As the leaves begin to turn and gently let go, we’re reminded of the power of release. Fall has always felt like a reset to us — a time to shed, to pause, and to prepare for new growth. In the beauty world, this mirrors exfoliation, when we let go of dull layers to reveal something fresh and radiant beneath.

As women and as business owners, fall feels the same way. It’s a moment to reflect on the ebbs and flows of this journey — one that has been equal parts exhilarating and exhausting, humbling and deeply fulfilling.

 

For us, Chocolate Sun has always been more than a business. It’s a love story.

One that’s filled with passion, challenges, laughter and more devotion than we ever thought possible. It feels a lot like raising a child. You nurture it with everything you have. You lose sleep over it. You pour your whole heart into it—spiritually, emotionally, mentally. Some days it fills you with immeasurable joy. Other days, it humbles you, tests you, and reminds you of your resilience. We have often thought about writing the manual for small business owners to be….sharing steppingstones to help you navigate the mistakes you will surely make and how that is just a part of the journey. There is no way around the character-building mishaps, rather they make you the greatest teacher.

 

Bonds We’ve Built Along The Way

As a woman-owned business, there’s something uniquely sacred about the bonds we’ve built with other women along the way. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes from sharing stories of risk, resilience, and reinvention.

We’ve had the honor of working alongside incredible women who, after life-changing wake-up calls, left behind the corporate treadmill to pursue their passions. Watching them pour their energy into what truly lights them up has been inspiring, and collaborating with them has been pure joy. It’s proof that when women come together, something magical happens — creativity flows, ideas spark, and businesses like ours find new life!

From creators, marketing pros to wellness and beauty professionals, we’ve collaborated with women who, like us, dared to reimagine what their lives could look like.

 

Our Journey, Our Reset

When Susie first dreamed up Chocolate Sun, it started in a garage, with bottles of possibility and a deep conviction that tanning could be clean, natural, and effective. Kimmie joined soon after, bringing her heart, vision, and belief that together, we could grow something extraordinary.

 

From our first tiny tanning studio to six thriving locations across Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood, which now led us to our online boutique — Together, we’ve carried this brand like a living, breathing extension of ourselves. We’ve celebrated its milestones, learned from its stumbles, and kept moving forward believing in what we were building. Over 20 years later, Chocolate Sun remains the original eco-certified glow standard—but more importantly, it remains a labor of love.

 

A Fall Reminder

As we step into this fall reset, we’re not just talking about beauty routines or seasonal changes — though those are important, too. We’re talking about making space. About honoring the cycles of growth, rest, and rebirth. About giving yourself permission to let go, so you can show up fully in what matters most.

For us, that’s this business. It’s this community. It’s the people we’ve met along the way. And it’s you — our fellow beauty junkies, seekers of glow, believers in the power of nature and the magic of clean beauty.

Chocolate Sun was founded on the belief that beauty can be radiant, clean, and nourishing. But it’s also about more than glowing skin. It’s about glowing from within—about fueling your spirit, chasing your passions, and connecting with others who inspire you to keep going.

Thank you for being here, for growing with us, and for allowing us to pour our love into something that has always been bigger.

Here’s to resetting, recharging, and rising again.

Xo- Susie, Kimmie + The Chocolate Sun Team