Today, we’re sitting down with Janessa Laureano, a true wellness entrepreneur who’s taken the leap to build not just one, but two brick-and-mortar businesses—a boutique fitness studio and Lolo Tan, her thriving spray tanning business in Toronto. Janessa shares her incredible journey, from chasing childhood dreams of owning a gym to juggling late nights bartending as she launched her entrepreneurial ventures.

On this episode of the gohappybeauty podcast, host Grant Kantsios welcomes Alex Hively, founder of the Hive Body Spa and Wellness in St. Louis. Alex takes us on a candid journey from her early days as a Chick-fil-A cashier and teenage tanning salon enthusiast, all the way to building one of St. Louis’s go-to destinations for luxury spray tans and body sculpting. Through plenty of honest reflection, Alex shares how her passion for the beauty industry—and a push from her boyfriend—helped her take the leap into entrepreneurship, even when she wasn’t sure what would come next.

You’ll hear how Alex used social media, aesthetic branding, and exceptional client experiences to stand out in a crowded market, transforming her business from solo side-hustle to a thriving brand with a dedicated team. Discover how she navigates the challenges of leadership, the lessons she’s carried from her first jobs, and why she believes in learning as you go and believing in yourself even when anxiety and sleepless nights hit.

Whether you’re an aspiring business owner, a sunless artist looking to grow, or simply a fan of inspiring journeys, this episode is packed with actionable advice and hard-won wisdom. So sit back, get ready to be inspired, and enjoy the story of how Alex brought her vision for the Hive to life!

Maximizing Beauty Business Profits Through Email Marketing With Jen Goff

Welcome to this episode of the happytans Podcast! Today, host Grant Kantsios sits down with Lindsey Bavin, the powerhouse behind Sunkissed Spray Tanning and Sunkissed Beauty Boutique in Massachusetts. Lindsey shares her incredible 15-year journey in the beauty industry, starting as a single mom spray-tanning clients in her basement and hustling her way to multiple thriving locations. She opens up about the challenges of pivoting her business during the pandemic, creating her own sunless tanning mousse, and the ongoing balancing act between growing her business and being there for her family.

Hey beauty bosses!

We’re back with another inspiring episode recap from the gohappybeauty Podcast—your go-to for stories that ignite your passion and elevate your business. This week, Grant sits down with Ashlei Hartman of Afterglow to uncover how she built her thriving tanning business from scratch after a big move to Madison, Wisconsin.

Welcome back to the happytans podcast! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Candace Montgomery, the powerhouse behind Gotta Get a Tan Spray Tan Studio in Burleson, Texas. With more than 25 years in the sunless tanning business—and nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience alongside her husband—Candace shares her remarkable journey from launching an HVAC company to pioneering one of the first sunless-only salons in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

In this episode of the GHB podcast, Stacey shares how she transitioned from a licensed massage therapist to a spray tanning pioneer, starting as a single mom offering mobile tans, to eventually opening her own brick-and-mortar studio employing a dedicated team. We dive into her philosophies on creating unforgettable client experiences, the systems that keep her salon running smoothly, and the value of consistency and personalization in every customer interaction.

Welcome to episode 152 of the happytans podcast. Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Christina Stoddard, the inspiring entrepreneur behind Beach Bum Spray Tans in Idaho. Christina juggles life as a single mother of four while running a flourishing sunless tanning business. In this episode, she shares her incredible journey from starting her business in a garage to establishing a successful brick-and-mortar location. Christina's story is one of determination and resilience, showing that with a go-getter attitude, anything is possible.

Starting with humble beginnings in the tanning industry, Janae has built an impressive brand and business in her small town, transforming it into a thriving community hub. Despite being in the industry for only a few years, Janae's clever strategies and dedication allowed her to take significant time off, like maternity leave, without worry, and she's even managed to enjoy vacations.

Welcome to episode 150 of the happytans podcast! In this milestone episode, we're thrilled to feature the dynamic co-founders of Nuda Sunless, Genevieve and Mahay, as they share their journey from unlikely beginnings in law and finance to creating a respected brand in the sunless tanning industry. Discover how they emphasize the importance of a strong storefront and online presence, staying current with industry trends, and maintaining close client relationships to stand out. With a focus on safe, inclusive tanning alternatives, their brand has grown steadily, reaching across Canada and the US with an impressive range of products. Learn how Nuda Sunless combines education and creative marketing to differentiate themselves and thrive in a rapidly expanding market. Tune in to hear insights on branding, business strategy, and the future of sunless tanning from the pioneers shaking up the industry.