From The Dining Room to 30 Stores: Courtney Claghorn's Journey with Sugared + Bronzed

In this inspiring episode of Million Dollar Month, hosts Brian Johnson and Brian Burt dive deep with Courtney Claghorn, the powerhouse behind Sugared + Bronzed. Starting from a modest dining room setup to running a business with over 400 employees, Courtney shares her journey through the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business post-pandemic.Key topics include overcoming hiring difficulties and regaining momentum in 2023, strategies for opening 12 stores annually and expanding into new markets, and the critical shift from informal franchising to corporate-owned stores. Courtney also discusses the personal toll of entrepreneurship, including burnout and work-life balance.The episode highlights innovations born out of the pandemic, such as e-commerce and outdoor cabanas, and insights into financial investments, partnerships, and future business plans, including international expansion. Courtney also shares her unique on-the-job learning approach and recommends the Wim Hof method for stress reduction and mental clarity.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Success: Starting from nothing to financial security.04:36 Corporate job in Fintech, needed spray tans.08:44 Affordable luxury, competitive pricing, and customer comfort.12:05 Expansion of business, challenges, and amusement.19:28 2019 was a big year for growth.22:53 Doubtful start, then success despite skepticism.31:18 Success with pop-up in Dallas leads to leases.34:19 DIY beauty trends grew during lockdown.36:07 Struggle in 2021, progress in 2023.40:16 Limited time, focus on work, missed opportunities.47:16 Belief in meditation, benefits noticed.