Glow Up!

Get Your Tan On

Interview by McKenna Mears | Photography courtesy of Dolce Glow

With an impressive roster of A-list clients like Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, and Selena Gomez, Isabel Alysa’s life reads like a Hollywood script. From a challenging childhood in foster care to owning the successful Dolce Glow brand, her journey is a testament to resilience, confidence, and relentless hard work. A single spray tan ignited Alysa’s passion, propelling her from dead-end jobs to founding a brand now available in Ulta stores nationwide. Her story highlights her innovation in the sunless tanning industry and the powerful relationships that have fueled her brand’s success.

VIE spoke with Alysa to gain some insight into her journey! This is Isabel Alysa—the entrepreneur, the visionary, and the genuine, unstoppable force.

VIE: Can you tell us more about your journey from foster care to becoming the owner of a successful self-tanning brand now available in Ulta stores nationwide?

Isabel Alysa: Growing up in foster care was tough, and when I turned seventeen, I left to forge my own path. I worked numerous dead-end jobs, and one day, I decided to splurge on a spray tan. It completely changed the way I felt and brought me the confidence I needed so badly at that time in my life. It covered up imperfections I didn’t love and just made me feel so beautiful. After that, I wanted to learn how to bring that feeling to other people, so I took the last $2,000 in our bank account and took a spray tan class. From there, I immersed myself in learning everything I could to provide top-notch service. This dedication evolved into Dolce Glow’s professional solutions and self-tanners. Seeing Dolce Glow’s growth into a nationwide brand has exceeded my wildest dreams. I’m profoundly grateful that my hard work and sacrifices have led to a company that’s not only changed my life but is also making a difference for others.

VIE: What inspired you to create Dolce Glow?

IA: The transformative feeling I experienced from my first spray tan was a major inspiration. Additionally, my daughter, Mia, played a crucial role in motivating me to bring Dolce Glow to life.

VIE: You have worked with various A-list clients, from Miley Cyrus and Kim Kardashian to Selena Gomez. How did these collaborations come about?

IA: Collaborating with such high-profile clients doesn’t happen by chance. It’s all about building genuine, meaningful relationships and earning recommendations through hard work. I made many sacrifices and always said “yes” to opportunities, knowing that if I didn’t, someone else might. Creating a comfortable and professional environment for my clients has been essential in fostering these successful partnerships.

VIE: What sets Dolce Glow’s self-tanning products apart from others in the market? Can you share more about the natural and clean ingredients used in your formulas?

IA: Our products stand out because they are Dermatologist-Tested and Allergy-Tested, which is a significant advantage in the self-tanning industry. We’ve carefully formulated our ingredients to be hydrating, fast-drying, and free from the typical “self-tanner” smell. Addressing common issues with self-tanners, we’ve ensured our products don’t leave a sticky residue or dry out the skin. Instead, they provide a beautiful, even tan while keeping your skin hydrated and glowing.

VIE: How did you transition from professional tanning to launching a self-tanning product line?

IA: Many people don’t have the time or resources to get a professional spray tan regularly, so I wanted to bring that same beautiful glow into their homes. Our goal was to create self-tanners that deliver the same stunning results as a professional spray tan. Many of my clients use our self-tanners to touch up or extend their spray tans, making it a versatile addition to their beauty routine.

VIE: You’ve had the opportunity to provide tans for celebrities at events like the Grammys, Golden Globes, and Super Bowl. Can you share some memorable moments from these experiences?

IA: I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to be part of amazing moments, like tanning Jennifer Lopez for her Super Bowl performance, Sophia Richie Grainge for her wedding, and Kim Kardashian for her Met Gala look. These experiences have allowed me to travel the world and achieve dreams I once thought were out of reach. Seeing these dreams come to life is sometimes beyond belief, and I always remind people that no dream is too big!

VIE: What motivated you to create the Dolce Glow Summit, and how does it align with your mission to foster community and support other beauty entrepreneurs?

IA: When I was starting out, I had so many unanswered questions and struggled to find the right guidance. I wanted to create a supportive space where entrepreneurs could seek advice and gain insights they might not have considered. I firmly believe there’s room for everyone to succeed, and I’m committed to sharing the lessons I’ve learned to help others avoid unnecessary setbacks. The positive feedback from last year’s Dolce Glow Summit was overwhelming, so we’re excited to bring it back in January 2025 to continue supporting and empowering fellow beauty entrepreneurs.

VIE: Miley Cyrus was so impressed with Dolce Glow that she decided to invest in your brand. What does it mean to have her as an investor, and how has it influenced the growth of your business?

IA: I’m incredibly grateful for Miley’s belief in Dolce Glow. As a long-time client, she experienced firsthand how our products enhance her glow. Her endorsement means so much, not just because of her star power but because her genuine appreciation for our brand speaks volumes. Her investment has been a tremendous boost, helping to elevate our brand’s visibility and growth, and I’m thrilled someone with her authenticity and influence supports what we do.

VIE: What are your goals for Dolce Glow over the next few years? Are you excited about any new product lines, partnerships, or projects?

IA: I’m committed to continuing innovation with our products and fostering a community where everyone supports each other’s success. My goal is always to make a lasting impact beyond just a spray tan or self-tanner.

We have some exciting developments in the pipeline that I can’t reveal yet, but I’m thrilled about what’s coming next. Stay tuned—some incredible things are on the horizon!

VIE: Thank you, Isabel!

— V —

---

To learn more about Dolce Glow’s products and make a purchase, visit DolceGlow.com or follow @dolceglow on Instagram for the latest updates and exclusive content.