What is your country of origin/ cultural background?
I was born and raised in sunny California by my grandparents, with the support of my teenage parents. I have two amazing sisters and one little brother.
My mother is Spanish and my father is Mexican. My father was raised with 7 brothers and sisters. My paternal grandfather came to California to make a better life for himself and his family. He established his life in the U.S., started a landscaping business and is now retired and living in Mexico City. Each one of my father’s siblings has made a very nice life for themselves. I am very proud of my family!
Profession/ Career:
I am the CEO/Founder of Colour Couture, a sunless tanning company based in Los Angeles, California. At Colour Couture we provide products that can be found in spas and salon’s throughout the United States, as well as custom airbrush tanning services in spas and salons throughout southern California.
As the CEO/Founder of Colour Couture, I sponsor the Los Angeles Kings Ice Crew, Miss Malibu, Miss California Latina & and many more local organizations.
What has been your most important professional or social accomplishment, thus far?
My biggest accomplishment has been running a business that allows me to be a part of my daughters’ everyday lives. I’ve created a profession that provides myself, as well as mothers all over the U.S., with a flexible schedule and the ability to contribute to the family!
You’re known as the “Hollywood It Girl” of sunless tanning. Tell us, how has being Latina contributed to your success?
Being Latina in Los Angeles has its perks. I feel that many businesses are honored to be able to work with Latinas. A Caucasian business owner once said to me, “Latinas have more drive than any other race.” That made me feel great! However, I feel that having a dream and not letting anything get in my way has also fueled my success.
What motivates the work that you do?
Being a mother of two girls is my motivation. My goal in life is to show them that they can do whatever they want to do, so long as they put their heart and soul into it.
In what way have you seen your work impact others?
My work has impacted many people, all over. I am now able to offer individuals a platform business to create their own schedule and be their own boss.
What has been your biggest personal challenge, and what has been your biggest professional challenge?
My biggest personal challenge has been separating my work time from my family time. My goal this year is to get an office space so I can leave work at work.
My biggest professional challenge has been finding the funding that best fits my company without bringing in investors or partners.
What is your next big dream?
I plan on one day starting a non-profit organization that’ll offer educational workshops and support for women, helping them to be better equipped when entering the business world.
What is your advice to Latina students and professionals?
My advice to Latinas is: Always stay true to yourself. Find your passion and run with it. Never let anything or anyone stop you from following your dreams!
For more information about Monica Blanco or Colour Couture, visit Colour-Couture.com. Follow Monica on Twitter, on Pintrest, on Facebook and on Yelp.
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