Glow Getter: Jenni Blafer; Celebrity Spray Tan Artist & Founder of SKJ
Whether you’re a professional spray tan artist or simply a person who follows major celebrities on Instagram, you’ve likely seen Jenni Blafer’s work. The Los Angeles-based celebrity spray tan artist and founder of SKJ has a client list that includes the likes of Khloe Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Megan Fox, and more. Jenni and her team’s custom spray tans have graced red carpets, photoshoots, the covers of magazines, famous weddings, and in turn, your Instagram feeds.
What started out as a side gig for Jenni at the Nine Zero One salon in West Hollywood over 12 years ago, is now one of L.A.’s most popular spray tanning businesses. SKJ (which stands for Sunkissed by Jenni) began with just Jenni slinging tans during her summers off from teaching and has since evolved into a team of multiple artists, both in-salon and mobile services, and now a self tanning + tan aftercare collection. It would be easy to attribute Jenni’s success to being located inside the star-studded West Hollywood hair salon (her first client was Britney Spears), however, it’s her work ethic and humble attitude that’s helped her business grow over the past decade.
When Jenni started out in the sunless industry over 12 years ago, custom airbrush tans were still fairly new (and most definitely still a taboo), so being able to grow and sustain a business throughout all of the changes the industry has endured since then is a true fete. So read on for her exact words of advice for artists aspiring to grow a celebrity clientele, as well as how to grow a sunless business.
Number of years in the industry: 12
How did you get your start in the industry? One of my best friends worked for a distributing company that sold mobile [tanning] equipment, so she used me to train on. In turn, I purchased a kit and started it as a side gig to my teaching profession. A year later one of my childhood best friends opened a hair salon in West Hollywood and asked me to do spraying tanning at the salon during my summer’s. The first client she called me for was Britney Spears.
What were your initial steps in starting SKJ? I made sure I was using the best equipment, products, — and once I felt confident enough — I worked on building a name. Los Angeles is actually pretty small so referrals spread quickly.
What has been the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur? Most challenging: Riding the rollercoaster of emotions and wearing multiple hats.
The most rewarding/exciting part? Rewarding: Everything. This is my baby and to watch it grow is unexplainable.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received (in business or in life)? Stay in your own lane. It’s great to learn and stay up on the trends, but following your gut and staying in your lane will lead you to the most success.
celebrity spray tans by Jenni & the SKJ team.
Your absolute favorite product or service you offer? GLOW Moisturizing sunless tanner. [You can] build a pretty glow or add it on top of your spray tan. It’s user friendly, it’s insanely hydrating so the fade is perfection, and it glides on like silk. Use it with one of my buffing brushes and you’re good to go. It’s such a solid product.
What are your go-to tips for aftercare/maintaining a tan? Hydration!!! I don’t use soap on my body only necessary parts, drink a lot of water, and put on lotion literally right out of the shower while your pores are open.
One instance when you should definitely see a spray tan artist vs. using a self-tanner? WEDDINGS!!!!
How do you get tans to translate well into photographs? Know your solution(s), ounces for skin tone, the [gun] setting; and what transfers well at that golden hour, on the beach, red carpet, photoshoot, etc.
What advice would you give to spray tan artists who want to work with celebrities? Work hard, be kind, be fair, do great work and you’ll build a name. Eventually sought-after people will seek you. Also be a chameleon; adjust to personalities.
The most important lesson you learned the past year as a business owner through the challenges faced during Covid? Whoa. Ride the waves and trust the process. Keep going!!!!
What do you know now that you wish you would’ve known when starting out in the industry? Don’t be afraid to ask for anything: advice, help, introductions, connections, favors. If you don’t ask you’ll never know. People genuinely want to help.