Chloe Weinthal (18) created her own tanning Sahara Soul at 16.
Camera IconChloe Weinthal (18) created her own tanning Sahara Soul at 16. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au

Wanneroo teen Chloe Weinthal inspires after starting luxury self tanning business Sahara Soul at 16

Belinda CiprianoWestern Suburbs Weekly

DESPITE dropping out of school in Year 11, losing her grandmother to suicide and three hip surgeries, Sahara Soul founder Chloe Weinthal is inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to never give up on their dreams.

The 18-year-old who conceptualised her luxury tanning range at 15, said she was motivated to live her life to the fullest following several setbacks including the loss of her grandma and her last surgery which left her in a wheelchair for months and unable to move.

“These are the reasons why I live the lifestyle I do, I want to enjoy life,” she said.

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“I have family who have suffered with different mental health issues and for me I want to enjoy my lifestyle.

“I knew if I worked nine-to-five I would be miserable as I’m not one who likes to be in a closed environment, I like to be creative.”

During her recovery Weinthal said it was here she decided to start putting her plans into action and with the help of her dad, Sahara Soul was born.

“ I knew that I wanted to have a business on my own,” she said.

“I had been spray tanning from home and I started getting a lot of girls come in asking to buy products and after a while I thought that could be really popular so I thought I could do that.

“At 16 I started to research and found a lovely manufacturer in Melbourne.

“Dad and I worked together closely and while he helped fund the basis of the business, I have paid him back but he will be always my support network should I need it.”

Two years later and with a support base that includes Sports Illustrated model Kate Wasley Sports and radio announcer Heidi Anderson, Weinthal said her tanning products which included a brown-based self tanning foam, body oil, exfoliating mitt and application mitt had been well-received.

Selling her line on her website, she said she the range was also recently accepted by online retail giant Amazon Australia and would be soon stocked on its US site.

She also hopes to branch out into skincare and fashion, and while some doubted her ability to start a business at such a young age, she said she only saw it as a positive.

“I think I have the advantage of starting young because I don’t have the financial stresses of a mortgage” she said.

“I can organically watch the business develop over time.

“In 10 years time, I want be in a position where I’ve got a company that I love but I also am not limited to opportunities.

“I want to break that mould that if you want to do something, do it and live the life you want to live.”