Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candice Bottomley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Candice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I’m a single momma! I got divorced 4 years ago and had to start over. Literally. With nothing. I was terrified. Luckily I had background in real estate and I was a notary. Because of my good reputation in the industry and my connections I was able to land a job as a title rep for a company that i liked and respected. But sales in title is hard and it takes a long time to build a book of business. I was hustling and still am but I knew i needed to do more and that I didn’t want to work a 9-5 and sacrafice my life to someone else and their dream…. I also experienced a lot of nastiness in the real estate space to be honest and I really wanted to do more in a space that was a bit more friendly and happy. I had been tanning myself and some friends on the side for a few years and always thought it would be fun to open my own little space. A friend of mine was opening a med spa and so she asked me if I was maybe interested in subleasing some of her space to do tanning. Well after a lot of back and forth it ended up working out better to rent a little spot of my own in the same building. I was SCARED…. I didn’t think I’d be able to pull it off, I only had a small chunk of savings and I had worked my butt off for it. But I decided that in life if I wanted to really be independent I had to take the chance. I used ALL of my savings and did the build out on a budget with the help of some amazing friends who did everything as favors. It has been so challenging and overwhelming and fun and amazing and hopefully and terrifying all wrapped up together.
I just opened my shop in December while also trying to do my title job and freelance as a notary and run a non profit and be a mom to my 3 kids.

Candice, 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?

If we’re talking just about my new small business Bronzed Bums…. I offer a really fun and light hearted experience. Getting naked in front of a stranger can be stressful!! i believe Im great at setting the tone for a comfortable and accepting space for my clients. We are a no judgment zone.
Also, after growing up in SD I have a ton of sun damage and I don’t believe in “laying out” for long periods of time. I think we need to all be extra careful to preserve our skin and to age the in the smoothest was possible. Since I don’t do a lot of sun I started tanning with all natural products a few years ago and the difference it made in my confidence was insane. It really is a game changer in how you feel and how you look. It offers such a healthy glow and I believe makes a person feel so much better about life! I also don’t believe in using any products that aren’t healthy. Our skin absorbs a lot and so our products are vegan and organic. PLUS we have a fun space and always have bubbly (alcoholic and non alcoholic) to offer our clients.
So name of the game is FUN!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Best source of new clients has been local word of mouth. I HIGHLY believe in supporting and collaborating with other small business owners. i started a little networking group of all female business owners in the north county coastal area. We are trying our best to work together and offer advice and social media love to one another as much as possible, My business is still newer and i definitely have a lot of work to do as far as growing it but its been really encouraging to see the love so many family owned businesses have shown. From restaurants to nail salons, med spas, active wear lines, and more.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

if we want to talk about my non profit for a minute. It’s called Journey to Refuge and its my labor of love. We build houses for the working poor in Mexico. i have been working in the non profit realm since about 2009 and was on staff with another non profit for a few years awhile back. I poured my soul into it. Then I had a fall out with the director and I ended up leaving the organization. It was gut wrenching and heart breaking and I realized a lot of identity was attached to it…. i also realized I wanted to keep helping and not give up all the relationships and ties that I had created in Mexico and that i was in a unique position with all of my connections to keep doing things that were impactful. So i started my own 501c3. i had ZERO CLUE what I was doing but i learned a lot through that process about just taking things step by step and not trying to do everything at once and it’s ok if it takes more time than i want or thought. i feel so accomplished having done it and then getting my tax exemption status. it’s still a work in progress but it was a big pivot for my to start my own thing

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bronzedbums.com www.journeytorefuge.org www.corinthiantitle.com
• Instagram: @bronzed.bums @journey_to_refuge @candicrunch
• Linkedin: Candice Bottomley
• Youtube: BRONZED BUMS
• Yelp: Bronzed Bums