September's Style Issue is often filled with conversations about fashion, beauty and the latest trends. But some of the most inspiring style stories begin with resilience, reinvention and discovering confidence in an entirely new way.
For Bergen County resident Jen Boel, founder of Dolce Tanning, beauty became deeply personal after receiving a phone call that changed everything.
Three years ago, Boel was diagnosed with melanoma, a diagnosis she never expected.
"I was scared and blindsided," she says. "I had no idea that one phone call could completely change my relationship with the sun."
As a wife and mother of identical twin daughters, Sofia and Jenna, her focus shifted immediately to protecting her health and educating her family. Full-body skin screenings, daily sun protection and a commitment to prevention became part of everyday life.
Still, Boel didn't want to give up the confidence she felt with a sun-kissed glow. Instead, she set out to find a healthier alternative.
That search became the inspiration for Dolce Tanning.
Although entrepreneurship hadn't always been part of her plan, Boel found inspiration close to home. Watching her 20-year-old niece launch a successful coffee truck showed her what determination and belief in yourself can accomplish.
"She reminded me that success isn't about age," Boel says. "It's about dedication, resilience and the willingness to take a chance on yourself."
With encouragement from her family, Boel trained in New York City with celebrity spray tan artist Isabel Alysa, learning advanced techniques using the luxury Dolce Glow product line.
"It wasn't just about learning to spray tan," she says. "It was understanding skin tones, color selection and how to customize every client."
Today, Dolce Tanning brings that expertise directly to clients through a luxury mobile concierge service throughout Bergen County and Mantoloking NJ. Every appointment is designed to be seamless, from floor protection and setup to cleanup, allowing clients to enjoy a premium experience in the comfort of their own home.
Boel also believes great service extends beyond the appointment itself. She personally guides clients through preparation, post-care and follow-up, ensuring they achieve the best possible results.
Customization is at the heart of every session. Each tan begins with a skin analysis so Boel can blend a formula tailored to the client's natural undertones and desired level of color, creating a hydrated, natural-looking glow without harmful UV exposure.
For Boel, confidence and style go hand in hand.
"Style isn't just about what you wear," she says. "It's about how you carry yourself."
She believes a natural-looking spray tan can help people feel polished, refreshed and ready for life's biggest moments, whether it's a wedding, vacation, photoshoot or special celebration.
One recent bridal client reminded Boel why she loves what she does. What started as a trial appointment for the bride and her sister grew into tanning the bridal party and their mother before the wedding.
"Hearing their stories and being welcomed into that special time with their family was incredibly meaningful," she says. "I was honored to be a small part of one of the biggest moments in their lives."
Experiences like these have reinforced an important lesson.
"The tan fades after seven to 10 days," Boel says. "But the confidence someone walks away with can last much longer."
She says one of the greatest rewards has been building genuine relationships with her clients. Many become repeat customers, share vacation photos and refer friends and family. Along the way, Boel has also found inspiration in conversations with fellow women business owners who have encouraged her own entrepreneurial journey.
"There is something special about women wanting other women to succeed," she says.
Building Dolce Tanning in the Pascack Valley is especially meaningful because it's where Boel and her husband raised their family and built their life together.
Looking ahead, her goal is to elevate the client experience beyond the spray tan itself. She hopes to continue growing Dolce Tanning as Bergen County's go-to luxury mobile spray tanning service by offering exceptional personalized care, premium Dolce Glow products, contouring and a customized experience for every client. She also plans to expand through collaborations with local businesses while continuing to bring luxury mobile tanning directly to clients' homes. Future plans include introducing membership opportunities and exploring a non-mobile location to complement her concierge services.
"Big things are on the horizon for Dolce Tanning," Boel says. "When the time comes, I'll be sharing them with Pascack Valley City Lifestyle readers."
While her business continues to grow, Boel's mission remains the same.
"My hope is that people remember to take care of their skin, wear sunscreen, schedule regular skin checks and know you don't have to sacrifice confidence to protect yourself," she says.
For Boel, the glow she provides today is about far more than beauty. It's about helping people feel like the best version of themselves while proving that confidence and healthy choices can go hand in hand.
For more information or to book an appointment, email Jen@dolcetanning.com, call 201-401-0103, or follow @dolcetanning on Instagram.
"The tan fades after seven to 10 days, but the confidence someone walks away with can last much longer." - Jen Boel
"My hope is that people remember to take care of their skin, wear sunscreen, schedule regular skin checks and know you don't have to sacrifice confidence to protect yourself." - Jen Boel