September 16, 2020

Meet Stephanie Mackamul of Spray Tans by Stephanie in LA & Ventura County

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Mackamul.

Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first started in the sunless industry in 2009 at a local salon where I instantly fell in love with airbrush tanning. Building relationships with clients, the #glowup moments, helping people feel beautiful and confident – its a rewarding feeling I can’t even explain.
In 2013 I knew I had to turn my passion into my career, specifically wanting to be working for myself offering mobile tanning. I left the salon and started a 7-4 desk job while spending the evenings and weekends working my side hustle (Spray Tans by Stephanie) – driving all over LA/Ventura tanning as often as possible to build my own clientele with the goal of eventually being successful enough to work for myself full time.

As of 2017 I’m proud to be airbrush tanning full-time, master certified by the NSTPA, specializing in bridal tans, connecting with hundreds of clients a month and loving every minute of it!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There will always be bumps in the road when trying to build your own business. I don’t just do spray tans, I manage the social media, handle my own bookkeeping, test and choose products, the list is never ending. A lot of people think its easy or it happens overnight and that is far from the truth. Years of working 2 jobs/15-16 hour days led me to where I am today. Some months are amazing, you’re at an all time high being your own boss and other months you struggle wondering why you didn’t take the “easy road” working for someone else.” In the end you have to be proud of every accomplishment as well as every struggle you’ve overcome because they are all part of your road to success.

In 2017 my business was at an all time high when my dad unexpectedly passed away. This was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as I lost all motivation and wasn’t sure I wanted to continue working. After about 3 weeks when I started seeing clients again, the amount of love and support they showed me reminded me why I love what I do and helped me decide to keep the business running. The relationships I’ve built over the last 11 years are the most rewarding part of what I do and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my amazing clients.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Spray Tans by Stephanie – what should we know?
Spray tans by Stephanie brings spray tans to you! No need to leave a storefront braless with no makeup in your “spray tan outfit” (if you know you know). I can set up almost anywhere! Bathroom, kitchen, living room, garage, backyard, whatever works for you, works for me! Set up takes just a few minutes, no mess, no clean-up, and the appointment only takes about 30 minutes.
New clients often mention being nervous to strip down in front of a stranger, who isn’t?! However, any client of mine will tell you my tanning tent is a strict judgement-free zone. I do everything in my power to make you feel comfortable throughout your appointment and I am not here to judge you. I want everyone to feel beautiful and confident and I love being a part of the process.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family and friends have been a major part of my success simply by cheering me on every step of the way.

My husband, who without hesitation said YES when I asked his thoughts on me starting up my own company despite us not having the extra cash to get it started at the time.

Many of my clients who are fellow small business owners are always offering me advice and support.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who supports my business, tells their friends, or simply shares my social media posts…every little thing holds a special place in my heart!

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