We recently connected with Staci Barrett and have shared our conversation below.

Staci, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

LĀ SOL Collective is a Newport Beach, CA-based suncare company started by two lifelong friends, Staci Barrett and Angela Dunning. Staci owns an advertising agency and Angela spent her career in product development and marketing in the Beauty industry. Spending With their newest endeavor, LĀ SOL Collective, these ‘mompreneurs’ promise to deliver suncare products with proven results and feel-good vibes for the whole family.

We struggled for years to find the right sunscreen to wear. As more and more evidence mounted that there were harmful chemicals in many of the products we place in, and on, our bodies, we knew sunscreen was a problem that needed to be solved. When major brand sunscreens with great reputations were recalled because they contained cancer-causing agents, we acted. Angel and I wanted a product that protects against the strength of the sun but is safe for everyone. From that mission. LĀ SOL was born.

Why LĀ SOL sunscreen? The main drawback of zinc oxide sunscreens has been the chalky texture and leaving a heavy white cast on the skin. LĀ SOL’s CLEAR sunscreen works on all skin tones with proven SPF and UVB/UVA protection and goes on like a smooth cream for easy application, leaving your skin feeling natural, not greasy.

Staci, 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?

The sunscreen is great for sport enthusiasts and children as it is waterproof, meaning it doesn’t rub off or into your eyes when wet and applies dry, not tacky to the skin. Also, for those who care about their appearance, the sunscreen applies CLEAR vs typical zinc oxide sunscreens that go on white and chalky.

We are launching a CLEAN sunless tanning lotion called SUNKISSED. This is also a product type that has been frustrating for many of our customers over the years. Typical tanning products turn you orange, have a bad smell, last only a few days and of course are mostly all filled with crazy toxic ingredients. We’ve developed a product that is very clean meaning we dont have the typical ingredients – ours has DHA (Dihydroxyacteone) and Erythrulose derived from fruits and sugar beets react with amino acids in the skin’s outer layer, resulting in a streak-free glow that covers slight skin imperfections and gives a soft tan color as well as Shea butter and Rice Bran Oil that provide maximum hydration to retain moisture and to boost skin’s elasticity for soft and smooth skin. Our scent is sweet orange and sandalwood and lasts 7+ days.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met Angela Dunning in 7th grade at our Southern California junior high. We became close friends quickly and remained that way through high school and college. Our families travel the world with husbands and teens – ages 12, 13, 14 and 16. They are more like siblings than family friends at this point. Angela has a keen eye for product development, operations, and finance while I focus on sales and marketing. We are a perfect pair, Angela keeps me grounded and I push her to do the uncomfortable. Our goal is to have this brand as our retirement job, using the products as an excuse to travel and take photos of the product in amazing locations worldwide.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Finding the right manufacturing supplier for beauty products is difficult. We looked for a partner that was clear on the product ingredients, can certify your product (cruelty-free, SPF level, organic, etc..), will work with your creative team on label requirements, can bottle, stability test and keep timelines and budget.. Luckily my partner Angela had years of product experience so we were able to shortlist vendors from the get-go for our signature sunscreen product. As we have expanded our line its been more difficult to find the right fit for our lip balms, SFP sunstick, body oil and upcoming new sunless tanning lotion. It takes us approx. 6-9 months from product inception to go to market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lasolcollective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasolcollective/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasolcollective

Image Credits

I took the pictures