Interview with Founder Nele Engel | Reflection on 2024 & Outlook for 2025

What was the highlight of 2024?

2024 was a year full of milestones, but what fills me with the most pride is celebrating the 12.5-year anniversary of MARC INBANE. Bart and I started with modest means, and it’s incredible to see our brand now available in over 40 countries. This success isn’t something we take for granted—it’s the result of hard work, continuous innovation, and a fantastic team that shares our passion. We are grateful for what we’ve achieved and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of our industry in the years ahead.

What was the biggest challenge of 2024?

The greatest challenge this year was undoubtedly fitting all of our plans into the limited 24 hours of each day. Building our new home brought more unexpected hurdles than we anticipated. Perhaps having more women professionals in construction could change that dynamic ;-) Despite the obstacles, the process taught us valuable lessons about creativity, flexibility, and focus. Ultimately, it made us stronger and showed that tough times often present opportunities for growth.

How do you reflect on 2024?

I look back on 2024 with pride and gratitude. This year, we experienced significant growth not only as a business but also as a team. We strengthened existing partnerships and welcomed fantastic new (international) clients.
Challenges such as parallel imports reinforced the importance of staying true to our core values, like quality and attentive customer care. Protecting the value of our brand remains a top priority. Our selective approach continues to uphold our standards, even if it’s not always appreciated by everyone in the same way. We’re thankful for everything we’ve accomplished together and look forward to building on this success in 2025.

What are your expectations for the beauty industry in 2025?

The beauty industry continues to evolve rapidly, and I believe 2025 will highlight a few key trends. What inspires me most is the rise of personalized products and technologies like AI. These innovations help cater to unique customer needs, such as skin scans and tailored recommendations, making the beauty experience even more personal.

Sustainability remains a vital focus. Innovations like reusable packaging and biodegradable materials will play a larger role. Consumers want to know their choices benefit not only themselves but also the planet. Additionally, I see great potential in biotechnology for developing effective, innovative products, especially in skincare.

Inclusivity will also become increasingly important, with more efforts to offer products that suit diverse skin types and life stages. Clean beauty, emphasizing transparency and ethical choices, will continue to have a significant impact.

Brands that prioritize personalization, sustainability, technology, and inclusivity will not only remain relevant but truly set themselves apart.

What are your plans for 2025? Where will your focus lie?

We have exciting plans for 2025, including launching several exclusive new products to enhance our offerings. We’ll also continue investing in export efforts to expand our international presence further. Strengthening our core values and integrating them even more into everything we do remains a priority.

Our focus is on growth, but always with attention to quality and customer satisfaction. Investing in our team will remain central, with targeted training to help them excel. Sustainability will also play a leading role in 2025—not just in our products but also in our daily operations and business processes. We aim to integrate sustainable practices even more deeply into our DNA.

Closing Message

I’m deeply grateful for the trust of our customers and the inspiration we draw from the industry. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to giving people a healthy, natural glow that boosts their confidence while encouraging conscious choices. With great enthusiasm, I look forward to the opportunities 2025 will bring. On behalf of our team, I wish everyone in the industry a successful and inspiring new year!

DISCOVER OUR AWARD-WINNING SELF-TANNING PRODUCTS HERE

“The King among the self-tanners, that's what you could call MARC INBANE's Natural Tanning Spray.”

Natascha B.,

“The best tanning products in the world! Nice natural result and always satisfied customers in the salon after purchase.”

Alex H., Alex Beautystudio

“A self-tanner from The Netherlands soil without the typical self-tanner smell”

Kornelia,

“What do you use on an off-day? “I use the tanning spray from MARC INBANE because with a color and a glow you always shine!"”

Jaimie Vaes - Glamour, Jaimie Vaes - Glamour

“Fantastic product !! Naturally beautiful brown color! Glad I can sell it in my salon !!”

Leida's Hairfashion, Leida's Hairfashion

“I was introduced to it at the LXRY fair. I couldn't believe it at first, but it's really beautiful!”

Renate V.,

“Super product! Does not turn orange and can be applied evenly.”

Ivonne Meyer,

“What a great product. The only one at the top.”

Erik D.,

“I'm addicted to it!”

Anne-marie , Just Beauty by Anne

“I've been using it for 2 years...! And still super satisfied..!”

Lea M.,

“Great product. Easy to apply and very natural brown!”

Chantal M.,

“Top product, spray every week. Became kind of an addiction. But it is the best one.”

Esmeralda W. , Esmeralda's Hair & Beauty Salon

“The best tanning products in the world! Nice natural result and always satisfied customers in the salon after purchase.”

Sandra H.,

“I can't live without!”

Gejanne F.,

“The King among the self-tanners, that's what you might call Marc Inbane's Natural Tanning Spray.”

Natasja, Beautyspots.nl

“In 1 word! SUPER! I really recommend it to everyone! One thing is certain, the customer is central and the team does its best to keep its customers happy! Really a super service!”

Kevin B,

“Super natural brown color!”

Lisa E,

“The best tanning spray!!!”

Balou M,

“Super product! The best self-tanner that I have ever used, very easy to apply with that glove, does not stick and gives a natural tan. I am a fan!”

Kristine V,

“The Marc Inbane Natural Tanning Spray has pleasantly surprised me. I usually have doubts, what can such a spray do more than the others? Moreover, I am afraid of spots, afraid of a orange effect (orange undertone). In short, I was a bit wary. The spray itself smells very nice, a bit sweet. I think the result is really great! I did not expect that I would see so much difference with my lightly tinted skin, but it looks like I have had a well-deserved weekend at the beach. It looks smooth and flawless and most importantly: very natural!”

Serena, Beautylab.nl

“The best tanning products in the world! Nice natural result and always satisfied customers in the salon after purchase.”

Alex H., Alex' Beautystudio

“I am very enthusiastic about the MARC INBANE natural tanning spray. He just does exactly what he promises! It is easy to apply (although I do so with such a glove and a brush, I think I will not get the best effect without it), is economical to use, gives a very nice tanned effect, does not smell too intense and it is a Dutch product that also cares for your skin.”

Cynthia, Cynthia.nl

“A self-tanner from Dutch soil without a typical self-tanner smell”

Corine,

“Amazing product! Love it! ”

Bart H.,

“Black Exfoliator is really a nice facial scrub especially with small pimples.”

Joey,

“Great product, super happy that I can sell this product in our salon!”

Chan Ny, De Channerie

“Been to the fair in Hardenberg. Super product and SUPER staff!”

Anne-marie V,

“In 1 word WOW. Super happy :)”

Anke P.,

“I want to pay tribute to the products of Marc Inbane. I currently have the normal Tanning Spray and now the Mousse and I am absolutely thrilled :) I love the products and will continue to buy them. Thanks from Germany.”

Sabine,

“A beautiful self-tanner, pleasant to use and suitable for vitiligo”

Laura, Skin Therapist

“I received my order today and I would like to thank you for the special gift! Each time, it's a little touch that I really appreciate! Well done for your professionalism!”

Isabelle,

“I have placed 2 orders in a short amount of time and I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for your very neat packages and all the work you put into it! Opening the boxes was an experience in itself and puts a smile on my face every time again! Top team with top products! ”