Marissa Carter

Marissa Carter is the founder of Cocoa Brown, a globally recognised beauty brand that has redefined the self-tanning industry. From building the business from the ground up in Ireland to scaling it internationally, Marissa has become one of the country’s most successful and respected entrepreneurs. She is a two-time winner at the IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards, having been recognised as both Start-Up Businesswoman of the Year and Young Businesswoman of the Year.

Known for her honesty and hands-on approach, Marissa continues to lead and grow her business while staying closely connected to the everyday realities of both her customers and her team. This includes the recent launch of Gen Active, a self-tan designed with active lifestyles in mind, reflecting her ongoing focus on innovation and evolving consumer needs. Alongside the fast pace of scaling a global brand, she has developed a deep appreciation for balance, finding perspective through simple, grounding practices like gardening.

Marissa is passionate about sharing the realities of entrepreneurship, from resilience and decision-making to the importance of creating sustainable success. She is a strong advocate for clarity and conviction, encouraging others, particularly women, to trust themselves, back their decisions, and build success on their own terms.