July 8, 2025

Thrive Insider

Exclusive stories of successful entrepreneurs

Christal Sundstrom: The Unfiltered Beauty of Motherhood and Skincare

All featured photography by Brianna Shrader of 
Shy Heart Studios

For Christal Sundstrom, motherhood isn’t just a title—it’s the very heartbeat of her life. A mother of two boys, a veteran skincare specialist, and the visionary founder of Lumis Skincare, Christal’s journey is a raw, relatable, and radiant tribute to what it means to be a woman, an entrepreneur, and a mom with purpose.

A Mother First, Always

“Motherhood means the world to me,” Christal shares. “Being able to create life, nurture, and watch them grow has been the biggest blessing of my life.” Raised by a phenomenal mother herself, Christal learned early on that love and communication are the cornerstones of parenting. Today, those same values ground her as she navigates motherhood without a manual—just heart and instinct.

Christal sees mothers as the emotional anchors of society. “We help shape the value, confidence, and well-being of this and the next generation,” she says, affirming the powerful societal role mothers play. Her heartfelt message to fellow moms? “Let’s continue to support one another. It takes a village, and doing it together is so much better than doing it alone.”

From Corporate Life to Skincare with Soul

Before launching Lumis, Christal worked in corporate, briefly stepping into the world of stay-at-home motherhood. But her life took a transformative turn when her then-husband suggested she run a spa. At first, she resisted. “I never wanted to be an esthetician,” she admits. “But once I had to step in and help, I fell in love with it.”

That spark turned into a 16-year career in skincare. Along the way, Christal discovered that her deeper mission was to help people—especially women and teens—feel beautiful in their own skin. “I grew up feeling like the ugly duckling,” she says. “I never felt pretty or confident. That’s why my work is so personal. I want every client to feel seen, special, and worthy.”

The Heart Behind Lumis Skincare

Lumis isn’t just a product line—it’s a reflection of Christal’s authenticity, grit, and intention. Built with years of hands-on experience and client insight, her anti-aging collection features carefully formulated cleansers, moisturizers, and serums infused with peptides and collagen boosters. But more than the science, it’s the soul behind the brand that sets it apart.

“I’m not a dermatologist or a celebrity,” she says candidly. “But I’m in the treatment room every day. I know what people want, and I know what works.” Her commitment is to provide the best possible skincare experience—not mass-produced, but personalized and perfected over time.

Lumis is a brand born from care, not just commerce.

The Bigger Vision: Empowering the Next Generation

While anti-aging is currently the best-selling face of Lumis, Christal’s passion lies in her future teen line. “My heart is with young girls,” she confesses. “I want them to feel confident, to understand their skin, and to feel like they belong.” Her goal is to build a skincare-powered platform where teens feel seen, supported, and celebrated—a place that goes far beyond products.

“Right now, they’re ruining their skin just trying to fit in. I want to change that through education and community,” she says.

Authenticity, Confidence, and the Legacy of Love

In a world of filters and facades, Christal stands out for her realness. She’s built a loyal client base—some of whom have been with her for over 12 years—by simply being herself. “I’m proud that I’m different,” she says. “My biggest value is authenticity. I’m not trying to fit in. I’m trying to make a statement.”

And that statement is one of self-love, confidence, and caring—whether through motherhood or skincare.

As the “Stories of Motherhood Project” honors the diverse experiences of mothers, Christal’s story serves as a powerful reminder: You don’t have to be perfect, just passionate. You don’t need it all figured out to make an impact. And whether you’re building a business or raising boys, being true to yourself is always enough.