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Meet Whitney Davis of Cowtown Tanning in Fort Worth

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Davis.

Whitney, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The beauty service industry has been a passion of mine since I started my first job in high school. I worked as the front desk associate at a local tanning salon chain in Houston, TX. I had to leave that job when I went to college but I always stayed in the same field. It wasn’t until I was managing a local Fort Worth Day Spa that I realized I wanted to own and operate my own beauty business. I got to see the back end of how a spa was run and how refreshed each of the clients felt as they left their appointments. I wasn’t sure exactly what or how I wanted to do it, but I knew it was ultimately what I loved and did not want to be stuck doing something I was miserable with.

After having trouble with my management job, I was looking for other business opportunities I could get into while still continuing college. There was not much out there that was willing to work with my class schedule. Somewhere in the midst of the chaos I was going through, I went to a local tanning salon to get my weekly average spray tan and after not being happy with my service or how that tan turned out, a lightbulb went off and I knew what I wanted to do. Again, not really sure how, but that same night I went home and did so much research on the Sunless Industry. I could not find any place in Fort Worth that offered a luxury, professional sunless tanning service like what I had in mind. I wanted to be able to provide a place that had good quality products but was also still affordable.

I had money saved up and I immediately invested in a training course and equipment and I started my sunless journey off as a mobile spray tan artist, tanning clients after classes and even sometimes at my own apartment. After three months of being mobile, I was able to open my first studio location in downtown Fort Worth. From there, my business has continued to grow and evolve into what it is today. I have expanded into a gorgeously renovated private studio, offering custom spray tans, contour tans and now teeth whitening services. With each tanning appointment, my guests are offered everything that they need for their experience with me. From sticky feet to scented drying powders, each client leaves with a boost of confidence and a flawless spray tan. Not only have I been able to grow a business, I was able to stay in college and will be getting a Bachelor of Science from TCU in December, Go Frogs!

Along with operating Cowtown Tanning, I am also an Educator for Spray Tan Class, the top international spray tanning business training, and am able to help other women start their own beauty businesses. This is such a special “job” for me because every woman I get to train truly does bring it full circle. I was where they are at once and to see the infinite possibilities there are in this industry is so amazing.

Being able to empower women every day by giving them just the slightest confidence boost has truly changed my life. Whether it’s a bride coming in for an added glow for her wedding day or an everyday mom that just wants to have a little color to help her not look as tired, I do it all.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning my own business has definitely been the most rewarding thing I have done in my life but it has definitely not been the most perfect or easiest road. Getting to where I am at today has taken a lot of sacrifice, vulnerability and dedication. I had to learn how to open a business, how to brand, how to market and everything in between.

Yes, there were times that I just wanted to give up because things were hard, but I never did. Anytime I get frustrated or stressed with the million things I have going on, I always just try to step away, take a breath and just remember each of my special clients that I get to work with on a daily basis. I truly give my clients all the credit for what I am able to come into work to do. Each with their own unique stories and special touches on my heart. Everything that I do for my business is always for my clients.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cowtown Tanning – what should we know?
Cowtown Tanning is a UV Free Sunless Tanning + Teeth Whitening Studio, located in Fort Worth, TX right off I-30 and Montgomery. I offer custom airbrush tanning, specializing in contour tanning. Contour tanning allows me to enhance a client’s natural tone or create a definition on the body. Think of “spray-on abs” but even better and extremely natural-looking.

Each client will go through an initial consultation before their service and is shown how to properly get ready for their session. Preparation in the studio typically includes disposable undergarments, a hair net to protect their hair, sticky feet to protect the soles of their feet from tanning and barrier cream that is applied to the dryer areas of the body to prevent any over-saturation. After the tan is complete, the technician will blend out the wrists and ankles, remove the barrier cream and apply a decadently scented (or non-scented) drying powder that allows the client to continue on with their day free of stickiness or that dreadful spray tan smell. Because we use such high-quality products, our clients can typically see their tans lasting anywhere from 7-10 days, with proper aftercare.

Apart from sunless tanning, Cowtown Tanning has brought on another beauty service that is sure to get you glowing in a whole different way. We now offer Teeth Whitening as a full service on our menu. One 30-minute session will get you instant, pain-free results lasting anywhere from 6-12 months.

I am most proud of what Cowtown Tanning is as a whole and how we create such a unique experience for our clients, unlike any other tanning salons. Our clients are put first and we take the time to get to know them and what they are truly wanting out of each appointment. We know that life can get expensive so we also offer our services at one rate depending on the solution development time. We want each client to have a luxurious experience with everything included, and that is what I have created.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
When they say it takes a village to raise a baby, I truly feel that way with my baby, Cowtown Tanning. I have had so many supporters and people that truly have believed in me from the start.

My biggest advocate and #1 cheerleader have been my boyfriend of four-years who has truly seen me through it all. From the early mornings to the late nights, he has stood by my side, even when I wanted to throw in the towel. Whether he supported me financially when I was slow in the beginning to just being a shoulder to lean (ok, and cry on!), I have been able to make it through all of the craziness because of him.

Another huge mentor and just person I have looked up to my entire life, has been my Grandfather. Growing up, I was able to see him build and operate his own empire in the printing industry. From growing up in a little farming town in Arkansas to being the CEO/Founder of a global printing company was just amazing. He has been my inspiration to achieve anything that I set my mind to and I will always be so thankful for him.

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