News & Blog Posts
Meet Your New Evolv Tan Team!
Jan
Hi Evolv Tan Family!
I’m so excited to introduce you to your new Evolv Tan Team!
If you’ve been following along you know Evolv Brands, Inc. purchased the Evolv business from Sunless, Inc. this past spring. Since then we’ve been busy meeting with many of the wonderful salons that offer the Evolv Airbrush Tanning System to their clients, demoing the System and product line at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) in Las Vegas in June and again, at the Smart Tan Conference in Nashville in November, and creating a new business infrastructure so we can continue to innovate and support you, our growing clientele. More exciting news: We opened our new headquarters, and warehouse, in sunny San Marcos!
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the amazing people at Evolv HQ who are making it all happen.
Shelby Giard
Customer Relations Manager
I’ve worked in a wide array of industries—everything from beauty to professional ballet and performing arts, to motorsports. But through all my experience, I’ve always focused my efforts within my passion for marketing, sales and customer relations. I received my Bachelor of Science in Commerce in Marketing from Santa Clara University. I’m the epitome of a planner and organizer; everything in my life is color-coded. When I joined Evolv I was so impressed by the loyalty and excitement our customers expressed for our brand. I’ve been so grateful for their incredible support and trust. There’s a huge sense of confidence that comes with selling the best products in our industry, and I’m proud to make our customers successful by providing them with our product line and exceptional customer support.
Favorite activities: camping, trips to Cabo San Lucas, and concerts
Fun facts:
- I have three kids: a 12-year-old daughter, a seven-year-old son, and a one-year old daughter who was born on Christmas Day.
- I used to be a bit of a daredevil–I’ve broken 14 bones in my lifetime, including my knee, leg, both arms, and a variety of toes and fingers.
- I have a slight obsession with bunny rabbits.
Jeff Soehl
IT Solutions & Tech Support
My professional background centers upon customer service and computers—data entry, running a support ticket system, coding for database management, and reporting. I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UC Santa Cruz. Evolv has a fun and fantastic team that I’m happy to be a part of, and I have great expectations for us. I’m excited to see where we go from here!
Favorite activities: playing tennis, playing the keyboard, reading, cooking (I love making Eggplant Parmesan!)
Fun facts:
- I built my own computer.
- I’m an amateur home brewer.
- My favorite band is Death Cab for Cutie.
Parsegh Oksayan
Distribution & Warehouse
I have more than 15 years of experience in warehouse management, logistics, organization and distribution strategy. Before joining Evolv, I managed the warehouse operations for a construction supply company. Being a consumer myself, I understand and recognize how important each shipment is to the person or people receiving it. I’m excited to bring my customer centric mindset to Evolv, and to build and strengthen our warehouse operations and processes.
Favorite activities: working with my hands—fixing cars and crafting with recycled resources, camping with my beautiful wife and kids, snowboarding, and vacationing to tropical places.
Fun facts:
- I can speak five different languages.
- I spent a year in boarding school in Paris when I was 10 years old.
- I’m the pack leader for my oldest son’s Boy Scout Troop.
Chris Richardson
Junior Accounting Associate
Before joining Evolv, I worked with KPMG and Grant Thornton in Sydney, Australia in Financial Advisory. I’m currently studying accounting at UC Santa Barbara. I love being a part of the Evolv team—the experience is truly one of a kind!
Favorite activities: playing basketball, skateboarding (longboards), snowboarding.
Fun facts:
- I’m a black belt in Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate.
- I’ve been skydiving three times and plan on getting my skydiving license.
- I was born in Shrewsbury, England, and moved to Kansas when I was five years old—one year later, I moved to San Diego.
As you can see, they’re an amazing group of talented and knowledgeable individuals—and on top of that, they’re a fun bunch to work with!
Finally, here’s a little bit about myself:
Faraje Kharsa
CEO
I’m an executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of business experience in the tanning and spa industry. I 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. I’m excited to lead Evolv into the future because I know firsthand that our patented technology creates a superior experience and result for clients, and I believe in the salons we partner with.
Favorite activities: repairing cars, driving legendary models, and visiting car museums; gardening (I love tending to my fruit and nut trees); and cooking for my family and friends.
Fun facts:
- I earned my first job (the helping hand and runner to an auto mechanic shop owner) when I was eight-years old.
- I drink four cups of Turkish coffee every morning.
- I was born in Beirut, raised in Germany, educated in the U.S., and love sunny San Diego—I’ve lived in four countries and I’m fluent in four languages.
You might have noticed our new social media accounts, @EvolvTan–We’re always sharing new airbrush tanning tips and inspiration so be sure to “Follow” and “Like” us to be a part of the Evolv experience online:
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
And use #EvolvTan—Your photo could be featured!
Here’s to a great 2016 together!
– Faraje Kharsa, CEO