Meet Summer Gravett | Owner of Summer Glow (Sunless Tanning)

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

Hi Summer, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I was never a fan of reading as a child and even into my early adult years. One day in my early twenties I had a conversation with my brother about a book he recommended I read before I had ever become, or dreamed of becoming, an entrepreneur. He mentioned how the book really shaped and changed his money mindset, and thought it would be a great read for me. I’ve always been interested and intrigued in hearing other people’s success stories, especially because no two stories are ever the same. So when he mentioned this book would not only align with that interest of mine, but would also change the way I view money, I was sold. Insert the book that changed my life- Rich Dad Poor Dad.

I grew up in a middle class family with two full-time working parents who provided everything my brother and I could ever need. However, my parents were never huge investors and always worked hard for their money, instead of having their money work for them. One of the biggest lessons I learned from reading Rich Dad Poor Dad was the value in having your money wake up for you everyday, put on the pants, and go to work for you before you ever opened an eye or lifted a finger. I found it fascinating that the money I already had, could be making me more money without me doing much, or sometimes any of the work. This is when I finally understood the difference between assets and liabilities, and passive income vs. earned income.

Rich Dad Poor Dad was one of the first books I ever read cover to cover, and once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I went on to read Cashflow Quadrant (also by Robert Kiyosaki ) which circulated back to the same idea-you don’t have to earn a high income to become rich. I was able to completely shift my perspective about money and what it means to ‘work’, as well as learn incredibly invaluable lessons that we’re never taught to me in school. All in all, these books taught me that financial freedom and having the life of your dreams is all about working smarter not harder, a concept that forever changed the lens in which I viewed life through, and untimely led me to the path of becoming the entrepreneur I am today.

What should our readers know about your business?
Besides Summer Glow servicing some amazing individuals, I am just as proud of what goes on behind the scenes. Not only am I proud to say Summer Glow is a woman owned business, but all of the services offered are 100% vegan and organic, pregnancy safe, and paraben/ gluten/ sulfate/ cruelty/ and nut-free. I am devoted to the health and safety of my clients and want nothing more than to deliver the best experience possible for every person I have the opportunity of servicing.

When I first started this business back in January of 2020 I had limited resources, zero clients, and was spray tanning people on my balcony. I had no idea what the next 2 years would hold. Covid caused a worldwide shut down just 2 months after I started Summer Glow causing it to completely close, and even once I felt comfortable to reopen, I was forced to close again due to the local mandate. I had no idea if my business would survive, but I was determined to succeed and never give up.

Now 2 & 1/2 years since the start of the business, I am so proud to say Summer Glow is not only still standing, but now has it’s own studio location with the most amazing client base. I am most proud to say that I now conduct 1:1 hands-on training courses for other women looking to start their career as a spray tan technician. Additionally, Summer Glow is set to launch a product line very soon which will include products such as a self-tanning mousse, tan eraser mousse, exfoliating scrubs, setting powders, and much more.

Everyday I strive to constantly evolve the spray tanning experience for my clients and provide a luxury feel to their service. I not only encourage feedback from my clients, but insist it is what has made Summer Glow a successful business thus far. People love to feel seen, heard, and included in a business’ process, especially when it is one they are spending their hard earned money on and supporting. Keeping my clients involved in the business, and personally learning from other successful business owners, has shifted the success of my business immensely. One huge ongoing goal of mine is one that is intangible-to never become stagnant or comfortable. Your comfort zone is where your dreams die, and just outside of your comfort zone is where your dreams come to life. In order for success to be reached, you must do things that feel uncomfortable. There is always more opportunities and success waiting just around the corner if you continue to work hard and stay focused.

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?
Living in California we’re so blessed to have amazing weather year-round and have beautiful beaches surrounding the coast. There’s also some hidden gems, delicious restaurants, and some great sights to see. Here is what our itinerary for the week would be: Monday: Visit Universal Studios & The Broad Museum
Tuesday: Go for a hike to the Hollywood sign and sightsee: Hollywood walk of fame, LACMA, & Griffith Observatory
Wednesday: Disneyland for the day
Thursday: Venice Beach for the day + dinner at Belles Beach House
Friday: Take a boat out in Newport Beach then sunset dinner at Nobu
Saturday: Brunch at Elephante + Malibu beach for the day/sunset
Sunday: Brunch at The Highlight Room in LA then head to a local swap meet

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success to me is defined by the amount of lives I have touched and people I have impacted. Because of this, I place an immense value on the individuals who have influenced my journey thus far. I believe that success is not a solo act, and the concept of being self-made is a myth. There is no way to achieve success entirely alone. We all need the support and guidance of others to help us reach our greatest potential in life.. Without both the tangible and intangible contributions of my friends, family, and clients, I would not be who I am today, or where I am today. Their love and encouragement have always provided me with an infinite amount of perspective, as well as appreciation for life and where I am today. They inspire me to work hard day in and day out, uplift me when I’m feeling defeated, encourage me to try new ideas and take risks, share their perspectives and thoughts, check on my mental health, allow me a space to express my emotions, and most of all are my biggest cheerleaders. I owe a great deal of my success thus far to these special individuals, so this shoutout is dedicated to each and every one of them.

Website: www.summerglowtanning.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/summerglow__

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/summer-glow-chino-hills?osq=summer+glow

Image Credits
Summer Gravett Teabox Jewelry Melissa Romero Nicole Fogg Alejandra Zugasti