The holidays are finally here, so it's time to eat, drink and be merry - and reflect on the last twelve months.

And Cocoa Brown's Marissa Carter is no exception. The mum-of-two has had a whirlwind year with the popular tanning brand, which turned five years old in 2017. The award-winning beauty company had one of its biggest years to date; teaming up with none other than Kim Kardashian for the Make-up by Mario Masterclass, launching its now beloved Extra Dark tan and launching in 15 new countries. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7t823lMCU/?taken-by=marissacarter And as the end of the year nears, the entrepreneur has shared a list on Instagram of her top ten things that she learned in 2017.

1) No matter how hard you work, how strong you love or how much you prepare, there will always be gaps. Gaps you can't close. 2) 'Learn to live with the gap' is the best advice I’ve ever listened to. I've had a lot of great advice over the years but it turns out listening is important. 3) Being let down by people you thought were friends hurts like a b*tch but better to see true colours than stay fooled. 4) There will always be people who have your back. Mind and treasure them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BchKp7ylD0l/?taken-by=marissacarter

5) You can never really know the impact your words and actions have on those around you. Be gentle. 5) We stop believing in magic when the world teaches us it's silly and then our children teach us that being silly IS magic. 6) Kiddos want time and attention - not 'successful' parents. Choose your babies every time. Everyone else can wait.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbhzqjil7pg/?taken-by=marissacarter

7) 'No' is a full sentence. Don't justify every decision you make. Own it. 8) Keep your best ideas safe. They're like seeds. They can be blown away easily. Think really REALLY BIG and then just do it. 9) Your marriage is strong when you can still laugh when the other person farts. If you're not at the stage where you can let one rip yet, don't worry - you're just not married long enough. 10) Her success is not your failure. Support women. You are one.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc5glO0lLZH/?taken-by=marissacarter