Glow Getter: Maria Michelle’lee; Spray Tan Artist & Diversity in Beauty Expert
After 13 years in the sunless industry it goes without saying that Toronto, Ontario-based spray tan artist Maria Michelle’lee (@heymariamichellelee) has seen the industry grow leaps and bounds. From the equipment, to the solutions, to the size of the industry itself, she’s witnessed a lot of change. However, even with all of the changes, there’s been one glaringly obvious part of the industry that still needs a lot of work: its inclusivity. For an industry that provides services that (temporarily) alters the skin, the range in skintones it caters to just isn’t good enough. From the solutions on the market, to brands’ marketing, to the overall inclusiveness of the industry as a whole — there’s a lot of room for improvement. And Maria is ready to coach and mentor those businesses into diversifying the industry.
Whether you’re a professional spray tan artist or solution brand owner, Maria can coach your business into catering to all skin tones. From suggestions for tweaking solutions so that can match a wider range of skin colors, to informing you of the correct dialogue that should be used to elevate the industry, and ways to attract a more diverse clientele — she’s got you covered. Read on for The Tan Bible’s exclusive interview with Maria regarding her courses and be sure to watch our Instagram live with Maria over on The Tan Bible’s Instagram at 7pm ET on Wednesday, April 13 to hear even more about her courses and opportunities to work with her.
Maria Michelle’lee,
Spray Tan Artist & Diversity in Beauty Expert & Coach
website: mariamichellelee.ca
instagram: @heymariamichellelee
Number of years in the industry: Approximately 13 years
How did you get your start?: My start began during my fitness industry phase; I was a competitor and my husband and I ran a successful boot camp company. This is what lead me to spray tanning my brother-in-law, who is a professional body builder. That then opened the door to me being the headline spray tan artist for a major fitness federation.
What were your initial steps in starting your sunless career? Honestly? A huge leap of faith and learning as I go. It was more of a " learn from my mistakes" rather than taking initial steps... I just seen an opportunity and jumped all the way in.
What has been the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur? The most rewarding/exciting part? The most challenging: COVID, The most rewarding: COVID — it happened to me and for me. The shutdown of the world as we knew it gave me a chance to pivot and rethink my whole purpose and what it is that I want to offer the world.
Best piece advice you’ve ever received (in business or in life)? “Don't worry about being first, focus on building longevity.” - Shannelle N. President, Creator, and owner of Sunna Inc.
Your absolute favorite product or service you offer? My POC Spray Tan Course & my Diversity In Beauty Coaching Services.
What are your go-to tips for aftercare/maintaining a tan? To maintain the melanin poppin’ glow: SunnaTan Colour Me Dark Mousse.
Aftercare...well more like, before, during and after: Black Girl Sunscreen, babe! The protection and moisture is beyond amazing!!
One instance when you should definitely see a spray tan artist vs. using a self-tanner? Oh that's easy, when the back isn't matching the front, and the feet look like they were done on the run.
How do you get tans to translate well into photographs? I will always add a dash or two of competition solution to a non-rapid solution and then have them shower very late at night. Don't know what it is, but it works every time. However, I would never do this for brides or pageant girls. They need to be a maximum of three days out from their event.
What do you know now that you wish you would’ve known when starting out in the industry? Keep my head down, mind my business, don’t focus on what others are doing, and [stop] wondering who is going to take business away from me.
When you focus on what you're doing, and BECOME the master of your own plan, you don't have time for other people and their mess. Also, there is more than enough spray tan solution for many of us, so if someone is going to work so hard to take clients from you or copy your work, it's only because they can't see their own worth, so they'll TRY and take yours.