Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Gutierrez.
Linda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Linda Gutierrez. I was raised in Brownsville, Texas. A city on the border, by the sea with a beautifully diverse culture. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation & Interpreting from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. While I attended college, I worked in the beauty section at Chanel. That job turned out to become more than I ever expected. Years later, I continue to carry the lessons I learned very close to my heart.
I learned a lot about the importance of skin and body care, but more importantly, I learned about people and self-love. I was surprised to meet so many people seemingly beat down by their insecurities. I wholeheartedly believe that every individual is beautiful in their own way. But when we look in the mirror, we all tend to focus on all the little negatives. Instead of seeing the unique freckles on our face or the defined laugh lines, we see only red spots and wrinkles.
It was incredibly rewarding to be able to help people find that one solution that erased their insecurities. Seeing that twinkle in their eye when they looked in the mirror, and knowing I had helped make that happen, was such an indescribable feeling.
For me, one of my biggest insecurities has always been my fair skin. Living so close to the beach, I felt ghostly in a bikini without a tan. I tried sunbathing, which would only leave me as red as a tomato. I also tried tanning booths, but I was still not getting the results I wanted. That is when I decided to try sunless tanning. Sunless tanning has been the perfect solution for me. It helps me avoid the harmful rays from the sun and tanning booths while providing essential vitamins to my skin via the spray. My skin feels healthy and beautiful. The boost of confidence has provided me with a unique glow I’ve never felt before.
I started Aphrodite Sunless Tanning because I want to share this feeling with everyone who struggles with insecurities regarding their skin. Through sunless tanning, I can help people feel confident and beautiful. We can enhance the look of your skin and body by evening out your skin tone, contouring your best features, and covering any imperfections.
The last piece of this self-care puzzle is making time for ourselves. With work, family, and life getting in the way, it can be difficult to make time to go to a tanning salon. That is why Aphrodite Sunless Tanning is a mobile service. We come to you, making your tanning experience more convenient and exclusive.
The most rewarding part of owning Aphrodite Sunless Tanning is having the opportunity to make people feel beautiful in their own skin every day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would be lying if I said it has been a smooth road. There have definitely been a few obstacles along the way. With that being said, I have learned to welcome every struggle because it has given me the opportunity to learn, push forward, and make myself and my business stronger.
Looking back, the biggest obstacle I faced was the simple act of getting started. I had this vision of what I wanted: help people feel beautiful and confident in their skin through sunless tanning. However, figuring out how I was going to make that happen, took some time.
First I had to do some self-reflection and truly identify what my strengths are, and how I was going to make the best use of those. I love to read, so that is where I started. I picked up every book and article I could find with information and advice on how to start my business. Through books, podcasts, and Ted Talks, I equipped myself with the courage and knowledge I needed. That is when my business plan began to come together.
Next, I had to come up with a name, logo, and website. I had to tap into my creative side to determine what emotions I wanted my business to convey. My first instinct was to look to other similar businesses for ideas. I tried out several things without success. Nothing felt right in my heart. Quickly I realized, I needed to look within me. That was the only way to differentiate myself from all other tanning companies.
Lastly, and one of the toughest struggles through the starting process, was identifying the right price point. I knew I couldn’t start at a high price point from the get-go. However, I let fear take over a little. I was so fearful of pricing too high and scaring away potential clients, that I was diminishing the value of my work and giving people a reason not to take me seriously.
Going through all the steps was definitely a learning experience, but I truly believe that where there’s a will, there’s away. I am focused on my vision and working hard to continue growing Aphrodite Sunless Tanning.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Aphrodite Sunless Tanning – what should we know?
This is my favorite topic to discuss! Aphrodite Sunless Tanning provides mobile airbrush tanning in the comfort and privacy of your own space. We come to you making your tanning experience more comfortable and exclusive. We bring a no-mess tent to your home and leave you glowing in less than 15 minutes.
Airbrush tanning provides the opportunity to even out your skin tone, contour your body’s best features, and cover imperfections in your skin. It provides a great tan without the harm and damage of UV lights used by traditional tanning methods. Additionally, it helps your skin stay young, beautiful, and healthy.
We provide individual tans, multi-sessions, and even a group tanning party package. Want to have a fun evening with the girls? We provide party packs for a wine and spray tan night with your friends.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to say I am truly blessed because I have a great support system. My dad owns his own business, so I guess that is where my entrepreneurial spirit originated from. My brother, Hector Gutierrez, works in the financial industry. He was instrumental in helping me create my business plan. My boyfriend, Rodrigo Diaz, works closely with business owners and he’s been able to provide some guidance on networking and how to increase my client base. My friend, Elva Yanez has been the second pair of eyes over my logo and website. She’s helped me brainstorm and make some edits throughout the process.
My friends and family have been truly instrumental in giving me the motivation and support to make my dream come true. I feel very thankful and blessed every day I get to see my vision coming together.
Pricing:
- Signature Gold $60
- Rapid Gold $70
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aphroditetan.com
- Phone: 956.293.6161
- Email: aphrodite.tanning@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/aphrodite.tan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aphroditesunlesstanning
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