Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Mathews.
Hi Shelby, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Last May, I walked the stage and completed my degree in Marketing; it was a fantastic day for me. I began my new career as an accountant for Vision Hospitality Group in Chattanooga, TN. This was the end of my dance career when I walked the stage. I started dancing at 4 and was blessed to continue that in college. As I could go home after work and not have practice, I found myself looking for something to fill my time. When I was 17, I received my first spray tan for a dance competition. I fell in love with them as someone who does not tan in the sun. Fast forward to college, my dance team was sponsored by Sun Tan City. We were lucky enough to receive free tanning from them. Once I graduated and did not have that anymore, I was sad and thought of buying my machine. I thought about it for a few months, and then, after planning my wedding and honeymoon, I decided to bite the bullet and buy the machine. After purchasing the machine, I considered how to make this my own business. I have dreamed about being a girl boss for at least 8 years, and this was my opportunity to do it! I started designing my logo and a few graphics, and by the next two weeks, I had my certification and website, and I was already taking clients. I am four months in and a half over 100 clients. My nights are filled with appointments and meeting new people. I am incredibly grateful to have a small part in people’s weddings, engagements, baby showers, and more! My favorite reasons to spray tan are the girls for the dance competitions. This creates a full-circle moment for me. I can help them feel confident on stage, just as I thought when I started tanning!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have struggled a lot with being confident in my work and promoting it by mouth. As a business and marketing major, I find the business side of things easy. It gets tricky for me when I can share my business in person. I don’t want to pressure anyone or make them feel like they need a spray tan.
Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your business.
Sunless by Shelby is a studio and mobile spray tanning business based in Cleveland, TN, but it can be traveled anywhere. Shelby Mathews, a 22-year-old recent college graduate, owns and operates it. It specializes in 8-hour luxe and rapid tans. She hosts a wide range of solutions for any skin tone. Shelby is National Spray Tan Professional Association certified to create the custom tan you have always dreamed of. She offers solutions featuring scented, non-scented, gluten-free, paraben-free, and more!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For my business, I define success as when a client texts me a picture of their tan and explains how much they love it. I can also describe it as when we have a hiccup in the tan, and I get to correct it and learn for next time! My clients are incredibly supportive.
Pricing:
- Basic Tan $25
- Rapid Tan $35
- Mobile Tan $40+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunless-by-shelby-106600.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunlessbyshelby_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553687675556
Image Credits
Models: Leslie Davis, Dawson Durrett, Tynslee Patterson, & Kaylan Withrow Photos: Kennedy Bush, Avery Lane, Victorious Closet Photos
