Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya MacDonald.
Sonya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m the proud owner of Bronze Buddha Glow, an organic airbrush spray tan business. Call me crazy but my spray tan business just kind of fell into my lap. Okay, maybe it wasn’t a complete accident as I believe all things happen for a reason, but I definitely wasn’t out there searching to start a business like this.
I’m a proud native of Phoenix and I had just moved back after spending a year-and-a-half in Canada. It was the summer of 2017 and at that time, I had picked up some part-time managerial work at a local yoga studio (I’ve always had a love for yoga and am also a certified yoga teacher). I was trying to figure out where I wanted to take my career next. I was in a bit of a transition phase when a casual meet up with one of my longtime friends lead me down a path I never expected…
While catching up with my friend, she mentioned to me that she was ready to sell her very successful spray tan business that she had created. A higher-powered voice within me responded and said, “Oh, maybe I should buy it from you.” Meanwhile, I knew nothing about spray tans nor had I ever even had a spray tan done on me before! I honestly don’t know where that comment even came from.
We left it at that, but I couldn’t get it off of my mind for the days that followed. I knew it was a sign, so I decided to revisit the conversation with my friend. We both agreed it would be a mutually beneficial decision, and I ended up purchasing the spray tan business from her and officially took ownership on December 1st of that year, after training with her for a few months prior to that. Fast forward two years later and here I am today. I absolutely love what I do, it’s become my passion, and know it’s just the beginning of the big dreams I have for this business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I know there will always be rocky, unpaved roads in business but it has surprisingly been a smoother road than I could have ever anticipated. I was very lucky in the fact that the purchase was a turnkey situation. I simply added a touch of my personality to it with some new decor and some new service product offerings and some awesome retail products and I was off and running!
After ten months of being in business, and just when I thought it was smooth sailing, I was notified by my landlord that they were closing their business and I had three weeks to find a new location, get set up, move in and keep my spray tan appointments going since they were already on my books. Yikes! That was definitely the most stressful time of my business and threw me for a loop! With the help of my amazing husband, some awesome friends and supportive family, we got moved in and kept the doors open all while doing the buildout of the new studio. Even though I shed a few tears of frustration and exhaustion, I stayed positive and mustered my way through it and it turned out better than I could’ve imagined. It’s such a great location! Truly everything does happen for a reason!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bronze Buddha Glow story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m proud of the fact that the technique that I use is a specialized spray tanning technique which follows the body’s natural curves and includes some contouring and highlighting and accentuating the body’s best assets. Each of my clients receives a custom blended color based on their natural skin tone and their desired color outcome and taking into consideration whether the tan is for a special occasion or event. In considering those things, the color will always be a beautiful bronze, glowy, and even tone – never orange or splotchy. Receiving a spray tan can be intimate and a bit intimidating so I strive to make sure that my clients feel extremely comfortable. My studio is a judgment-free zone!! One of my most popular offerings is the weekly Wednesday discounted pricing so Wednesdays are always a busy and fun day! I also do a ton of special occasion spray tans as well. I love to tan brides for not only their wedding day but also their engagement photoshoot, bridal shower and bachelorette party. It’s even more fun and special when their bridesmaids and families join them and come in together as a group. I also offer mobile spray tans so I can come to you and tan you in the comfort of your own home or at your resort if you’re a visitor to the area.
Tanning people for special events is always fun and exciting but more importantly, I see spray tans as a component of health and I also strongly believe in taking a holistic approach to it. I love that it’s the safest and best alternative and option for having a tan! With that being said, my approach includes being mindful of the following three pillars: mind, body, and soul. Of course, my custom spray tans give my clients the perfect glow, but I also believe that it serves an even greater purpose. My desire is to empower every client of mine to leave feeling healthier and happier! I want to give them the added confidence to feel like their best self! I like to say “I don’t just spray tan people, I help people have more confidence and happiness!”. It makes my heart happy when my clients leave with a big smile on their face and are holding their heads just a little higher than when they arrived! Feeling good is the GOAL!!!
I’m also extremely excited and super happy to officially announce a new venture I’ve finally brought to fruition. After hearing clients complain about forgetting to bring clothing to change into after they have their spray tan, or commenting about feeling unattractive or frumpy in the big baggy t-shirt and sweats they usually feel they have to wear because they don’t have anything else that’s loose fitting, I’ve had an idea of an “after tan” dress on my mind. After searching for over a year and not finding anything out there that fit my vision, I decided I’d simply have to design it myself. With the help of a local clothing designer and fabric store owner, I finally have my “After Glow Dress” and am working on a final design for an “After Glow Jumpsuit” as well. I’m not only looking forward to being able to offer these to my clients but I’ll be setting up wholesale options for other spray tanning businesses to be able to purchase and sell to their clients also! Keep an eye out for the official launch in the very near future!
We also offer some amazing retail products including locally manufactured organic body lotion and lip balms, along with other high-quality tan extending and self-tanning products!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think with women’s empowerment on the rise and our society becoming more educated on the detrimental effects of sun damage, the spray tan industry will continue to grow exponentially. I am a firm believer in using natural and organic products in my personal life and was only interested in purchasing this business because my friend was already using an organic tanning solution, which I continue to use to this day. As more people become educated on the benefits of using natural products, I think we will also see a rise in specifically the ‘organic’ spray tan niche. I so look forward to being a part of this movement to make people look and feel like their absolute happiest healthiest and confident best!
Pricing:
- Organic Airbrush Tan $40
- Weekly Wednesday Airbrush Tan $30
- Mobile Airbrush Tanning Service $75
- Student Glow $30
- Rapid Tan Solution Upgrade $5
- Anti Aging, Bronze Shimmer, Delicious Scents ~ Additives 1 for $3, 2 for $5, 3 for $7
Contact Info:
- Address: Located inside Sachi Salon Studios
3240 E. Camelback Rd
Suite 10
Phoenix, AZ 85018 - Website: www.bronzebuddhaglow.com
- Phone: 602-456-1637
- Email: sonyam@bronzebuddhaglow.com
- Instagram: @bronzebuddhaglow
- Facebook: facebook.com/bronzebuddhaglow
Image Credit:
Nicole Davidson @nicoledawnphoto; Lindsay Miller @thewhittonhouse
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