January 8, 2017

Meet Courtney Claghorn from SUGARED + BRONZED

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Claghorn.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Coming from a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that all started businesses, I think entrepreneurship must run in my blood a bit. That being said, there was definitely a moment in time that I thought I might break the tradition. I had always wanted to continue to pursue acting after college, but when I graduated in 2009 I found myself very confused (and broke) as an inexperienced, young adult in a bad economy. I eventually took a corporate job in the financial processing industry because people said I was lucky to have an offer (and a paycheck). During my first year at work, I was not only miserable but very pale after spending 50+ hours a week at a desk! Every time I had to attend a wedding, bachelorette party, etc. I’d seek out a quick fix for a tan. I suddenly found myself paying for quite a few overpriced airbrush tans. I was confused as to why there wasn’t a reasonably priced, high-quality spray tan available in Los Angeles and I thought that there might be an opportunity in the market to create one. I was excited by the prospect of starting my own business- I might finally be able to put my creative right brain and strategic left brain to use simultaneously for the first time in my life. I thought I might be able to enjoy the challenges of growing a business and fulfill my creative passion of acting in my free time, all while providing a service and experience that clients could enjoy… without putting themselves (or their bank accounts) at risk.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Although the business has always been successful, there have definitely been bumps in the road! We’ve had a very difficult time with construction. Early on, well-respected contractors didn’t want to work with us because we were young and only had a small business. We had to go with whoever would take the job- and sometimes they walked off the job because they came across a better job! Leaving us with half finished construction was so upsetting when we were on a tight timeline to open a new store. In addition, cities throughout Southern California have made the process of obtaining the proper permitting very, very difficult.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SUGARED + BRONZED – what should we know?
We specialize in sugaring hair removal and custom airbrush tanning. Sugaring is an ancient Egyptian art where a water-soluble sugar paste is used to extract unwanted hairs. It’s more hygienic, less painful, and lasts longer than waxing. It doesn’t cause ingrown hairs (and in some cases, can correct them)! In addition, sugaring is a natural exfoliating treatment for the skin and can lead to permanent reduction of hair growth. Airbrush tanning is also safe and doesn’t pose risks like the UV tanning beds do. We formulate both our own sugar paste and airbrush tanning solution with the highest quality ingredients available on the market. In addition, our sugaristas and airbrush artists go through a very extensive training program and are highly skilled in providing nearly painless hair removal and flawless airbrush tans.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our parents deserve a lot of credit! Sam’s father (Sam is my business partner) is a lawyer and has provided more free legal work than we could ever repay him for. I cannot begin to tell you how many leases and other documents he has read over and corrected for us. In addition, all our of our parents and friends have been great cheerleaders (therapists 🙂 when things have been tough.

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