Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Akins.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I moved back to Ohio from Los Angeles the summer of 2020. I had lived out there for five years, working as an esthetician doing sugaring and spray tanning for my own mobile business called Bare Essentials LA. At the time, I thought my move back to Ohio was just going to be a temporary stay – however, it turned out to be long-term and one of the best decisions I could make for my personal life and my business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been very fortunate to have tremendous support from Columbus locals. Because of this, things have been relatively smooth. Deciding to close the doors on my first business, move back across the country to a new city and completely start over was the hardest thing for me! I knew nothing about Columbus and hardly knew anyone. Not to mention, sugaring hair removal is not very popular in Columbus! I thought to myself, “this could be a good thing or a very bad thing.” But thankfully, it has been the best thing for my business! I’ve been able to introduce sugaring hair removal to so many people. And I’m so happy to be able to offer them a good, natural-looking spray tan along with it! Bringing all of my products, knowledge and skills from LA to Columbus has helped me tremendously when starting Sweetly Bronzed. And Columbus has been so welcoming to me and my small business, I truly am blessed to have relocated here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sweetly Bronzed?
Sweetly Bronzed is an all-organic airbrush tanning and sugaring hair removal business located in Columbus, OH. Sugaring is a gentle alternative to waxing, used with a water-soluble paste that consists of 3 simple ingredients: sugar, lemon and water. Our airbrush tanning solution is also used with all organic ingredients that will not only help prolong your tan but will give you the perfect natural-looking tan for any occasion. I’m extremely passionate about providing exceptional services with high-quality products without the overwhelming prices. I offer new clients a buy 1, get 1 free for their first spray tan AND Brazilian sugaring. Sugaring is much less painful than waxing and the only way for clients to see that is for them to come back four weeks after their first appointment! I like offering people the same complementary option for spray tanning since there’s so many weddings in Columbus! I want my brides to come in for a trial run for their spray tan. That way, the day of their wedding, bachelorette party or bridal shower, they can come back with ease – knowing their perfect shade for their big day. I also offer multiple monthly memberships where people can combine the two services.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Most definitely! As a small business owner who had to close a business and rebuild a new one, it has shown me the importance of shopping and supporting local. The Covid-19 crisis has also made me so much more grateful for what I get to do everyday. The pandemic has caused so much anxiety, loss and hardship for everyone and I feel like I get to be a little light to people’s day. After such a depressing and uncertain time, I’m able to add confidence and uplift someone’s spirit. I’m able to be a friend to people who don’t get to go out a lot. I get to be someone they look forward to seeing because they know they will leave feeling better and radiate that from the inside out. This is why I LOVE the beauty industry!
Pricing:
- Brazilian sugaring: $60
- Underarms: $20
- Spray tanning: $50
- Memberships: Save up to 33%
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetlybronzed@gmail.com
- Website: www.sweetlybronzed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetlybronzed/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Sweetlybronzed/
- Other: https://g.page/r/Cc0iYgmyKmXsEAo
Image Credits
Amber + Elle Photography Tara Lynnae Photography
