#BlushBoss: Summer from SUMMERSKIN

Hello, Gorgeous! Today’s post is the fourth edition of a new mini series called #BlushBoss. I love to get to know the readers of Blush & Camo and through talking to many of you I quickly found out all of you are a total #BlushBosses! You are driven, follow your goals, and know how to #sidehustle like no ones business. You have dreams and aren’t afraid to work hard towards them. Each of you inspire me everyday and so this series is a celebration of  strong women who dared to follow their dream and make it a reality. I hope this mini series gives you a little inspiration to continue to go after your goals and never give up!

In this #BlushBoss series I’ve teamed up with CEO’s of amazing companies, asked them to share insight on their business, and give Blush & Camo readers insight as to what it takes to be your own boss.

Today’s #BlushBoss is Summer, the CEO of the amazing company SUMMERSKIN! Summer has a very unique story that inspired her to start her own business and raise awareness about sun protection. I fell in love with her entire collection and all of SUMMERSKIN’s items are made with the highest quality of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (which is like SPF for clothes!). She is one of the sweetest people I know, and her clothes are amazing! I can’t wait for you to read her interview below:).

#BlushBoss: Summer from SUMMERSKIN

Name: Summer Kramer

Age: 35

Current Title/Company: SUMMERSKIN

Past Education: Doctor of Pharmacy

What was your first job out of college?

Right out college, I worked as a per diem pharmacy technician. I quickly realized that my bachelor’s degree didn’t get me much more than a degree, and I went back to night school while working to complete the required courses to apply for pharmacy school.

What inspired you to start your own company?

While finishing pharmacy school and at the age of 26, I was diagnosed with early stage Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer). This diagnosis completely changed my reality and taught me how little we all know about skin health and the importance of sun safety.

My dermatologist told me that I needed to wear sun protective clothing, but when I went looking for it, I was shocked that all I could find were styles for specific activities, such as swimming, hiking or safaris. What I needed then, as I need now, are fashionable styles for everyday life, and from this need SUMMERSKIN was born.

What advice would you give to Blush Babe readers thinking about starting their own business?

Find your passion and go after it! Starting any business is hard, but by being fueled by sheer grit, determination, passion and an undying belief in yourself, you can do anything!

The key to longevity is to Never. Stop. Learning.

What was your biggest fear in starting your own business?

My number one priority is always to my team first. If I have one fear it is that the business wouldn’t be able to support the amazing team that makes SUMMERSKIN possible. I’m motivated every day to make sure that fear never comes true.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m not only a CEO, but I’m a mom first. I get up at 5am every day to try to get some work done and shower before my 5 year old wakes up. By 9am, I have her at school and I’m at the office. We work hard to get the most out of every day, and I do this with extensive checklists. Our meetings and topics can range daily anywhere from design to financial to website to distribution to any fire that comes up. Staying on our toes is an understatement.

Give Blush Babe readers an idea of what goes into designing a SUMMERSKIN collection?

We start with our ideal design or style concept. With our sun protective requirements, we then have to work our concept designs, so that they provide the right amount of skin coverage, feel great and use our sun protective fabrics in the best way possible. Once we have a prototype we all try it on to make sure that style or design it is wearable by all types of women. It’s very important to me to make sure that we are designing sun protective styles that women want to wear, so that we can make sun protection feel desirable and not like a chore.

What is the best moment of your career to date?

Hiring my first full-time employee, Kaitlyn! She is my rock, and a main reason that SUMMERSKIN thrives today.

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

Stop with all the ridiculous insecurities! Your own fears, doubts and disbelief are the only things holding you back.

Summer is a total #BlushBoss…

What is your favorite piece from the SUMMERSKIN collection?

Since we personally design every style, we take pride in loving every piece, but the outfit that I want to reach for every day is our Favorite Maxi Dress (the name says it all), one of our Endless Summer Wraps and a Divine Dolman. Sadly, I can’t wear this every day, but I sure try.

You wish you knew how to…

Honestly, I wish I knew the trick to wearing my heels all day. How do women do this? I walk a block on the sidewalk and I’m screaming for my slippers.

What is your favorite way to unwind?

A quiet moment by the ocean. Most of the time I just need a minute breathe. It’s really hard for me to turn my brain off, but the ocean has an amazing calming effect for me.

If you could pick one Sex and The City character, who would you be?

Carrie, minus the crazy budget spent on shoes.

If you could have brunch with three women who would they be?

Michelle Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt and Beyoncé!

Thank you so much for stopping by Blush & Camo!

xx Julianna