Run by Kim, a former School Teacher, The Tanning Boutique is located just two short minutes from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
What inspired you to take the plunge from Primary School Teaching to running your own Tanning business – it’s quite the career shift!
Teaching is the hardest job I have ever had (so much respect to all you teachers out there) so I wanted to feel good and ended up getting regular spray tans for a quick pick me up. Then I thought hey, this would be a super cool business idea so the seed was planted from there. I started off doing it at home and it grew so fast that I moved into my beautiful salon space in Birkenhead a year later.
You were recently a finalist in the Westpac Business Awards for People’s Choice. What aspects of your business are you most proud of yourself that you believe led to your success?
Definitely the customer service, the sanctuary vibes and also genuinely caring about each person that comes through the door. Every spray tan is customised to each client which means that it will look beautiful and natural no matter how fair or dark your skin is. I think it also helps that I love to be tanned and love to make others feel confident and gorgeous with a spray tan too. It’s just 15 minutes and gives you such a great confidence boost. When someone comes into the salon it’s a little escape from all the racing around that us women often do. It’s a time to be pampered, cared for and then to walk out feeling glowing and amazing.
What is the most common cause of anxiety in first time tanners and what would you say to someone to reassure them?
Definitely getting naked in front of a stranger and the fear of going orange. I completely understand how nerve wracking it can be to get naked so I make sure that I explain every step and also give you really good chats so that by the time you turn around and face up you’ve forgotten you’re even naked!
I often hear “I don’t want to be orange” which I completely understand. I stock the best solutions available, of all different strengths and colour bases which ensures I can colour match, correct and choose the best option for every skin type. Orange happens with bad prep and also when a tan is left on for longer than the recommended rinse off time, or if it’s too strong. That’s why a good consultation before the tan is so important.
Can you tell us how you customise every spray tan to each persons personal preference?
Each new client fills out a customer care card that tells us all about their skin and prep leading up to the tan. We then chat about their schedule and if a short rinse off time will suit. If it doesn’t then we have solutions that can be left on anywhere from one to eight hours. We also always look at a clients skin to see what undertones they have and if they have any allergies or sensitivities. If they’re quite fair with pinky, reddy undertones then our green base tans will be a great choice and if they’re more yellowy or olive then violet looks incredible. We also have brown base tans which are great for the more neutral skin types too. We have a range of really lovely options for sensitive skin types too.
Are spray tans suitable for those with sensitive skin?
Yes! If you have had issues in the past with a spray tan then it’s always recommended to get a patch test first but if not then we have all natural and organic solutions as well as solutions that are skincare based which means they are designed with sensitive skin in mind. We tan people with eczema all the time with no issues.
Why is preparation for a spray tan so important and what does it involve?
How a spray tan turns out is so much to do with the prep and maintenance as It is down to choosing the right spray tan tech. Exfoliating creates the perfect canvas because the spray tan will be applied to fresh skin which means it will be even and will stay on longer. Doing all the beauty stops before a tan is key too like hair, nail, lashes and waxing because it’s important to leave 24 hours in between for pores to close and glue to set on lash extensions. Also loose clothing is key after a spray tan so that nothing scrapes off the tan during that short marination period. Then post tan hydration is the secret to a long lasting tan by moisturising morning and night with a spray tan friendly moisturiser.
How long does a spray tan typically last for? Do you have any tips for maintaining it?
Most people find their spray tan is flawless for 5 – 7 days if they are looking after it. That means avoiding things like long soaks in the bath, swimming at the pool for hours or taking a spa. Regular moisturising and using a tan extending product can push the life of the tan out to approx. 10 days before it’s time to exfoliate it all off to start all over again.
https://www.thetanningboutique.co.nz/
