When people ask me how much it costs to start a spray tanning business, they're usually expecting a big number.
They assume you need a salon.
A storefront.
Employees.
A business loan.
A fancy website.
The latest equipment.
But that's not how my story started.
More than 20 years ago, I was a single mom looking for a way to create more flexibility, more income, and more opportunities for my family. I didn't have investors. I didn't have a business degree. I certainly didn't have a large amount of money sitting in a savings account waiting to fund a business.
What I did have was approximately $500, a willingness to learn, and the determination to bet on myself.
Today, that $500 investment has grown into a multi-six-figure beauty business generating more than half a million dollars annually, serving thousands of clients, employing team members, and creating educational opportunities for beauty professionals across the country.
Most importantly?
I built it without loans, without investors, and without debt.
Can You Really Start a Spray Tan Business With $500?
Twenty years ago, I did.
Could someone do it today?
Maybe.
But realistically, most new spray tan artists should expect to invest between $1,000 and $3,000 for a professional mobile or home-based spray tanning setup. That typically includes equipment, solutions, supplies, basic business registration, insurance, and marketing materials.
The good news?
Compared to many businesses—and even compared to traditional beauty school tuition—the startup costs are still remarkably low.
In fact, spray tanning remains one of the most affordable beauty businesses to start.
Typical Beginner Investment
- Spray tan machine
- Spray tan solution
- Pop-up tent or extraction setup
- Disposable supplies
- Insurance
- Business registration
- Website and booking software
- Marketing materials
- Professional training
For many entrepreneurs, the total startup investment is less than what some people spend on a weekend getaway.
The Biggest Mistake New Business Owners Make
Most people think they need more money.
What they actually need is a plan.
One of the smartest decisions I ever made was refusing to grow faster than my business could support.
I didn't sign a lease before I had clients.
I didn't finance expensive equipment.
I didn't borrow money hoping future revenue would pay it back.
Instead, I followed a simple philosophy:
Let the business pay for the business.
Every upgrade.
Every expansion.
Every piece of equipment.
Every new opportunity.
The business funded it.
That mindset changed everything.
Because while other businesses were carrying debt, I was building equity.
The Real Secret Was Never Spray Tanning
This might surprise people.
The thing that built my business wasn't spray tanning.
It was learning business.
Spray tanning is the service.
Business is the vehicle.
Over the last two decades, I've learned that success comes from understanding:
- Pricing
- Profitability
- Client retention
- Marketing
- Retail sales
- Membership programs
- Systems
- Customer experience
- Financial management
The most talented spray tan artist in the world can still struggle financially if they don't understand business fundamentals.
Meanwhile, an average technician with strong systems can build an incredible company.
What Twenty Years in the Industry Has Taught Me
Today, I have the perspective that only comes from doing the work.
I've performed more than 60,000 spray tans.
I've earned more than 400 five-star reviews.
I've built one of Houston's most recognized spray tanning brands.
I've been featured in media publications and industry podcasts.
I've spoken to beauty school students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
I've served on advisory councils and industry panels.
I've competed as a contestant on a business reality show.
I've built relationships with brands, educators, and business leaders throughout the beauty industry.
But none of those opportunities existed when I first spent that $500.
They were earned one client at a time.
One lesson at a time.
One year at a time.
Why I Created GloPro
Here's the truth.
When I started my spray tanning business, there was no roadmap.
No mentor.
No certification program.
No business development course.
No AI tools.
No step-by-step blueprint.
Most of what I learned came through trial and error.
And trial and error can be expensive.
It can cost you time.
It can cost you money.
It can cost you confidence.
That's exactly why I created GloPro™ Spray Tan Certification and Business Development Program.
Because nobody should have to spend twenty years learning everything the hard way.
GloPro™ was designed to shorten the learning curve for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs and spray tan professionals.
Inside the program, students learn:
- Professional spray tan technique
- Equipment selection
- Business setup
- Marketing strategies
- Pricing models
- Membership systems
- Retail sales
- Client retention
- Business profitability
- AI tools for beauty professionals
Because after 20+ years in business, I've learned that talent alone doesn't create success.
Systems do.
What Starting With $500 Really Taught Me
The greatest lesson wasn't about spray tanning.
It wasn't about business.
It wasn't even about money.
It was about possibility.
That first $500 wasn't just an investment in equipment.
It was an investment in myself.
An investment in my future.
An investment in creating a life I couldn't yet see.
Today, when I teach aspiring spray tan artists through GloPro™, I'm reminded that many of them are standing exactly where I once stood.
They're wondering if they can do it.
They're wondering if they're ready.
They're wondering if it's worth the risk.
And my answer is simple:
You don't need perfect timing.
You don't need unlimited resources.
You don't need a huge investment.
You need education.
You need consistency.
You need a plan.
And most importantly, you need the courage to start.
Because twenty years from now, the decision that changes your life may look a lot like mine did:
A small investment.
A big dream.
And the willingness to bet on yourself.
About Stacey Fike
Stacey Fike is the founder of GloGirl Spray Tanning Boutique and creator of GloPro™ Spray Tan Certification and Business Development Program. With more than 20 years in the sunless tanning industry, Stacey has performed over 60,000 spray tans, earned more than 400 five-star reviews, speaks regualrly at beauty schools and industry events, appeared on multiple beauty business podcasts, and mentored aspiring beauty entrepreneurs nationwide. Her mission is to help beauty professionals build profitable, sustainable businesses through education, systems, and real-world experience.
