Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Richey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe that to be successful, you have to truly believe in your mission and never give up on your dream. The grind never stops, and as you start to see the fruits of your labor, you push even harder. Hard work always pays off in due time.

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

My name is Erin, and I’m the owner of The Bronzed Babe LLC, a beauty business specializing in luxury spray tans and permanent jewelry. At 24, I decided I wanted to create something of my own—a business I could build from the ground up and eventually run full-time. I had no background in entrepreneurship, but I was determined to make it work. While working full-time in healthcare, I took a leap of faith, renting a suite with zero clients and no guarantee of success. For seven months, I worked tirelessly—clocking out of my job and heading straight to my business, spray tanning clients until as late as 11 PM. I hustled, marketed myself, and poured everything into building my brand. Eventually, the hard work paid off, and I was able to leave my full-time job to focus on The Bronzed Babe entirely.

At The Bronzed Babe, I provide flawless, custom spray tans that enhance confidence and give my clients a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure. I also offer permanent jewelry—delicate, high-quality pieces that are welded together for a seamless, clasp-free look. But beyond just beauty services, my goal is to create an experience where my clients feel welcomed, empowered, and their absolute best.

What sets me apart is my passion for what I do and the relationships I build with my clients. I don’t just offer a service—I create a space where people feel comfortable, uplifted, and valued. I also pride myself on being a resource for others in the industry, offering mentorship and sharing the marketing strategies that helped me grow my own business.

I’m most proud of the journey I took to get here—the late nights, the challenges, and the faith I had when I had nothing else to fall back on. I want people to know that success comes from believing in your mission and staying consistent. Hard work always pays off in due time, and I’m living proof of that. But above all-God is the reason for my success. He’s given me talents and abilities, and I have used what He has given me. He has guided me throughout this journey, and I thank Him for that each day.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation in the beauty industry was built through a combination of high-quality service, consistency, and genuine connections with my clients. From day one, I made it a priority to provide an exceptional experience—whether it was delivering flawless, natural-looking spray tans or ensuring my permanent jewelry clients left feeling special and confident. I focused heavily on customer service, always making sure every client felt welcomed, valued, and comfortable in my space.

Social media also played a huge role in building my brand. I used strategic marketing techniques to showcase my work, educate potential clients, and engage with my audience in a personable and relatable way. Word-of-mouth referrals became a driving force because my clients trusted me and shared their experiences with others.

But above all, I think what truly set me apart was my passion and work ethic. I wasn’t afraid to put in the long hours, invest in myself, and continuously learn and improve. I showed up every single day with the same energy and commitment, and people took notice. Over time, that dedication built trust, credibility, and a strong reputation in my market.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started The Bronzed Babe LLC, I had no existing audience and no idea how to market myself beyond word-of-mouth. I knew that social media was going to be a game-changer, so I made it my mission to learn everything I could about content creation, branding, and engagement strategies.

The first thing I did was show up consistently. I posted regularly—sharing everything from behind-the-scenes clips to before-and-after results, client testimonials, and educational content about spray tans and permanent jewelry. I also made sure my personality shined through in my posts and stories because I wanted people to connect with me, not just my services.

Another key factor was engagement. I didn’t just post and disappear—I actively interacted with my followers, responded to comments and DMs, and engaged with other local businesses and potential clients. This helped build relationships and kept my audience invested in my brand.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is: be consistent, be authentic, and provide value. People want to connect with you, not just your product or service. Show up on stories, talk to your audience, and educate them on what you offer. Also, don’t be afraid to use trends, collaborate with others, and experiment with different types of content to see what resonates with your audience. Growth takes time, but if you stay consistent and keep putting in the work, your audience will grow!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebronzedbabe.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thebronzedbabe_?igsh=YjloajN5N3k3aHVm&utm_source=qr
• Other: My photographer’s instagram. I would love for her to get credit for these photos.
  @ttsimages

Image Credits

Tessa Salahi