We recently connected with Erica Hansen and have shared our conversation below.
Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
While being a stay at home to young twins and a new baby, I needed a flexible outlet for myself. I needed something to do for myself that made me feel productive outside of raising my kids. I knew that I wanted to interact with other adults, it had to flexible, and making money in the process would be a plus. Although having a degree in Kinesiology, the beauty industry has always been fun for me. I started researching spray tanning. I purchased the equipment I’d need and was able to find someone who had been doing it for years and owned their own salon to teach me. Through the patience of friends and family as well as attending a sunless tanning conference, I learned the craft. I grew my business and as PMJ become a trend, it became another interesting idea. Again, I found a training program, I purchased the necessary equipment and supplies and got to work.
Erica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Before I am a business owner, I am a mom and a wife. I work my business so I can have the flexibility to be with my family for important events, football games, dance recitals, vacations, etc. I’ve been spray tanning and continuing to learn about products and the industry for more than 6 years now. Professional grade products are all I use so the client leaves with the best results possible. I’m proud of my work when I am able to make people feel good about themselves and give a natural, flawless look. Whether it is for a casual night out or a major event like a wedding, treating each client with the same importance to me is the goal. Having a spray tan done can be awkward, especially for first time clients and it feels good when I’ve been told I’ve made them feel comfortable at their appointment.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I moved to a new area is when I decided to really “go for it” and do more with my business. I didn’t have the funds or the clientele to afford a space full time so I offered mobile spray tanning appointments. It went okay, but I also had several people contact me who wanted to come to me. I walked in to several salons and asked about rooms for rent and finally found a space where the owner was willing to work with me on an empty room she had I could work in. I started getting really busy and things were going great until COVID happened. I was forced to close down for months and when the Governor finally allowed me to reopen my business, it was slow. The salon found a full time renter for the room I had been set up in and per our agreement, I moved out and went back to mobile. I moved away, and then came back again and wanted to pursue my business more. Same, I had lost clients due to my move and needed to regain customers before opening up in a physical location. I regained clients, made an agreement with another salon and have been growing (again). This time, I also added permanent jewelry as a service. Closing, moving and rebuilding has been difficult and time consuming but I know that over time, I can do it again.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I do my best to keep in touch with old clients by interacting with them on social media, keeping them up to date with newsletters or sending offers through texts. I strive for excellence in providing outstanding service and hope to foster brand loyalty that way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.touchofsuneh.com
- Instagram: touchofsuneh
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/touch-of-sun-spray-tanning-reno-2
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Touch+of+Sun+Spray+Tanning+and+Permanent+Jewelry/@39.5173834,-119.8108371,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x80994134785ffb7b:0xea346ae1fb78c473!8m2!3d39.5173834!4d-119.8086484!16s%2Fg%2F11gvxzlytz
Image Credits
Axel Bostrom