Tanning Blog: Airbrush and Spray Tanning

Can You Buy A Business For $500?

What can you buy today for $500?

• A great stereo?
• A few Kobe beef steaks?
• A coffee maker?

What about a business with the potential to make you $71,000 a year? Let me explain...

...for $500, you could get started with a mobile spray tanning business

For the startup costs of $500, you get everything you need to create your own mobile spray tanning business. To be fair, $500 is a lot of money but let's quantify the upside of a mobile spray tanning business.

First, let's establish some basic formulas and some definitions...

• Revenues – Costs = Profits (aka, $$$).
• Revenue: Income earned from business activity.
• Cost (Cost of Goods): The amount paid for a good(s).
• Profit (Gross Profit): Excess revenue left over after subtracting cost(s).

Let's discuss a hypothetical mobile tanning business (let's call it Chloe's Tans) and the numbers involved...

Chloe’s Tans earned $4,500 in May of 2011 (revenue). Chloe paid $580 in May of 2011 for her business supplies, marketing, etc. (costs). At the end of the month, Chloe has $3,920 left over (gross profits).

How It Breaks Down...

At a minimum level, you can get everything you need to get a mobile spray tanning business for around $500. For more information on how to start your own mobile spray tanning business, click here.

Understanding The Mobile Spray Tanning Business...

The best way to understand the spray tanning market is download our 120-page book, Money Maker: Spray Tanning As A Business. It's the best, simplest way to understand the economics of the spray tanning business.

Start your mobile tanning business today!

Spray Tanning FAQs

It seems like every day, here at EnvyTan, we get asked the following five questions more than any others. With that in mind, here are the "big 5" frequently asked questions about spray tanning and the spray tanning industry...

Do I need a license and/or insurance to spray tan clients?

As of now, most states do not restrict the application of sunless tanners to cosmetologists or beauticians. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so you will want to check with your state Board of Cosmetology to be sure. You can locate this information by simply googling “Your State + Board of Cosmetology.” With respect to insurance, it is never a bad idea to protect against what could happen. We have been in business for quite some time and have never needed to file a claim for anything; however, I would highly recommend purchasing some type of liability insurance. You wouldn’t operate a vehicle without insurance, why would you run your company without it? Insurtec is a reputable specialty insurance vendor in this industry available here.

How do I get certified and trained as a professional spray tanning technician?

The best way to become certified as a sunless tanning technician is to get certified through EnvyTan Training Academy. To start your training, you may purchase a sunless tanning training video. However, the real training will come into play once you have your equipment and a couple of friends who are willing to be your training models. Be sure to use a training sunless tanning solution (Superficial or Withdrawal) during those first few attempts. Training solution has no DHA, so there are no lasting effects. In other words, when they shower, the color will completely wash off, and you can spray tan them over and over again until you feel comfortable with the application process.

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention our Bargain Shopper: Spray Tanning Bundle. At $125, it's a bargain. You get:

• Show Off: Spray Tanning Training Video
• It's Official: National Course and Certification
• Preview: 15 Minute Guide To Spray Tanning
• Money Maker: Spray Tanning As A Business
• So Serious: Professional Guide to Spray Tanning

Additionally, you should read any available eBooks about spray tanning. Why would you want to reinvent the wheel? Learn from the pros.

What kind of sunless tanning equipment should I use?

Over the years I have learned that the right type of equipment for your tanning environment is much more important than the right brand of equipment. We carry the Apollo line, as they have been leaders in the field of HVLP technology for many decades and we know that our clients are always very satisfied with the equipment performance when using the Apollo line. There are many, many vendors selling equipment online, so shop around and make the best decision for you and your business model.

Who makes the best DHA sunless tanning solution?

This is a question that you could spend hours on the Internet trying to answer, so I will spare you that trouble. The answer is... drum roll please... no one company makes the best solution. If there were one solution on the market that was always considered the best, then every single sunless tanning company on the planet would sell it, because they are all trying to sell their customers the best sunless tanning solution available, right?

For only $35, you can purchase the Interested: Envy Solution Sampler Kit. This allows you to try both solution lines, before you purchase solution in a larger quantity.... What are you waiting for? Get started today!

 

All About Spray Tanning (Part 1 Of 2)...

This blog post is designed to get you everything you need to know about spray tanning. Here goes...

...first, some definitions...

• Sunless taning/UV-free tanning--this refers to the entire industry of tanning without sun or artificial UV-rays.
• Sunless tanning--this concept refers to the industry built around healthy tanning that prevents skin cancer and premature aging.
• Sunless tanning product (aka. Self-Tanners)--this refers to producs with DHA, an FDA-approved skin coloring agent that causes no harmful side effects and produces a healthy, natural looking tan that wears away within a reasonable period of time.
• Bronzer--this type of sunless tanning agent is only temporary. It's equivalent to lipsticks. Unlike DHA-based products, bronzers will wash away during your first shower.
• Tan Extenders--these products are similar to self-tanners, but they have a lower level of DHA, which produces a lighter tan. These products are used to extend the life of a spray/sunless tan.
• Airbrush/Spray tanning--refers to the application of a DHA-based sunless tanning solution to a client’s skin by a tanning technician using airbrush/spray tanning equipment.

 So with those commonly asked questions, let's get into...

What is DHA?

Dihydroxyacetone, otherwise known by its street name, DHA, is a derivative of certain plant sources, namely sugar cane. In other words, it is not spray paint, dye, or any of the other things that you hear rumors about.

DHA was first discovered in the 1920s after doctors realized that it had the ability to turn their patients’ skin brown. It was discovered by accident, because it was routinely spilled on patients and staff who noted that it would turn their skin brown during medical procedures. I could go on here and tell you all about the biology and chemistry of DHA, but if you are anything like me, you only care about one major thing: Is DHA safe?

The answer is yes. DHA was approved by the FDA as a permanent ingredient on their list of approved cosmetic ingredients in the 1970s. They approved DHA for topical application to the skin, as research has proven that the coloring effect of DHA is a reaction with the amino acids in the surface layer of the skin. The skin reacts to contact with DHA by producing a brown color that resembles a suntan. The DHA reaction, aka the spray tan or sunless tanner, will wear off as the upper layer of surface skin wears off. This will happen at varying rates for different people, as everyone has different lifestyles, skin conditions, climates, and products that come into contact with their skin. The coloring effect of DHA on the skin has not been proven to be harmful in any way, on either a temporary or permanent basis.

Click here for Part 2 where we'll cover the other things you need to know about spray tanning.

The EnvyTan Story

2003, Los Angeles: I was in a steady Fortune 500 corporate job that flew me around the world. Specifically, I was a major account executive where I taught my clients how to improve and automate their business but...

...a snowboarding trip changed my life.

It all started when a girl on the trip with us said to me, "Elle, you are so beautiful, but seriously, you need to get a tan. You are too pale!" And shortly after this comment, I got into a minor snowboarding accident. I was laid up in the lodge with a broken arm for 10 days.

I spent the downtime, trying to figure out a way to give people, like me, who were not going to lay in the sun or a tanning bed an alternate way...aka safe...to look sun kissed.

It hit me...

Why not create my own mobile spray tanning business?

At first, it was just me. Every day, my business grew. Finally I loved to go to work.

Two years later, EnvyTan was not just me but a team of people dedicated to making this dream a reality. We transitioned from doing mobile spray tanning ourselves to making other people's spray tanning dreams come true. 

This meant creating, manufacturing and distributing the highest quality spray tanning products and accessories. And EnvyTan grew so fast that we couldn't continue to locate it in Los Angeles. So...

...we moved to Georgia in 2010 to keep costs low and customer service high. And that's where we're still located.

Being The Right Supplier

Everything we do at EnvyTan is dedicated to making your spray tanning business a success. We've been there. We've done it. And we can show you how to make a go of it for your business.

From marketing help to great supplies, we are your one-stop shop for making your spray tanning dream a realtiy.

Where To Start

If you'd like to make your spray tanning dreams a reality, the best thing to start with is our training programs.

Then check out our start up pro kits.

With EnvyTan, your spray tanning dreams are just a few clicks away.

Elle Kruger,
Founder EnvyTan

Spray Tanning Celebrities: Get Their Look...

With the recent ugly news of the "tanning mom", we thought we'd highlight some celebrities who are doing tanning that's healthy -- namely spray tanning.

Here are some celebrities who do spray tanning.

#1: Kim Kardashian:

 

#2: Jessica Alba:

 

#3: Anna Paquin:

 

#4: Denise Richards

 

 

#5: Melissa Gorga

 

#6: Paula Abdul

Of course, we'd all love to look like a celebrity, but how can you get their look? Simple...

...check out EnvyTan.com. We have everything you'll need to get started in spray tanning. The best place to start is...

...this exclusive sunless intro kit. With this $425 kit, you can get started with spray tanning for yourself. It has everything you need for spray tanning, including:

• HVLP Spray System, Optional* (Equipment, hose, and warranty)
• Show Off-Training DVD (Training and technique)
• Training Solution (32 oz bottle)
• Interested: Envy Solution Split Kit (4-8 oz bottles, Sinful 8%, Greedy 12%, Habit 8%, Strung Out 12%)
• Hide Out: pH Balancing Spray (16 oz bottle)
• Security: Pre-Tan Barrier Balm (8 oz jar)
• The Cleaner: Gun Cleaning Solution (16 oz bottle)
• It's Official: National Course & Certification** (and Extras)

The extras include:

• Framed Certificate
• Know It All: USB Drive
• Spray Artist Pro Club Registration
• EnvyTan National Locator Listing

It's the best way to get the polished, smooth spray tanning look that these celebrities have and to get started in the spray tanning world.

 

 

Beat The Recession: Become a Professional Spray Tanner...

It doesn't take a genius to see that most people are still struggling this economy. There are some really exciting things happening among the mixed economic news coming out each day.

The people who are thriving in this recession are following their passion. If you're passionate about spray tanning or the tanning industry industry in general, could you see yourself doing that for a living? If so...

...consider becoming an EnvyTan spray tan artist. Within a short time, you'll go from spray tan enthusiast to being able to make your living doing it.

EnvyTan is world leader in professional spray tanning. We know spray tanning and we want to give you the tools to make it in this business. This is a complete bootcamp to take you from A to Z.

Here's the complete list of what you'll learn:

1st Assignment: Briefing Headquarters

• Mission: The Basics School
• Application Guide
• Skin Type Chart
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 15 Minute Guide to Spray Tanning
• Client Information Forms
• EnvyTan You Tube Channel

2nd Assignment: Operation Go Pro

• Mission: Spray Tanning Qualification Course
• It’s Official: Sunless Course and Certification
• So Serious: Spray Tanning as a Business eBook
• Money Maker: Spray Tanning as a Business eBook
• Show Off: Spray Tanning Training Video
• Shoe In: Spray Tanning Training Audio Tapes
• Control Freak: Virtual Spray Pro Training Class
• Bargain Shopper: Spray Tanning Training Bundle

3rd Assignment: Special Operations

• Mission: Master Artist Qualification
• Private Showing: Hands On Qualification Class

What's more, besides a killer education on the spray tanning industry and how to make a living in it, you'll also get access to all-natural, organic, PETA and Eco-certified products. This means you can feel safe applying it to your clients.

We're looking for people who will love what they do. Beat the recession, help people look great and wake up excited to go to work. What could be better?

Click here to find out more about EnvyTan Academy...

EnvyTan: We're Still Here!

 

Nobody panic!

EnvyTan is still in business and we plan to stay that way!

In the past few days, we have received numerous frantic phone calls from our die-hard customers looking to buy out our remaining inventory.  And while you can purchase as much as you’d like—we’re not going anywhere.

Let me explain.

While the similarity in names may be causing the majority of confusion, EnvyTan (us) and Tan Envy (not us) are two separate companies.  We are two different entities; we are not partners, affiliates, etc. 

EnvyTan (us) would like to reassure our customers, first-time and millionth-time, that our doors are remaining open.  If you’re already a customer, keep coming back; if you’re a former Tan Envy customer, check us out at EnvyTan.com!

 

Models: Low Tans on London Catwalks

London Catwalks:  High Fashion, Low Tans.

I spent two weeks in England a few years ago.  It was the beginning of February and was a bit chilly.  The sun was shining—surprisingly and somewhat disappointingly, it didn’t rain the entire time I was there—but it was always windy…far too blustery to even think about tanning!  And while most of my time was spent checking out touristy things like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, I remember the people being friendly and pale.

And pale they shall remain… at least those on the catwalk… as the fashion industry leaders put their best foot forward.  A group of at least eleven top agencies have banned their models from using sunbeds. 

According to The Telegraph, "Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm Models and the woman who discovered Kate Moss, said: 'On the catwalk, being tanned is simply not desirable and certainly not worth jeopardising [sic] your health for.'

Cancer Research's R UV Ugly campaign found that skin cancer rates have quadrupled over the past three decades, and that a single use of a sunbed before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent.

A spokesperson for the charity said: 'If you feel you must have a tan, it is safer to fake it.'"

Spray tanning is a great, though temporary, way to give your skin a fabulous *healthy* glow.  Always have it applied by a technician, rather than an automated booth.  Technicians have more control over how much and where the spray is applied.  They can usually help you pick the correct solution level for your skin tone--though we always recommend choosing a shade that is only a few shades darker than your natural tone.  Check out our Envy Solution Sampler Kit, Interested, to find your perfect glow!

Spray Tanning: Welcome to 2012!

Welcome to 2012!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season!  We are back to business as usual and have already managed to pack all the orders that were placed over the holidays.  Anyone who placed an order after 9am EST on December 23, 2011, can expect their packages to begin arriving this week!  *Kudos* to our awesome shipping department for starting 2012 in high gear!

*             *             *

2012 brings with it the start of 40,000 new laws, many of them centered on cell phones/texting, voting/election rights and immigration.  And that golden state out west is setting more than one precedent.  Who knew California was so progressive?!

 

 

For 25% of California’s population, the first of the year brought new laws and new restrictions.  Twenty-five percent of the people in California are under the age of 18.  And that means no more UV tanning for them.

So you’ve been thinking about opening a spray tanning business, maybe adding it to your list of existing services, or maybe you are just looking for a lucrative hobby.  Um…hello?  Can you say “niche market”?!  One quarter of California’s population is forbidden to go to tanning beds!  That’s roughly 9.5 million people!  Of course, you can’t tan every single one of them, but think of the opportunity!  Applying just one spray tan a day at $30 each?  That’s almost $11,000 in 1 year!  Who wouldn’t love a little “rainy day” money?

Spray tanning is the safest and easiest way to get that gorgeous glow without a worry in the world.  With three packages available (all which can be purchased with any of our four pieces of HVLP Equipment), there’s something for everyone, whether you are just looking for the basics (Famous: Sunless Intro Kit), the whole EnvyTan package (Celebrity: Envy Pro Kit), or something in between (Casting Call: Spray Pro Kit).

Go on.  Get bitten by the spray tan bug!

FYI:  In California, you are no longer allowed to sell animals on street corners, in parking lots or at carnivals.  Selling them at state fairs is permitted.  Just in case you were wondering. 

California: What are your thoughts?

Dear EnvyTan Blog Readers,

Earlier this week, we posted an article about the passing of a new law in California--the first of its kind--that bans anyone under 18 from tanning beds.

We're curious. What are your thoughts? Take our super quick survey and let us know.

Thank you for your participation. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.*

Best,

EnvyTan Blog Writers

 

*Have something to say that's not addressed in the survey?  Drop us a line on Facebook or shoot us an email at info@envytan.com  

PETA: PETA Approved Tanning Solutions

 

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, burst onto the scene during the Silver Spring Monkeys Case, a case that would last 10 years. One of PETA’s founders, Alex Pacheco, had infiltrated a behavioral science lab in Silver Spring, Maryland and found that gruesome research was being conducted. PETA was founded in 1980, made headlines in 1981 and has been in the public eye since. The details of what was happening inside of that Silver Spring lab are far too gruesome to even be written about. It should suffice to say that Alex Pacheco found some extremely disturbing practices in play and decided that he should do something about it, and he did. He founded PETA for the global protection of all kinds of animals against these kinds of unnecessary atrocities.

Other PETA victories:

• North Carolina and Okalahoma, pig farms: brutal beatings and mistreatment of pigs, led to the first felony indictment of farm workers

• Florida: An exotic animal training school was found to beat the animals, leading the US Dept. of Agriculture to develop new regulations of animal training methods

• Mobil, Texaco, Shell, and other oil giants agreed to put covers over their exhaust stacks, as birds and bats would become trapped and die.

It is because of animal atrocities like these that EnvyTan is committed to cruelty-free practices.

We have always been and will continue to be a cruelty-free company. And now EnvyTan is proud to announce that we are PETA certified, which means that none of our products are tested on animals or contain animal byproducts. We hope that we will lead by example, especially in the beauty and cosmetics industry, because it’s not just about a spray tan, it’s about the world.

Happy Birthday to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA, who turns 31 this year. And while I may not be old enough to remember the case that started it all, I am proud to work for a company so dedicated to animal welfare.

Tanning Solutions: Improved Tanning Solutions

From electronic voting machines to electronic book readers, cell phones, submarines, and robots, we owe many of today’s advances to the science geeks, including our improved tanning solutions. It’s that time of the decade! It’s 2011 and it’s all about technology. Today we have access to more technology than ever before: iPhones, iPods, iPads, cars that parallel park themselves, cars that run on batteries, and the list goes on…

In keeping with the latest trends and technological advances, we are pleased to announce that we have embraced that technology and now our solutions are even better for your skin. They are hydrating and anti-aging, not to mention anti-cellulite! Now there really is a fat-zapping spray!

EnvyTan solutions have always been and continue to be all natural, noncomedogenic, fragrance and odor-free. We still do not add any parabens or any other chemical gunk! Our solutions have been certified organic and hypoallergenic! They have also been eco-certified.

At EnvyTan, we always strive for the best. After some friendly suggestions and tons of research, we are proud to share our updated solutions with you. Check out our improved EnvyTan Tanning Solutions!

Customer Feedback: Review Program

Red Carpet Reviews is a brand-new customer feedback and review program designed to let you, the customer, tell us, EnvyTan, what you think.

Starting this month, we will be changing what we ship to you…

Don’t panic!

Everything leaves our warehouse the same day if you’ve ordered by 9AM EST. We still use our beautiful red tissue paper and our gold stickers. But we are putting even more love into the way we do it. And the proof is in the box!

A Red Carpet Reviews letter is placed in every order that leaves our warehouse. What is a Red Carpet Reviews letter? I’m so glad you asked.

We want to know about your EnvyTan experience. And what better way to find out, than to ask directly! Simply send your thoughts to redcarpetreviews@envytan.com and you’ll automatically be entered to win $100 in free EnvyTan products through our monthly drawing.

Bonus: For the month of April, we’re accepting emails from past customers. Haven’t ordered anything this month? Don’t have an official Red Carpet Review letter? No biggie. Just send an email to redcarpetreviews@envytan.com.

With tax day looming…T-9 hours…who couldn’t use some free stuff?

Model Search: Spray Tanning Video

CALLING ALL ASPIRING MODELS IN GEORGIA!

Dipping your toes in the modeling waters or looking to jump right in; looking to get a leg up on your competition, or maybe you’re just looking for a free spray tan…

EnvyTan is searching for 15 new models for our video shoot and photo shoot.

Want more info? Check out our Model Search website or click here for the flyer.

Submissions must be made by April 27, 2011. Winners will be notified April 30 and the shoot will take place on June 15!

HVLP Spray Tanning Equipment: HVLP Equipment Loaner Program

EnvyTan is proud to present our HVLP Equipment Loaner Program, a fantastic program offered with the purchase of any model of our HVLP spray tanning equipment. So your equipment has a boo-boo and now you’re up the creek? Not so fast! Let EnvyTan toss you a life raft! Our EnvyTan HVLP Equipment Loaner Program is designed to keep your head above water in the unlikely event that something happens to your Apollo equipment.

This program is open to anyone who purchases our HVLP spray tanning equipment. Regardless of which piece of HVLP equipment you purchased, the Loaner Program will ship the T100, on loan, for you to use. This is in an effort to minimize shipping fees for our customers.

The 5 W’s:

The Who:

This program is available to any EnvyTan customer who purchases our Apollo HVLP spray tanning equipment.

The What:

The HVLP Loaner Program is just that. For a small fee, plus shipping, EnvyTan will loan you a T100 to use while yours is in the shop—to keep you from going belly-up.

The Where:

This is available to all EnvyTan customers, anywhere in the world.

The When:

Anytime you have an issue with your HVLP spray tanning equipment, call an EnvyTan representative to troubleshoot over the phone or facilitate a repair, 866 ENVY TAN.

The Why:

Why lose money when you don’t have too?! Even if you spray 1 client a day, at $30/tan, that’s a loss of $150 per week! Don’t sink—grab our EnvyTan life raft: HVLP Equipment Loaner Program! And we’re the only company who offers it!

Visit EnvyTan.com to view program details, including fees and shipping options. Click here to lean more. To take advantage of EnvyTan’s HVLP Equipment Loaner Program, contact an EnvyTan representative at 866 ENVY TAN.

Airbrush Tanning: Read our new articles on airbrush tanning!

EnvyTan is building a directory of articles on airbrush tanning for everyone to read. Check out our new articles on airbrush tanning supplies, airbrush tanning systems, the difference between airbrush tanning and spray tanning, adding spray tanning to your salon, and how to care for your airbrush tan. 

Airbrush Tanning Supplies:

http://www.envytan.com/Article%20Pages/Individual%20Articles/airbrush-tanning-supplies.htm

Airbrush Tanning Systems:

http://www.envytan.com/Article%20Pages/Individual%20Articles/airbrush-tanning-systems.htm

Airbrush Tanning Vs. Spray Tanning:

http://www.envytan.com/Article%20Pages/Individual%20Articles/airbrush-tanning-vs-spray-tanning.htm

Adding Airbrush Tanning To Your Salon:

http://www.envytan.com/Article%20Pages/Individual%20Articles/ask-your-salon-add-airbrush-tanning.htm

Before and After Your Airbrush Tan:

http://www.envytan.com/Article%20Pages/Individual%20Articles/before-after-your-airbrush-tan.htm

Happy Tanning!

Airbrush Tanning: EnvyTan on eBay

Good Morning,

I want to go on record as saying that unfortunately there is a company on the internet who does not respect our name brand, and has decided to call their company products by the reverse of our company name, which is a bit too close to our company name EnvyTan.

There is no affiliation between our two companies, other than the fact that we both sell spray tanning equipment, solution, and supplies. I want to personally apologize for any confusion that is caused to any sunless tanning customer by this less than questionable business tactic to clearly confuse our two company names.

Again, our company name is, was, and will continue to be EnvyTan, Inc. We are in no way affiliated to the company name that is has reversed our company name or product line. We are working diligently to address this issue and appreciate your patience and understanding while we at EnvyTan try to protect what is legally ours.

Thank you again.

To your success,

Elle Robertson

President/CEO

EnvyTan, Inc.

www.envytan.com

Apollo preparing to introduce the new T400. What's it all about?

New Model TC4 WhisperMist™ Tanning Center Workstation

Apollo Sprayers International Inc. is pleased to introduce it’s newest and latest HVLP spray equipment products for the UV Sunless Industry.

First is the addition of the WhisperMist™ TC4. The TC4 will provide a superior quality workstation similar to the TC3 at an affordable price for the smaller spa or tanning center. This unit will be supplied with the superb Apollo T6000 light weight Mist Applicator and a new special turbine motor installed.

No date for release has been scheduled. More news when it becomes available.