Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gabriel.
Jessica, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve been into beauty for as long as I can remember. I grew up getting in tanning beds, and when I (years later) discovered the harm I had done to my body, I was shocked. Wanting to make a change, I started getting spray tans or using self-tanners, but the selection of quality tans and tanners available was lacking.
Around this time, there was a series of layoffs at my 9-5 job, and my position was eliminated. I traveled and took some time to soul search. The two main questions I asked myself were: a) What do I enjoy doing that I’m naturally good at? and b) What business is there a need for in my area? I knew if I could marry the two, I’d be onto something.
The friends I was visiting during my travels lived in various locations across the U.S. that had boutique-style spray tanning on practically every street corner. From there, I started to realize I had found my new business endeavor. Shortly after, I flew to California for training and certification and then returned home to start Golden Sunless Tan.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I create custom blended airbrush tans and apply them by hand to clients. This is important because every skin tone is different, with different undertones, so one color does not fit all. When you come into my space, you’re getting a tan created just for you: no one else will have the same one because only you have your skin.
And although the color selection and application are incredibly important, my real inspiration is the space you spend time in while you’re there. I want everyone to know that my space is a judgment-free zone, and spray tanning with me is for all ages, sizes, and walks of life. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, and the only thing you’re allowed to apologize for is being late!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
This is so true! Building a business is simultaneously the loneliest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. My advice would be to do whatever you can to spend time talking with other artists. They don’t need to be in your industry; they just need to have taken the plunge themselves. No one understands it quite like they do.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best way to keep up with me is on Instagram (@goldensunlesstan), but I have a website as well, www.goldensunlesstan.com. Another way to support my work is to simply spread the word!
Contact Info:
- Address: Golden Sunless Tan
160 Tracy Street Unit 4 Suite 12
Athens, Ga 30601 - Website: www.goldensunlesstan.com
- Phone: 706-371-6323
- Email: jess@goldensunlesstan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldensunlesstan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldensunlesstan/
Image Credit:
Adrienne Quinter, Carol Looney, Shelby Norris, Hannah Forsberg
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