Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Sheffer Carattini.
Hi Ellen Sheffer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t start with a big business plan, a team of people, or a blue print showing me exactly where I would end up. I started with an idea, a lot of determination, and a willingness to figure things out as I went. For years, I worked out of small rooms inside different hair salons, while continuing to grow, learn, and dream about what Southern Soleil could eventually become.
Along the way I had the opportunity to manage, work, and collaborate with some of the most talented beauty professionals in Eastern North Carolina. Those experiences shaped not only my career, but also the business owner I am today. In 2013. I graduated from ECU with degrees in neuroscience and psychology. While my education may not seem directly connected to spray tanning. I’ve come to realize that understanding people, how they think, how they feel, and what makes them feel confident, has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey.
At the end of 2018 a dream that had been years in the making finally became reality. We opened Southern Soleil, the first and still only dedicated Sunless salon in ENC. What began as a mobile spray tan service in 2011 had grown to a brick and mortar salon, a team, a community, and a brand built around something that always believed. The idea that luxury and hospitality can exist together. Our philosophy has always been simple: Where Sunless meets Southern hospitality.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for more than a decade, but the foundation of what I’ve built started even earlier. I’ve always had a love for people, hospitality, creating beautiful experiences, and making people feel good about themselves. Eventually, those things came together and became Southern Soleil.
I’ve learned that entrepreneurship isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being willing to adapt, take the next step, and keep showing up. Today, Southern Soleil is a reflection of so many parts of me: my love for people, my attention to detail, my obsession with creating an experience, my belief in Southern hospitality, and my desire to build something that lasts. And I’m still building. I’m still dreaming bigger. Still learning. Still evolving. Still finding new ways to serve my clients and create opportunities for the people who work alongside me. When I look back at where I started, I’m proud. Not because everything went perfectly, but because I kept showing up for myself.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business for this long hasn’t always been easy. I’ve navigated economic uncertainty, major construction affecting my community, the challenges of 2020, growing a team, evolving my business, learning from mistakes, and constantly figuring out how to keep moving forward. There have been seasons when I questioned everything and seasons when I realized just how far I had come.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Southern Soleil is a boutique Sunless tanning salon built around customized Spray tanning and genuine Southern hospitality. I entered the beauty industry in 2009 and launched my first mobile spray tan business in 2011, growing that passion into the Southern Soleil Brand.
We specialize in customize spray tans for everyday clients, brides, pageants, dancers, athletes, and every special event you can think of. What sets us apart is our personalized approach. We take time to understand each client’s skin tone, lifestyle, and desired results while creating an experience where everyone feels comfortable and confident.
I am most proud of turning a simple idea into a recognizable local brand built on relationships, consistency, and exceptional service. Our philosophy is simple, “Where Sunless meet Southern hospitality.” While we specialize in helping people achieve a beautiful, natural tan. We are really in the business to help create confidence.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was energetic, outgoing, and always wanted to be involved. I loved being outside, staying active and especially sports. I was very competitive and participated in competitive cheer and dance. That gave me an outlet for my competitive side of my personality. My parents still love to tell stories about my “spicy attitude” as a child, but looking back, I think that same attitude evolved into the tenacity and determination I have today. I Absolutely loved school and was the kid who wanted to participate in everything I could. More than anything, I love being around people and building relationships. I think a lot of the qualities that define me started at a very young age.
Pricing:
- New Client Spray Tan $70
- Rapid or Classic Spray Tan $77
- Infused Spray Tans: CBD, Skin Firming, Anti-Aging $87
- Bridal Packages $140-$280
- Maintenance Packages $210-$399
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southern-soleil.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernsoleil/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernSoleil/
