Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Kelly.
Whitney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest in spray tanning began about eight years ago as awareness grew in sun exposure and its harmful effects. Disappointed in the sunless tanning options, I searched for an alternative to the bad-smelling, “orange” mystic tans. As the tanning industry evolved to custom airbrush tans with all-natural solutions, my passion to offer a healthier, more natural glow grew as well.
After starting several businesses while working a full time, corporate job, I knew I had a desire to be an entrepreneur, but needed to find a business that would be successful and fulfill my wish make people feel good about themselves in a healthy way. I researched tanning equipment and solutions that would give people a natural-looking tan without harsh chemicals and the dream for Gloww custom spray tanning began.
I invested in a whole tanning system and started tanning friends and family, which organically grew through connections in Dallas and at Southern Methodist University. As my small side business grew, I eventually took the leap to leave my corporate job and focus full-time on growing Gloww. Today, I continue to work hard to gain new exposure and clients mostly through word-of-mouth and social media and Gloww now tans clients of all ages in the Dallas area.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Thanks to my amazing and loyal clients, I have had consistent growth almost every month since I started my business in 2013. Despite steady progress, I did find that there are some slower months in the tanning industry. I was able to overcome that setback by implementing creative ways to drive business during slower months like client referrals and social media marketing. Instagram has become a huge part of my business. I partner with several Dallas-based influencers that post Instagram stories about Gloww, which helps grow my social media following and new clients.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gloww, Custom Spray Tanning – what should we know?
My company is Gloww, a Dallas-based, custom spray tan business. Gloww specializes in all-natural airbrush tans. The award-winning, naturally odorless, premium tanning solutions, extraordinary level of personalization and meticulous customer service set Gloww apart from other tanning businesses. We hand-mix each solution based on the individual client’s skin tone and desired level of color to create the perfect custom glow.
We carefully inform each client about spray tans, the products they should use before and after and how to take care and extend the life of their tan to make sure each client understands airbrush tans and can achieve the exact glow they want. I am very proud of Gloww, the hundreds of satisfied, regular clients and the organic growth of the business, all done without advertising! I believe the returning customers and constant referrals speak to the quality of the company, our success and the outstanding service we provide.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child is feeling carefree and playing outdoors with the neighbors, free from any electronics, phones, or iPads. I was always entrepreneurial, even as a child, and fondly remember creating ‘businesses’ to market to my neighborhood friends.
I would sell my Halloween candy to neighbors, rent out videos to friends and eventually help out at my grandpa’s car dealership. When I was eight, my uncle told me that if he could leave the car business to anyone in the family, it would be me. A general theme of my childhood memories are my love of business and creating something for myself.
Pricing:
- Single tans, start at $48 (we offer student rates at $38)
- We have packages of 3 tans for $130 or 6 tans for $230
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glowwtan.com
- Phone: 214-577-7578
- Email: glowwtan@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Whitney Krenek Photography – Instagram @whitneykrenek
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