Today we’d like to introduce you to Quyn Nash.
Quyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always known I was going to own my own business. I wasn’t always sure what kind of business that would be, but I always held close to the idea of being a small business owner. I was actually pursuing opening a boutique, but I just couldn’t quite make it happen. I don’t believe the timing was right. When I decided to go into spray tanning, things happened very quickly. I did my research, became certified, practiced and built my portfolio and then began taking clients. I wanted to make sure I was completely confident behind the spray gun before I started accepting clients. I think there are a lot of scary misconceptions about spray tanning, and I wanted to make sure I was able to ease clients’ fears immediately.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think that any small business owner has ever been faced with a smooth road. I know that if I had been, I wouldn’t be the entrepreneur I am today. The first obstacle I had to overcome was myself. I was worried about other small business owners in my industry, how to stand out and brand my business, and how to be taken seriously as a young, female entrepreneur. I also had to make sure I could balance my clients’ needs with my personal life. I’m a single mother to two toddlers and a full-time college student as well. Another challenge is keeping up with an ever-changing industry. There are always new solutions, techniques, training and tools. I strive to always be at the top of the industry by continuing my training and education. I don’t believe that being an entrepreneur will ever be a smooth road, but I do believe it’s an incredibly rewarding one. One of my favorite parts of being a spray tan artist is being able to be apart of my client’s special moments, such as their weddings, proms, or even their high school and college graduations.
The Toasted Coconut – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started the Toasted Coconut almost a year after I lost my aunt to breast cancer. She was young and healthy, so I was incredibly moved to do something to fight back. In the U.S., more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. More than two people die of the disease every hour, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. More people develop skin cancer because of indoor tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking. A recent study observing 63 women diagnosed with melanoma before age 30 found that 61 of them (97 percent) had used tanning beds. I began spray tanning because I wanted to give women a safe alternative to tanning beds. I believe in educating my clients on the real dangers of tanning beds. I also spray tan a lot of women naked, so I’ve educated myself on what skin cancer looks like so I can point out anything if I see anything. May is skin cancer awareness month, so during that month, I donate 10% of all proceeds to the American Academy of Dermatology. In October, I donate 15% of all proceeds to the Susan G Komen Foundation in honor of my aunt. Aside from being a huge advocate for empowering and educating my clients, I am a master certified spray tan artist and I strive to make every woman feel confident in their own skin. The solutions I use are composed of luxurious, high quality, natural ingredients so you are always safe in my hands. I’ve worked with accomplished photographers, models and a number of other small businesses. I’ve worked extremely hard to achieve the success that I have and I’m incredibly grateful for such a supportive community, wonderful clients, and friends and family who always believed in me.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I don’t think there’s an exact. One size fits all definition for success. I believe that true success is loving what you do. Maya Angelou said it best when she said “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” I also believe that success is getting up from every failure and every obstacle and trying again. Not being defined by the things that stood in your way. Making mountains move and continuing to march forward with the same passion and dedication you had when you decided to open a small business. Success to me is also the ability to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to go against what other people think. Be human, be vulnerable, be yourself. I believe the fastest way to stunt your success is to compare yourself to others. The only thing you need to compare yourself to is to the person you were yesterday. Your dream is worth fighting for and when you cultivate a positive mindset, you will be successful.
Pricing:
- Traditional Spray Tan – $30.00
- Rapid Spray Tan – $40.00
- Drying Powder – $5.00
- Tan, Prom and Bridal Party Packages are also available
Contact Info:
- Address: Greenville, Texas
- Website: https://www.thetoastedcoco.com/
- Phone: (682)262-5401
- Email: thetoastedcoco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoastedcoco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetoastedcoco/
- Other: https://square.site/book/6FK053SZA5T0Y/the-toasted-coconut
Image Credit:
Alex Blair Photography
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