Building Community, Motherhood and Sunless Solutions with Steph Taylor
Hello, tanning enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and beauty industry changemakers!
Today, we’re diving deep into the inspiring world of mompreneur life, exploring how one incredible woman has built a thriving business and a loyal social media community through sheer determination, authenticity, and a passion for inclusivity in the beauty industry.
We’re talking about none other than celebrity spray tan artist, marketing guru, and entrepreneur, Steph Taylor.
Who Is Steph Taylor?
Steph Taylor is a powerhouse in the sunless tanning industry and the founder of Bronzed Ambition, a groundbreaking celebrity spray tan business, and Alt Sun, a brand that has set new standards with its revolutionary spray tan solutions.
Not only is she a recognized figure in Southern California, but she’s also a passionate advocate for inclusivity and diversity within the beauty sphere.
As a mompreneur juggling the demands of business, family, and personal life, Steph has shown that it’s possible to thrive in the entrepreneurial world without sacrificing authenticity or the values you hold dear.
Her journey is a testament to the power of staying true to yourself while building a brand that resonates with others.
The Birth of Change: From Setbacks to New Beginnings
Steph’s journey into mompreneur life hasn’t been without its challenges. Initially, she was thrilled about expanding her business, Bronzed Ambition, by transitioning from a mobile setup to a studio model.
However, life had other plans. During her twin pregnancy, Steph suffered from severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a condition that forced her to put her salon plans on hold.
What seemed like a significant setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This challenging period led to the birth of her new venture, Alt Sun—a brand that represents resilience, innovation, and a commitment to inclusivity.
“Yeah, it has been crazy, and it has evolved, let me tell you. And it still feels like it's such a new, like fresh industry. It's not oversaturated by any means yet. I mean, things are still evolving and people are innovating. It's definitely not what it used to be, and thank God for that.”, Steph said.
Alt Sun: Revolutionizing the Sunless Industry
Alt Sun is more than just another sunless tanning solution. It’s a movement dedicated to inclusivity, specifically catering to those who have been overlooked by the traditional sunless tanning industry.
Born out of frustration with the lack of suitable products for diverse skin tones, Alt Sun is designed with a deep understanding of color theory, ensuring that its solutions work beautifully across varying skin types.
The brand is especially focused on serving skin types four through six on the Fitzpatrick scale, making it one of the few in the industry to offer a truly inclusive range.
Alt Sun is about more than just a great tan—it’s about feeling seen, respected, and celebrated, regardless of your skin tone, body type, or age.
“Like I feel like tanning, the best in the industry have evolved from 'we need to change our skin tone' to 'you feel golden and radiant and sexy and sultry.' Like more emotional messaging. Just like anything in beauty, like you just feel good, period.”
The Power of Authenticity in Mompreneur Life
One of the key aspects of Steph’s success as a mompreneur has been her commitment to authenticity. In an industry that can often feel superficial, Steph has built a brand—and a social media community—by staying true to herself and her values.
She believes that authenticity is the foundation of trust, and it’s this trust that has allowed her to build a loyal following.
“It’s very random for me. And I think ultimately by just being authentic and really like just talking about things that mattered to me wanting to see the change in the industry, educating people, I was able to create a community of followers and people that ultimately trust what I have to say about the industry. How can you do this yourself? Be authentic.”
In a world where social media is often filled with curated, filtered versions of reality, Steph’s approach is refreshingly real. She talks openly about the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and her vision for a more inclusive beauty industry.
This authenticity resonates with her audience, fostering a social media community that not only supports her but also shares in her mission.
Building a Social Media Community: Tips for Success
For any mompreneur looking to build a strong social media community, Steph’s journey offers valuable insights.
Here are some tips based on her experience:
Be Authentic: Authenticity is key. Share your story, your struggles, and your successes. People connect with real stories, and being open about your journey will help you build trust and loyalty within your community.
Engage with Your Audience: Don’t just post content—engage with your followers. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create conversations. This engagement helps to build a sense of community and makes your followers feel valued.
Educate and Inspire: Use your platform to educate your audience about your industry or the causes you’re passionate about. Sharing knowledge not only positions you as an expert but also adds value to your followers, making them more likely to stay engaged with your content.
Stay Consistent: Consistency is crucial in building a social media community. Whether it’s posting regularly or maintaining a consistent brand voice, showing up consistently helps to keep your audience engaged and your brand top of mind.
Celebrate Diversity: Just as Alt Sun embraces diversity in skin tones, make sure your content reflects the diversity of your audience. Celebrate different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.
The Mompreneur Balancing Act: Juggling Business and Family
Being a mompreneur is no easy feat. Balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of family life requires careful planning, flexibility, and a whole lot of patience.
Steph’s experience as a mother of twins while launching a new business is a testament to the resilience and determination required to make it all work.
“It's just about getting in the flow, you know, and I think that helps us as female entrepreneurs and business owners too. Anytime we can, even if it's just for ten minutes, get in that state of 'I'm letting the creativity flow.' And if there's nothing creative coming out, then that's okay. I'm gonna let that, I'm gonna let nothing flow, and that's okay. I think that just makes us stronger when we do go into work mode, you know.”
For many mompreneurs, the key to success lies in finding that flow—whether it’s carving out time for creativity, being present with your family, or pushing through challenges in your business.
It’s about embracing the chaos, finding moments of calm, and staying focused on your goals.
Community Building: The Heart of Long-Term Success
Building a social media community isn’t just about gaining followers—it’s about creating a network of people who believe in your brand and support your mission.
For Steph, this community has been a vital part of her success, providing not only a loyal customer base but also a source of inspiration and motivation.
As she prepares to launch Alt Sun, Steph is leveraging the power of her community to spread the word, gather feedback, and build anticipation.
By staying connected with her audience and making them a part of her journey, she’s fostering a sense of ownership and loyalty that will help her brand thrive.
Conclusion: The Power of Authenticity and Community in Mompreneur Life
Steph Taylor’s journey as a mompreneur is a powerful example of how authenticity, resilience, and community-building can lead to success in both business and life.
Through her dedication to inclusivity, her commitment to being real with her audience, and her ability to balance the demands of business and family, Steph has built a brand that resonates deeply with her followers and sets a new standard in the beauty industry.
For any mompreneur looking to build a successful business, the lessons from Steph’s journey are clear: Be authentic, engage with your community, and stay true to your values.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, these principles will help you build a brand that not only stands out but also stands the test of time.
If you’re interested in learning more about the latest trends in the sunless industry or following Steph’s journey, be sure to check out her Instagram at @LoveStephTaylor and @HeyAltsun.
And remember, in the world of mompreneur life, your vision is bigger than any obstacle you face—so keep daring, keep innovating, and keep building your community.
Building Community, Motherhood & Sunless Solutions with Steph Taylor