Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Abrams.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi there, Let me first say that I am so honored to be interviewed by VoyageATL! My name is Lauren Abrams & I am the Owner/Operator of Spray Tans by Lauren here in Atlanta. My story may sound like a lot of other humans just trying to find passion in this world, which could be pretty relatable:) I truly feel like the journey my path has led me on really did place me where I am supposed to be. I feel happy tears almost every day and that’s how I know. A girl’s intuition makes it that simple:)
I started in the Spray Tanning Industry back in 2011. I was very lucky to have been linked up through my family & community with one of the best in the Industry. If we rewind a bit back to my high school years… I had zero awareness of what tanning beds & sun damage actually did through the aging process so, I was thrilled to now work in such a healthy industry (I know a lot of you feel me on this!)
After I graduated from UGA in 2004, I was constantly seeking a stable career that made me feel excited or even just content. I worked at a lot of great places and had so much fun but I never felt that “click.” I felt empty. In 2010, after leaving one of the highest paying jobs I ever had, (I took a pay cut for some “me” time). I started working several side jobs just to figure out what I wanted and to make ends meet. Spray Tanning being one of them. I soon was able to quit my other side jobs to go full-time! In 2012, I started my own Airbrush Spray Tanning Business with a dear, extended family member of mine… Why not, you know? I was young and free! Years down the line, demand was full-force and I went solo, expanded and created a passionate, connected, business & world for myself. I got to connect with like-minded, grateful, beautiful humans everyday. I finally felt so proud & fulfilled!
Today, in 2023, ‘Spray Tans by Lauren’ is my 2nd Spray Tanning business baby! (I sold my 1st business back in 2018.) My business model looks a bit like my old one: I have a Mobile Spray Tanning Business (I come to you), that I have expanded to different parts of Atlanta. I have been very fortunate to work with some of the biggest Stars in the Film & Entertainment Industry. I teach Spray Tan Certification Classes all over the US, and travel to coach students to start their own businesses. I was so lucky to coach in St. Croix, Virgin Islands last year! I have connected with so many beautiful, like-minded clients, friends & talent throughout. I look forward to waking up everyday! I have come to the conclusion that this is what life is about. Passion, connection & love. I am beyond grateful & inspired. Oh, and I use all natural & organic, fragrance & paraben free products which aligns with my personal wellness journey!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would like to say that my business journey has been a well-oiled machine but I would only partly be telling the truth! My biggest challenge is work-life balance. As a business owner, we must create boundaries or else we will be working around the clock and even in our sleep. Raise your hands if you relate?! Happy to say that I love my job, so the balance feels really healthy at this time in my life. Oh, and the high rents & traffic in Atlanta. There is that. Oh…OH! AND all the PAST, terrible experiences people have had from Spray Tans. My goal is to change their mind about spray tans and hopefully bring them the best experience they have ever had
Do you wanna have a golden, smooth, flawless and even TAN in less than 10 minutes without any harm or damage? YES PLEASE!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to think of myself as an Artist but you know, sometimes imposter syndrome hits!
There is a special technique & flow to achieve a flawless Spray Tan. I definitely am happy to say in the 12 years I have been airbrushing, I have perfected it! My main goal is to not only make you a gorgeous Tan but to also make sure your results are matched with your undertones to look natural AND you are educated on skincare & aftercare. I always say no one should actually notice that you have a Spray Tan on! For those of you that have had terrible experiences, don’t let that stop you from trying again. It just takes the right, educated artist, high-quality ingredients, products and a healthy skin routine to get it just right.
Being a perfectionist in business, it is so very important to me that I pass education to my clients so that they know what they are getting and they have exceptional results & service. I also believe this is what creates trust between a service provider & client. With this connection, business growth will organically unfold from there.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Communicate. Respond. Stay humble.
Pricing:
- $65 & up for mobile
- $45-55 Home Studio Pricing (Referrals Only)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spraytansbylauren.com
- Instagram: @spray.tans_by_lauren
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spraytansbylauren
Image Credits
Head shot of me of is Sean Patrick Photography & makeup by One Conduit
