The Power To Let Go of Perfection To Reclaim My Power

Courtney Claghorn is the founder of SUGARED + BRONZED.

By Courtney Claghorn

When I started SUGARED + BRONZED with just $1,000 and a few sugar waxing kits in my apartment, I wasn’t chasing a multi-million-dollar business. I was simply obsessing over the possibility that I might build something that gave me the freedom to shape my life on my terms. Fast forward to today: we have locations across the country, a growing team, and a brand built on confidence and care.

In the process, there were many twists, turns, and transformations. One of the most surprising and challenging shifts was in my relationship with power and perfection.

For years, I thought power meant doing it all, and doing it flawlessly. Being the founder who scaled, the mom who kept everything afloat, the partner who never needed help. Over time, I learned that real power comes from knowing what matters most and letting go of what doesn’t. It’s understanding that perfection is a lie, and forgiveness is fuel. If I’m walking in the direction of my values, showing up when I can, I’m doing enough.

Motherhood shattered my old beliefs. I used to fear it would hold me back but it sharpened my focus, elevated my priorities, and made my time more meaningful. I stopped trying to be everything and started showing up with intention.

Marriage proved I don’t need to do everything alone. Life is a team sport. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help.

Those lessons now guide how I lead—with clarity, empathy, and the confidence to move forward even when things aren’t perfect.

I’m still learning. But I know what I stand for and I’m grounded in what matters. I choose to live in alignment with it every day. That’s my power.

Courtney Claghorn is the founder of SUGARED + BRONZED. https://www.instagram.com/courtneyclaghorn/?hl=en