"We all need to embrace our own self magnificence and understand that, giving ourselves the gift of time is not vanity but a true act of self-care."
What was your inspiration to start Go Brown Mobile Spray Tanning?
Prior to my husband and I starting Go Brown, I had been working as a model. After a very successful career as model, spanning 11 years, I found my self wanting to do something different, something that allowed me to have my own time, that allowed me to work my own hours and gave me the freedom to earn an income and still be present in my children's lives.
After some research, my husband (and founding partner), suggested Spray Tanning to me. Having had a few very bad spray tanning experiences, I initially gave very little thought to the idea. If not for Chris's persistence in wanting to start this little business, I probably would never have started it.
We then took some savings and purchased a tanning machine, cubicle and some solution. Not having any reliable training methods available to me, I searched high and low for information that would give me knowledge and experience to perform the perfect spray tan and run a successful business.
It was through this experience that Go Brown Mobile Spray Tanning and our Training module, The Art Of Spray Tanning Like A Professional was born.
How did you go from a single person tanning to having over 6o franchises and being in three countries?
As the demand for a more efficient, service orientated tanning services grew, the concept of Go Brown really started taking shape. From me starting out as a single spray tanner traveling the length and breadth of Cape Town, Go Brown started showing significant growth with in the first 4 years having doubled the total of number of tans done completed year on year. Over the last 14 years we have transformed the lives of over 11000 individuals through spray tanning and provided entrepreneur opportunities to over 70 women.
It has been through the sheer determination of delivering the perfect spray with exceptional client service that we have managed to establish our selves as the number 1 mobile spray tanning company in South Africa.
Was there ever a time where you thought that it would not work out?
Honestly... the first 2 years were extremely difficult!! During that time, on many occasions we thought that this venture would prove to be a failure. We faced so many tough challenges, which I think every new business faces at some time or another.
Typically it was about cash flow and finding systems that we could all work with.
It is very easy to start a business, it is a matter of a online registration and a few pieces of paper but to grow a business is harder than anything else we have ever done. It has been like raising another child!!
If you could name one thing that you believe contributed to the success of Go Brown, what would it be?
God, for sure.
We started Go Brown shortly after the spray tanning boom happened. Like I said early, I had a few cringe worthy spray tanning session when I was still modeling. With that always in the back of mind, we had to find ways to stand out from all the other tanning companies. We very quickly realised that bad spray tans were not always product related but rather a matter of client preparation or at least a lack there of. We then changed the way we did things by concentrating on client education, putting greater emphasis on educating the client on the pre and post spray tan care. This inevitably resulted in the client having a better tanning experience, a spray tan that lasted longer and a spray tan that faded naturally.
So, the second thing that contributed to our success was client education.
How have you managed to stay ahead of the competition?
Staying ahead of the competition is so important for your business to grow, you have to constantly be watching the industry trends. I leave this all up to Chris, it is what he does best. We always take the new trends into account when creating and developing any new products. Part of that creations is to always ensure that whatever we do, it is of the highest quality and up to date with any current trends. Ensuring that we stay ahead of our competition.
What have been some of the personal challenges you have had to face and how did you over come them?
Finding that balance between work and family. Our lives are consumed by all things Go Brown. It can be very difficult to switch from work to home and visa versa. I am so lucky though, that we have a group of amazing dependable people who work closely with us to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Any memorable moments from the last 14 years that come to mind?
There are just so many. If I had to pick one, it would be the day I spray tanned the lead actors for the Samson Movie that was filmed in South Africa. Spray tanning the ladies for Miss South Africa was also very special and something that we are very proud of doing. And then obviously some of the Technician get aways that we have, they are always loads of fun and very memorable
Going forward, where do you see Go Brown in the next 5-10 years?
Oh Wow!! It is important for us to remain South Africa's market leader in the "franchised" spray tanning business concept. Over the next 5 -10 years we trust that will have no less than 120 franchises in South Africa and at least 25 international franchises. But we need to stay grounded, stick to our core values
