We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dezirae Sepesi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dezirae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Dezirable Tanz was born from frustration — and honestly, a lot of disappointment with what tanning looked like at the time. Before starting my business in 2018, the options felt extremely limited: tanning beds that damaged your skin long-term, or spray booths that were unpredictable, streaky, smelled awful, and barely lasted. I remember thinking, there has to be something better than this. Something healthier, more personalized, and more confidence-boosting.

When I started Dezirable Tanz, spray tanning wasn’t mainstream yet. It wasn’t trendy or widely trusted. I had to actively educate people and reframe their entire perception of what a spray tan could be. Most potential clients only knew orange tones, uneven fades, or uncomfortable experiences — so a huge part of my early journey was building trust and showing them that a tan could look natural, feel luxurious, and actually last.

At the same time, the beauty industry in 2018 felt very closed off and competitive. It was catty, there was a lot of gatekeeping, and not many spaces felt truly welcoming. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to do things differently. I didn’t just want to create a service — I wanted to create an experience and a community. A space where anyone could walk in and feel seen, comfortable, and confident, regardless of their background, body type, or prior tanning experience.

From a logical standpoint, the business made sense because I wasn’t just offering spray tans — I was solving multiple problems at once. I was providing a safer alternative to tanning beds, a higher-quality result than booths, and an environment that felt intentional and judgment-free. What excited me most was knowing that if I stayed consistent, focused on education, and led with care, the demand would follow — even if it took time.

I’ve always believed in community over competition. There’s no gatekeeping here. I truly believe there’s room for everyone to succeed, and that mindset has shaped not only how I run my business, but how I connect with clients and other professionals in the industry. Dezirable Tanz started as a solution — but it’s grown into something much bigger: a brand rooted in confidence, connection, and doing beauty differently.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dezirae, but most people know me as Dez. Hence Dezirable Tanz lol I’m the founder of Dezirable Tanz, a luxury spray tanning studio and education-based brand rooted in confidence, care, and community. I started Dezirable Tanz in 2018 with my last $300 and a BIG belief that the tanning industry — and the beauty industry as a whole — could be done better..

I got into the spray tanning industry because I personally experienced the downsides of the traditional options. Tanning beds were damaging my skin, and spray booths were inconsistent, uncomfortable, and often left me feeling more self-conscious than confident. I knew there had to be a safer, more personalized alternative — something that focused on skin health, customization, and the overall experience, not just the end result.

A huge part of my work early on — and still today — has been education. I focus on teaching clients why custom spray tanning works, how proper prep and aftercare matter, and how a tan can enhance confidence without changing who you are. My goal has always been to elevate the perception of spray tanning from a quick cosmetic fix to a thoughtful, skin-conscious service.

At Dezirable Tanz, we provide customized spray tans, hydration-focused treatments, and advanced services like contour tanning, all tailored to each client’s skin tone, lifestyle, and goals. We also place a huge emphasis on comfort — from how appointments are structured to how clients are welcomed into our space. I’m intentional about every detail because I believe how someone feels during their appointment matters just as much as how they look afterward.

What truly sets my brand apart is the culture behind it. When I entered the beauty industry, it often felt competitive, closed-off, and rooted in gatekeeping. I chose to build something different. I believe deeply in community over competition, transparency over secrecy, and mentorship over fear. That mindset has allowed me to grow not only a six-figure spray tan business, but also a loyal client base and a team that genuinely cares about the people they serve.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built. We’ve earned over 150 five-star reviews, not because we chase perfection, but because we’re consistent, intentional, and human. Clients know they’re not just another appointment on the schedule — they’re heard, respected, and cared for.

I also take pride in being an educator and mentor within the industry. After years of hands-on experience, I now train and support other beauty professionals, helping them grow their skills, confidence, and businesses without gatekeeping. To me, success isn’t just personal — it’s shared.

The main thing I want people to know about me and my brand is this: Dezirable Tanz is about more than a tan. It’s about helping people feel confident in their skin, breaking outdated beauty stigmas, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. I built this brand with intention, heart, and resilience — and every client, student, and connection is part of that story!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience the same way I built my business — slowly, intentionally, and by showing up consistently as MYSELF! When I first started Dezirable Tanz, social media wasn’t about going viral or chasing trends. It was simply my way of documenting the journey, educating people on spray tanning, and building trust with potential clients who had never experienced a custom tan before.

I used social media as an educational tool. I shared before-and-afters, explained the process, debunked common myths like spray tans being orange or smelling bad, and showed the behind-the-scenes reality of running a small beauty business. I focused less on perfection and more on rawness and consistency.

As the business grew, my content evolved. I started sharing more of the why behind what I do — client transformations, confidence stories, team moments, and lessons I was learning as an entrepreneur. I think that’s when the audience really began to connect. People don’t just follow services; they follow stories, values, and people they feel aligned with.

What helped most was staying hyper-local and relationship-driven at first. I wasn’t trying to reach everyone — I was trying to reach my people. Clients would tag us, share their results, and talk about their experience, which organically grew our audience far more than any algorithm hack ever could. Trust and word-of-mouth were — and still are — the foundation!!

For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my biggest advice is this:

Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Start where you are and let it evolve.

Focus on three things:

Education – Teach people something they don’t know yet.

Consistency – You don’t need to post daily, but you do need to show up regularly.

Connection – Talk with your audience, not at them.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of being human. Share your process, your lessons, your wins, and even your mistakes. Authenticity builds trust faster than polished content ever will and I stand by that 100%

Lastly, stop comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. Everyone grows at a different pace. If you lead with value, clarity, and intention, the audience will come — and more importantly, it will be the right audience. You’re not for everyone & everyone is not for you :)

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team, especially in the beauty and service-based industry — starts with remembering that you’re leading people, not just filling roles. High morale isn’t built through perks alone; it’s built through trust, communication, and feeling genuinely valued.

Trust me, I’ve done my fair share of jobs where I didn’t feel valued..

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to lead with clarity and empathy at the same time. My team always knows what’s expected of them, but they also know they’re supported as humans. We talk openly, we check in often, and we create space for honest conversations — not just about work, but about life. When people feel safe to communicate, morale naturally stays higher.

I’m also very intentional about creating a culture, not just a workplace. From day one, I’ve been clear that we value kindness, inclusivity, and community over competition. There’s no room for gatekeeping or comparison within our team. We celebrate each other’s wins, support growth at different stages of life, and encourage individuality rather than conformity.

Recognition is another huge piece. People want to feel seen. I make it a priority to acknowledge both big achievements and small efforts — whether that’s client feedback, consistency, growth, or simply showing up with a great attitude. Feeling appreciated fuels motivation far more than pressure ever could.

I also believe strong morale comes from empowerment. I invest in my team through education, mentorship, and opportunities to grow their skills and confidence. When people feel like they’re evolving — not stuck — they’re more engaged, loyal, and excited to be part of the bigger picture.

Finally, I try to lead by example. I hold myself to the same standards I expect from my team. I show up prepared, respectful, and open to feedback. Culture flows from the top, and if you want a team that feels motivated, connected, and proud of their work, you have to model that energy every day.

At the end of the day, high morale isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being intentional. When people feel respected, supported, and aligned with the mission, they don’t just work for you — they grow with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dezirabletanz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dezirabletanz?igsh=MWY4dGY4c2RnMXV1cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AptzNjFxi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Whitney Kyleen Photo