Sunless, Inc. Exits Handheld Sunless Tanning Business, Sells Evolv. to Evolv Brands, Inc

SAN DIEGO - June 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Sunless, Inc., the leading, global manufacturer of sunless tanning equipment and products, sold its mobile, handheld tanning business, Evolv. to newly formed corporation, Evolv Brands, Inc.

Evolv Brands, Inc. is a new corporation that was formed by Faraje Kharsa in May 2015 to purchase the Evolv business from Sunless, Inc.

The Evolv. business includes Evolv. Sidekick, the first heat-infused, mobile Airbrush Tanning System in the market, Evolv. backdrop equipment, and Evolv. solutions line.

“In an effort to better serve our customers, Sunless, Inc. has undergone several changes in recent years, and we determined the handheld airbrush tanning business no longer fits into our long-term strategic plans,” said Peter van Niekerk, CEO of Sunless, Inc. “Our company is focused on making the best auto booth equipment, tanning solutions, and home-use products in the tanning industry. We view the handheld segment as being quite distinct, with its customers having unique needs that differ from those of our core customers. We have full confidence that with Kharsa’s leadership, the Evolv. business will continue to thrive, and the acquisition will enable both Sunless, Inc., and Evolv, to continue providing customers with the best experience and products in the market.”

Kharsa is a nationally recognized executive and entrepreneur within the tanning and spa industry, with more than 25 years of business experience. He founded iTAN Sun Spray Spa, one of the largest and fastest growing franchise tanning and spa salons in California, and co-founded and conceptualized FIT Bodywrap, the first self-administered far infrared body wrap system, which is available in more than 700 spas, salons, chiropractic and therapeutic offices nationwide.

“As a seasoned member of the tanning and salon industry, I know firsthand that Evolv.’s patented technology creates a superior experience and result for customers,” said Kharsa. “Evolv. is one of the few airbrush tanning systems that was designed specifically for airbrush tanning. I look forward to continuing Evolv.’s history of innovation and superior quality, and to growing and developing the business, and the value it provides to salon owners, and individuals alike.”

While the acquisition is complete, Sunless will continue to operate the Evolv. business until Thursday, October 1, 2015, at which point manufacturing, sales and marketing of Evolv. products will be managed by new leadership, led by Kharsa.

“Sunless, Inc. has a strong relationship with Kharsa that spans over a decade, and is grounded in mutual trust and respect,” said van Niekerk. “Everyone involved in the acquisition is committed to a smooth transition and doing right by our customers. We’ll gradually and thoughtfully transition the business over the next four months.”

Part of the transition will include establishing new headquarters for Evolv. in San Diego, California, along with a new warehouse.

“We’re investing a lot of time and resources into growing the Evolv. brand,” said Kharsa. “We’re creating a new business infrastructure that can continue to innovate and support our growing clientele. This includes creating new training collateral and content for Airbrush Technicians; hiring additional tech support, training, and customer support specialists; and investing more resources into product development.”

Kharsa will make his first public appearance with Evolv. at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) on Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he will exhibit the Evolv Airbrush Tanning System and product line to conference attendees.

For more information, visit http://www.evolvsunless.com or contact Faraje Kharsa at faraje@evolvtan.com.

About Sunless, Inc.

Sunless, Inc., is the leading, global manufacturer of sunless tanning equipment and products.

Their track record of innovation provides benefits for both business owners and consumers, and their business includes several global brands, including Mystic Tan and VersaSpa.

About Faraje Kharsa

Faraje Kharsa is a nationally recognized executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of business experience. He founded iTAN Sun Spray Spa (then iTAN Solariums) in 2001, and developed and launched iTAN’s franchising model in 2009. Today, iTAN has 30 locations and is one of the largest and fastest growing franchise tanning and spa salons in Southern California. The company has been voted best tanning salon in San Diego eight years in a row. In 2008, while continuing to expand iTAN, Faraje co-founded and conceptualized FIT Bodywrap, the first self-administered far infrared body wrap system that is now in more than 700 spas, salons, chiropractic and therapeutic offices. In addition to managing two flourishing companies, Faraje is also a real estate investor, as well as a business advisor to several brands.