Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeni Castro.
Jeni, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Before Bronzed Bunny, I had every job that you could think in the beauty industry. From doing eyelashes, to tanning and bartending for parties I had a brand that I called bad girl bartending, Anything you needed I had it all in the trunk of my car. I always loved getting a tan, I was the girl that would go to Mystic tan every Friday night before the weekend to get my bronze, however, it was orange and would often malfunction. I then began to try airbrushing and organic tanning solutions.
At that time, there were only about 2 salons open that were all the way in Venice, an hour and 20 min to get there for me and going for a special occasion and it was a little pricey. One day I went in and realized that it was super busy, where 2 rooms were going at once and I felt it created such a cool vibe, one person after another was being tanned coming out feeling amazing. That same night I went home and ordered my own airbrush tanning machine that led to me opening my first doors in my hometown, Costa Mesa. We still have the same kitchen clients that came to us 201, still come through our doors today.
When I first opened I knew I needed the best solution, I ordered internationally from Australia to the U.K testing out different brands that may have been triple or quadruple the price in the U.S. I wanted the best of the best and tried 15 to 20 different solutions that I liked but did not love any. I decided that I wanted to make my own, I have now redone the solution twice and now to perfection. by far my latest is the best. This solution is quick dry and smells like the beach, has a deep pretty brown.
The technique required the best equipment, I tried all different machines and I feel as though our set up is completely unlike anything you’ve experienced. The machine has a super fine mist, not wet and leaves you with a no-streak flawless tan. This year we also just created our own sugar with very few simple ingredients- sugar, water and lemon. The recipe in which we have it cook makes it the perfect paste and does not melt quick where a lot of sugars do.
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes, growing pains and being able to grow into multiple locations and franchises and taking our company and making it franchise has been a major accomplishment. Also, our BB academy, teaching girls our way of airbrushing and selling products to mobile tanner and professionals and that salons can purchase our products be trained on was a huge learning experience. Also, launching products for e-commerce and located in stores now such as our Haute Mess tank, the Bad Girls hoodie or our Anti-Bitch Fuel cup opened us up to the world of production which can always be a challenge.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bronzed Bunny – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The entire experience at Bronzed Bunny is totally different than anything that you’ve ever experienced in this category before. From the minute you walk into our doors, from beginning to end. First, you are greeted by extremely welcoming bunnies that will hand you a pink Bellini or for our men clientele, a cold PBR. We take you down the rabbit hole with a space that does not look like your average tanning or waxing salon.
Paying attention to every detail is special to our experience and to our brand, from the to the sayings on the walls to the product that we sell, When the door closes it is a way different experience, in the waxing space it is typically a bright clinical cold room, Bronzed Bunny is the opposite of that where you can pick out your favorite chick flick and you can feel like you are at home with your girlfriend. I created this experience because of all of the things I hated about spray tans and sugaring places that I have been to in the past where you may have to get fully naked.
We have hired and trained our bunnies really well with having a personality. We want our staff to be able to have a relatable conversation with each and every client that comes in, as we have all walks of life and makes it a special part of our entire experience. Bronzed Bunny is an all natural body spa specializing in tanning, sugaring and body sculpting.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love being able to walk outside of my door in LA and run into so many things to do. The bar and restaurant scene is amazing and my husband and I love going to a speakeasy for a late night drink but of course, the daily traffic can sometimes take all the fun away, ha!
In Orange County, I love being able to run all of my errands in a couple of hours and everything is so easy to get to. On the weekends we are just a bike ride away to the beach, can’t beat that! My least favorite thing is the lack of nightlife if I want to go dancing I better do it before 11 pm!
Pricing:
- ORGANIC AIRBRUSH TAN – $45
- ORGANIC RAPID TAN – $55
- BARE NAKED BIKINI – $65
- BB SCULPT™ $220
- DO•OVER DETOX SCRUB* $45 |25 min
Contact Info:
- Address: 32880 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 38 Dana Point,
CA 92629 (CALIFORNIA LOCATIONS DANA POINT)
1820 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (NEWPORT BEACH / COSTA MESA)
12315 Ventura BlvdcStudio City, CA 91604 (STUDIO CITY) - Website: www.bronzedbunny.com
- Phone: 949.424.4655 (CALIFORNIA LOCATIONS DANA POINT)
949.650.1266 (NEWPORT BEACH / COSTA MESA)
818.416.8770 (STUDIO CITY) - Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
