Meet Amber Carlson | Co-owner, Sunset Core

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Carlson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Both my co-owner, Carolyn Devine, and I had experienced sudden, life-changing events and during these difficult times, we discovered that this particular workout didn’t just transform our bodies—it helped us begin to heal from the inside out. The strength, clarity, and peace we found through this experience inspired us to start our own business. We wanted to share this transformative power with others. Our mission became clear: to create a space where fitness is more than just physical, but a path to healing and empowerment.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Sunset Core, our mission goes far beyond fitness. My co-owner and I started this business with a shared passion for a workout that completely transformed us—physically, mentally, and emotionally. After experiencing that transformation ourselves, especially during deeply personal times in our lives, we knew we had to share it with others.
We created Sunset Core to be a welcoming, community-oriented space where everyone—regardless of where they are in their journey—feels seen, supported, and empowered. What truly sets us apart is our focus on connection. Our class sizes are intentionally small so we can give every single person our full attention. We want to know your name, hear your story, and help you push past your limits with encouragement, care, and yes—a kick-ass workout.

Was it easy getting here? Not at all. Starting a business from the ground up comes with challenges—doubt, financial stress, endless learning curves. But every obstacle reminded us why we started: to build something meaningful. The hard moments taught us the power of perseverance, staying aligned with our values, and leaning on our community.

What we’re most proud of is the environment we’ve created—one where people feel stronger not just in their bodies, but in their lives. We want the world to know that Sunset Core isn’t just a fitness studio. It’s a space for transformation, healing, empowerment, and connection. Two women built it with heart, and we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Of course take her to Sunset Core for a workout or two! We would definitely go to the beach, take a hike and eat at one of the many hidden gem restaurants in Los Angeles. We are so lucky to have near perfect weather year-round that the majority of our time would be spent outdoors exploring.

Movement, community, nature, and food—plus a little self-care and a lot of local flavor. LA has something for everyone, but what makes it really special is how it allows people to reconnect with themselves. That’s the energy I’d want my best friend to feel when visiting—and it’s the same energy we aim to bring to Sunset Core every day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—we wouldn’t be where we are without the support of our families. Collectively, we both have our families to thank for inspiring us, believing in us, and guiding us through this journey. From the earliest conversations about starting Sunset Core to the long nights of planning and building, our families have been our biggest cheerleaders and sounding boards.

Their love, encouragement, and unwavering belief in our vision gave us the strength to keep pushing forward, even when things felt uncertain. We’re especially grateful for the way they reminded us of our “why”—to create a space that helps people transform, heal, and grow. This shoutout goes to them for being the quiet force behind everything we do.

Website: https://sunsetcorela.com

Instagram: @sunsetcorela