We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Irvin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were to embark on this entrepreneurial journey anew, armed with the knowledge I possess today, there are a few cardinal principles I would embrace. Firstly, I would prioritize seeking guidance and wisdom from experienced mentors. Their sagacity and guidance can prove invaluable, helping me navigate the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship with greater finesse.

Furthermore, I would not fall into the trap of shouldering the burden single-handedly. Rather, I would swiftly recognize the importance of delegation and assembling a formidable team of talented individuals. Delegating responsibilities from the outset allows for the optimal utilization of resources and fosters a collaborative environment where each team member can leverage their unique skills.

Moreover, in my quest for success, I would avoid the allure of short-term gains and instead structure my venture for sustainable, long-term growth. This would involve developing a well-defined vision and mission that serve as guiding beacons for every strategic decision taken. By focusing on building a strong foundation and nurturing a company culture that promotes adaptability and continuous learning, I would lay the groundwork for enduring success.

In tandem with these principles, I would recognize the paramount importance of assembling a team of passionate individuals who share the same vision and values. By hiring people who are not just skilled, but who also possess a deep sense of purpose and commitment to the company’s mission, I would cultivate a vibrant and cohesive team that propels the venture towards greatness.

Last but certainly not least, I would be steadfast in my dedication to establishing a structured framework for growth. This would enable us to swiftly respond to market dynamics, pivot when necessary, and consistently deliver value to our customers.

In conclusion, armed with the wisdom of hindsight and the knowledge I have acquired, I would embark on this entrepreneurial journey with an unwavering commitment to finding mentors, delegating responsibilities, building a strong team, and structuring for sustainable growth. These principles would serve as the bedrock upon which I would construct an enterprise capable of enduring the trials and tribulations inherent in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success.

Sarah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Allow me to introduce myself to your readers. My name is Sarah Irvin, and I am the proud owner of a thriving sunless tanning company that provides mobile services across four states. Our company not only offers sunless tanning services but also specializes in comprehensive training and certification programs. To date, we have successfully trained over 500 women, empowering them to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys in the sunless tanning industry.

When the unforeseen challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted our regular business operations, we noticed a remarkable surge in the demand for our training courses. Recognizing the opportunity, I decided to seize the moment and diversify my offerings. I became certified as a mindset coach and enlisted the support of a mentor to launch my coaching business. Within a remarkably short span of time, I was honored to be named one of the top 20 mindset coaches in Los Angeles ranked by LA entrepreneur magazine.

As my coaching business experienced rapid growth and I reveled in the joy of guiding and supporting my clients, I realized that my true passion still resided in the beauty industry. Hence, in 2023, I made the decision to return to my roots and combine my expertise in coaching with my love for the beauty business. This led to the establishment of my coaching services specifically tailored to women in the beauty industry, aiming to empower and uplift fellow female entrepreneurs within this vibrant field.

In addition to my coaching and sunless tanning chain, I am thrilled to share that I have authored and published four mindset and business journals. These journals are a manifestation of my belief in the power of journaling, which has played an instrumental role in my own career. I wanted to create something tangible that could provide immense value to other female entrepreneurs, offering them a tool to foster self-reflection, goal-setting, and personal growth on their own remarkable journeys.

Above all, I am most proud of the community we have built and the countless women we have empowered through our training programs, coaching services, and the publication of our journals. Witnessing the transformation and success of these individuals fuels my passion and reaffirms my commitment to uplifting and empowering women in both the beauty and entrepreneurial realms.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my partner when I first started my spray tan business in my garage! At the time she was doing freelance makeup and I thought there was so much potential for us to work together! After months of me begging, my cofounder made the bold decision to leave her successful makeup business behind and join forces with me. From the moment she joined, our synergy was undeniable, and our business soared to new heights.

Together, we formed an unstoppable duo, leveraging our respective strengths to propel our business forward. Her logical thinking and meticulous approach brought a sense of order and efficiency to our operations, while my people skills allowed us to build strong relationships with clients and foster a loyal customer base.

Our story is a testament to the transformative power of finding the right partner, someone who complements your strengths and shares your vision. By bringing our unique qualities together, we were able to create a harmonious balance that propelled our business to thrive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started my spray tan company, my youngest daughter was in the NICU, and it became clear that I needed to shift away from a traditional 9-5 job to be with her during this challenging time. We faced financial pressures and a barrage of bills, which motivated me to build something that could not only provide for my family but also allow me to be fully present for my daughter. The idea of starting a spray tan business was born out of the desire to support my family while ensuring I didn’t miss a single doctor’s appointment. To this day, I am proud to say that I have not missed one doctor’s appointment for my daughter. This business has not only allowed me to contribute to our financial stability, but it has also granted me the flexibility to prioritize my family’s needs without compromising on my entrepreneurial ambitions.
Our journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of seizing opportunities amidst adversity. It is a reminder that with determination, unwavering belief, and the support of family and friends, one can overcome obstacles and create a thriving business while remaining steadfast in their role as a devoted parent. Today my daughter is 8 years old and healthy and thriving!

Contact Info:

• Website: Quicktansunless.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Thepowerhousecoach
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-irvin-902564111

Image Credits
Casee Mullins