Glow Getter: Alexandra Post of Brightbar Boston
With just two years experience in the sunless tanning industry, Alexandra Post, founder of Brightbar Boston now owns one of Boston’s best-reviewed sunless tanning studios. Alex’s passion for entrepreneurship combined with a melanoma scare lead her to opening a studio where Bostonians can come and receive comfortable, luxurious spray tanning services where their skin’s health is number one priority. The salon’s spray tan menu includes a range of rapid and eight-hour solutions from a variety of brands all named after U.S. cities which develop into four shades: extra light, light, medium, and dark. The cute, bright, welcoming studio can be found in Boston’s North End neighborhood and provides a warm, tanning oasis where you’ll walk out beautifully bronzed — even during those cold Boston winters.
Alex Post, Brightbar Boston
Years in The Industry: 2
How did you get your start in the industry?: Like many teens, I was once enamored with beauty magazines. I dreamed of being an actress or model, but was disheartened by the cruel way women were scrutinized for their “flaws.” However, watching my mother develop a property management company from the ground-up triggered a new dream: entrepreneurship. When I attended the University of Miami for college, I was passionate about many things, especially learning the skills to eventually start my own business. But, like most young women in Coral Gables, Florida, I was also passionate about the beach and working to achieve that “healthy glow” from the sun. In fact, I enthusiastically tanned my way into a skin cancer scare that caused me to re-evaluate my entire outlook on life. Your outer appearance can help with feeling good about yourself, but health — both physical and mental — is even more vital. Beauty is skin deep — literally and figuratively!
After graduating and returning to Boston, a city full of trendsetters and health-conscious beauties who for some reason still persisted in being tan, I became deeply aware of the need for safe, organic sunless tanning. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America, and 90% of cases are caused by sun exposure, [according to the Skin Cancer Foundation]. And it can be deadly. Impassioned by the idea of starting a sunless tanning business, I visited salons across the city, only to discover spas where customers felt judged by technicians and staff. Many places felt dim and dirty and their employees seemed exhausted and disengaged from their work. I wanted to create a salon experience where customers felt safe and well-cared for by employees who felt the same. I wanted to create a space that was cute, clean, and comfortable, where the staff was fun and relatable, where customers could feel beautiful just as they are. I founded Brightbar Boston on the idea that spray tanning should be a healthy, happy, luxurious, educational experience. Skin care and sun damage protection are discussed at each appointment, and the space is warm, inviting, and judgement-free.
What were your initial steps in starting Bright Bar?: My initial step was learning how to tan — without the sun. My background in finance didn’t make it easy for me to pick up the craft. It took me about four months to learn the ins and outs of spray tanning. I tried more than 40 solutions and products to ensure I had the most effective and long-lasting product for my clients.
Tell us about the solutions you use: Our premium non-toxic and eco-friendly tanning solution ingredients are specifically chosen for their performance and exceptional skin care advantages, providing a healthy, natural tan in a matter of hours. We offer seven different types of airbrush tanning services [solutions], the most variety in the Boston area, enabling us to find the perfect solution for your skin tone.
What would you say are the key benefits to getting a spray tan in a studio vs. a mobile tan? It’s Cleaner. When I was first learning how to tan, I practiced in my apartment and never saw it splatter anywhere. Months in, I realized just because you cant see the tanning solution, does not mean it is not there. If we are doing a mobile tan in someone’s home, we take extra steps to ensure the solution does not spread by setting up a tent, but it is not always full-proof.
There is also not [always] proper ventilation at home, whereas our studio is a controlled environment that has the appropriate extraction systems. This is SO important, especially now with COVID-19. Our clients safety is our top priority and spray tans in our studio are the only option we recommend at this time.
It’s Quicker. I know a lot of people like doing mobile because it is in the comfort of their home, but in reality the setup and post tan breakdown time can take up to an hour or more. In the studio, our clients check-in, get sprayed and are checked out all within 15 minutes.
What has been the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur? The most rewarding/exciting part?: I love meeting other local business owners, learning from them and sharing our stories. We all work hard and it’s amazing to have such a close-knit circle where we support one another. It is challenging starting something from the ground up because nothing is guaranteed, but having that support system is more valuable than anything. We all want to see each other win.
And of course — seeing my clients smile when they look in the mirror after their tan is what makes this all worth it.
Best piece advice you’ve ever received?: Recently from my mom: “These are the times that set the boys apart from the men.”
From my parents: “If you care about something you can be successful in it. Whether it’s the salon industry, restaurant industry or finance industry. If you are passionate and enjoy what you do, success will come naturally.”
Your absolute favorite product or service you offer? Currently, my favorite tanning solution that we offer is our newest addition — Dreaming of Santorini! This premium solution looks and feels like to a trip to the Mediterranean. Skin fusion technology uses wheat amino acids to create long-lasting color and even fade, while Australian kakadu plum provides nourishment for your skin. Best part about it? It is quick drying and aromatherapy-based — leaving you feeling like you’re beachside with a drink in hand in as little as three hours.
My favorite product right now is EltMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. This facial sunscreen (that I use every day!) provides protection against the sun's harmful UV rays, as it hydrates and is gentle enough for post-procedure skin. The key to having the perfect canvas for a spray tan is exfoliation, hydration and sunscreen. Our skin loses elasticity and ages daily from the pollutions in the environment which can cause noticeable creases and lines in your tan. The EltaMD UV Daily is powered by hyaluronic acid and plumps your skin with lightweight moisture, while micronized zinc and octinoxate shield skin from UVA/UVB rays to prevent the visible signs of environmentally caused aging.
I also love Marlowe’s exfoliating bar soap. It’s one of the best tricks to exfoliating off old spray tans. It’s a Men’s product but you’d never know because it’s so gentle!
One instance when you should definitely see a spray tan artist vs. using a self-tanner?: Engagement and wedding photoshoots. This is where I see the most people regret using at-home self-tanner. At-home products are great for using in between spray tans to extend the life of your tan but they are not a sufficient replacement. In photos, any unevenness or splotchy spots from the at-home self-tanner become more noticeable. The only way to ensure a perfectly even tan that looks flawless in photos is by getting a spray.
What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs in the industry (especially during these unprecedented times)?: Just keep going—what’s the worst that’s going to happen?
What are some ways clients can help (if able to) their spray tan artists during Covid-19?: Stop spending so much time in the sun! Spray tan businesses have slowed down because people who are working from home are spending all their extra time baking in the sun. This significant UV exposure is harmful to your skin and causes damage you may not see with the naked eye. Our clients’ health and safety is everything to us, and we want to see them have the healthiest skin possible and choose us over the sun!
What do you know now that you wish you would’ve known when starting out in the industry?: Trust must be earned. When you start a business you don’t realize how long it will take the community to embrace you. It takes time to develop strong relationships with your clients and staff. My own vision for my business was always clear, but I had to make sure my employees could see it too. It was important to me to make sure we worked together as teammates. When they feel part of a team where their work is validated and noticed, they are loyal and provide exceptional customer service. With a shared vision and thoughtful planning and strategy, nearly any project can become successful.