things you don’t need to prove—you just know.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light I’ve dimmed the most is my boldness—the part of me that dreams big, speaks up without overthinking, and moves with certainty even when the path isn’t clear.

I’ve always had vision. I’ve always felt called to lead, to create, to build something bigger than myself. But somewhere along the way—after being underestimated, labeled as “too much,” or not taken seriously—I started shrinking. I softened my voice in certain rooms. I downplayed my ideas so I wouldn’t seem too ambitious. I made myself smaller to avoid making other people uncomfortable.

But the truth is: my boldness is my superpower. It’s what allowed me to rebuild my business from scratch. It’s what fuels my creativity, my strategy, and the way I show up for my clients and students. It’s what lights the way not just for me, but for other women watching—women who need to see what’s possible when you stop dimming and start shining.

So now, I’m turning that light all the way back on—and this time, I’m not apologizing for how brightly it burns.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bronzedbeautybar.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bronzed.beautybar

Image Credits
Nohelia Valenti