Sun Kissed Glow

Nikki Medina, Sun Kissed Glow

When you walk into Sun Kissed Glow, you are sure to be warmly greeted by owner Nikki Medina. You’ll also see a welcoming couch, pictures of Nikki in action at events near and far, and a beautiful display of the products she offers.  This all contributes to a welcoming vibe that Nikki has carefully created. 

Nikki’s services include organic airbrush tanning, makeup application and artistry, and teeth whitening. April 1, 2020 marked her 10-year anniversary, just days after the mandatory COVID pandemic shutdown. Nikki had just redesigned her studio and she knew she had to make a pivot. So, pivot she did. Nikki launched an online retail store so clients could purchase products to get their “glow” at home. During this time Nikki learned about the mask shortage. She had a 3D printer at home and immediately began making masks. She donated 200 masks to area hospitals. She also used alcohol and essential oils to create sanitizing mists. Her business shifted and helping out the community became extremely important to her.

Nikki’s known some of her clients for the 10 years she’s been in business. She’s watched clients’ kids grow up and been to many important life events to provide makeup application. What started out as client relationships evolved into close friendships.

So, when Nikki had to close due to the pandemic, some of these client friends came out to support Nikki. One client organized a neighbors’ spray tan party. At this event Nikki went to each neighbor’s garage and applied spray tans in the garages of each neighbor on the street. A few other clients purchased large bundles of gift certificates. The support was overwhelming and Nikki was so grateful for it.

Being an entrepreneur is in Nikki’s blood. Her grandparents came from Greece and opened up several businesses in the United States. Nikki has fond memories of one of these businesses, a grocery store located on Park Avenue in Bridgeport. At a young age Nikki ran the candy counter. She even had her own tiny register. If she wasn’t at the candy counter she was upstairs with her brother playing with the neighborhood kids. In her teens she ran the “big” cash register and stocked shelves. Every year she and her brother would have a tag sale and get rid of all the toys they no longer used. The money they made from this tag sale was the money Nikki and her brother used during their summer vacation to buy souvenirs. Nikki’s mom instilled the value of earning a dollar and to be thoughtful of how you spent it.

Nikki also runs the Business Owners of Black Rock, an organization committed to improving the historic Black Rock community. This organization is a tight-knit community that works hard to make sure the streets are clean, planters have flowers in bloom and maintain the area as a wonderful place to dine and shop.

As the weather gets warmer, take a stroll in historic Black Rock and stop by  Sun Kissed Glow, we guarantee you will come out glowing!