We recently connected with Amanda And Victoria Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda and Victoria, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up, our father ran a grocery store with his older brother and best friend. On some weekends, he would wake us up at 4 a.m. to join him at work. We loved stocking shelves, assisting in the bakery, and helping wherever we could—especially when it came with free treats from the deli!
For years, we witnessed our father dedicate himself wholeheartedly to the family business. He worked long hours, often coming home just before bedtime, making sacrifices to turn his dreams—and ours—into reality. Though his store eventually closed, the lessons we learned from his journey shaped our strong work ethic.
Our dad’s unwavering commitment to creating a better life for us inspired us to pursue our own dreams. No matter how tough things got, he never gave up. That’s the spirit we carry into our spray tanning business, as we strive to build a space we’ve always envisioned.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Amanda Brown, and alongside my sister Victoria, I co-own “Shades of Summer,” our mobile spray tanning business that we launched in 2022. Growing up in Woodbury, NJ, we shared a bedroom and an unbreakable bond, constantly exploring our creativity together!
My journey took me through Rowan University, where I earned a degree in communications, always seeking to learn and grow. Victoria, on the other hand, graduated from PB Cosmetology School and brings her expertise in hair and makeup to our venture.
What excites us most about Shades of Summer is our commitment to inclusivity and health. Inspired by our own experiences, we wanted to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their skin. We started this journey not only to create a welcoming environment for people of all shapes, sizes, race, and genders but also to offer a safer alternative to UV tanning. Our motivation was deeply personal; our grandmother suffered from skin cancer, and we wanted to ensure that others could enjoy a beautiful glow without compromising their health.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled about our plans for expansion. In addition to our mobile services, we’re working toward opening a small salon space where clients can not only tan, but also shop adorable merchandise and have a “home away from home”. We can’t wait to continue this journey and create a space where everyone can feel like they belong!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in our journey are optimism, confidence, and adaptability. When we first started Shades of Summer, we had no idea what it truly took to run a business. We dedicated countless hours to learning, adapting, and researching, constantly striving to improve ourselves so we could provide the best service for our clients.
One key practice we adopted was asking ourselves, “What would we want if we were the client?” This perspective has helped us create a welcoming environment and tailor our services to meet our clients’ needs.
Being small business owners can be challenging, and there are always new skills to acquire and ways to improve. Having confidence is crucial, especially during tough times when it feels like things aren’t going well. We remind ourselves that our clients love us and our services for a reason, and we have every right to be as successful as others in our field.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to live in the moment and trust yourself. There will be people—friends and family—who may not take your business seriously or offer the support you need. It’s essential to silence that noise and focus on your goals. Stay optimistic, believe in your vision, and embrace the journey ahead. Your passion and determination will pave the way for your success!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One particular challenge we’re currently facing is balancing our clients’ desires with the needs of our business. Our mobile service has been incredibly well-received; clients love the convenience of getting a spray tan in the comfort of their own homes. However, from a business perspective, the constant travel and hauling of equipment can be exhausting, and we’re not able to service as many clients as we could if we operated from a salon.
Additionally, we’re pricing our services similarly to salons, even though we provide the added convenience of coming to our clients. We’re hesitant to raise prices, as we want to maintain our loyal clientele. This tug-of-war between meeting client expectations and ensuring the sustainability of our business is something we’re actively navigating. We’re exploring ways to strike a balance that allows us to grow while still providing the high-quality service our clients love.
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Image Credits
Melissaannphotos
Hanmariephoto
Louiseorourkephotography
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