From Side Hustle To Six Figures: Dezirae Sepesi's Spray Tan Success Story
Welcome back to Daring Made! In today’s blog post, we delve deep into the inspiring journey of Dezirae Sepesi, a trailblazing entrepreneur in the spray tanning industry and the founder of Dezirable Tanz in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dezirae’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, authenticity, and hard work, showing how she transformed a side hustle into a thriving six-figure business.
Along the way, she has not only built a successful spray tan salon but has also become an educator and mentor, helping others find their path to success.
From Humble Beginnings to Business Ownership
Dezirae’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in her humble beginnings. Raised in a lower-income family, she witnessed firsthand the financial struggles of her parents, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and a determination to break free from the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.
This early experience fueled her desire to seek out opportunities that would provide financial stability and independence.
Despite the challenges, Dezirae’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore various avenues, eventually landing her in the beauty industry. Her leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t just about making money; it was about creating a life where she could be her own boss and control her destiny.
But as with any entrepreneurial journey, Dezirae’s path was far from straightforward.
The Early Years
Dezirae’s early career was marked by a series of odd jobs and experiences that taught her the value of perseverance. These experiences shaped her understanding of what it means to work hard and the importance of pursuing a passion.
Eventually, Dezirae found herself managing a food truck company, where she honed her operational skills and began to develop a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a business.
However, it wasn’t until she discovered spray tanning that she found her true calling.
The Leap into the Spray Tanning Industry
Dezirae’s journey into the spray tanning industry began in 2017 when she took over a family friend’s boutique. Although she had no prior business experience, she was determined to make it work.
This decision marked the beginning of what would become Dezirable Tanz, a name now synonymous with excellence in spray tanning in Knoxville.
Managing the boutique alongside her burgeoning spray tan business proved to be a difficult balancing act. The demands of running two businesses simultaneously were challenging, and Dezirae often found herself stretched thin.
However, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she faced her biggest challenge yet.
Pivoting During the Pandemic
The onset of the pandemic forced many businesses, including Dezirae’s, to reassess their operations. With the boutique facing significant challenges and uncertainty, Dezirae took a corporate job to make ends meet.
However, it was during this time that she realized her true passion lay in spray tanning. The corporate world, while stable, did not fulfill her the way her work in spray tanning did.
This realization led her to fully commit to her spray tan salon, Dezirable Tanz, and she never looked back. This decision to pivot during a global crisis speaks to Dezirae’s resilience and ability to adapt—two qualities essential for any successful entrepreneur.
Overcoming Struggles and Embracing Authenticity
Dezirae’s journey has not been without its struggles. Like many entrepreneurs, she faced the challenge of wearing multiple hats—business owner, employee, and individual. These responsibilities, coupled with the pressures of running a business, led her to experience depression and anxiety.
However, instead of hiding these struggles, Dezirae chose to be open and honest about them, particularly on social media.
“I know I’m not the only person that struggles with depression and anxiety,” Dezirae shares.
“I try to post relatable stuff, little snippets of me being human. A lot of people look at business owners as almost just like a robot, but I think it’s important to show that we have feelings too.”
The Importance of Authenticity
This authenticity has resonated deeply with her clients, many of whom appreciate her honesty and find comfort in knowing that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Dezirae’s ability to be real with her audience has helped her build a loyal following and created a strong community around her brand.
Dezirae’s approach to social media is a refreshing departure from the often-polished, highly-curated images many businesses project. By sharing her struggles, she humanizes her brand and makes it more relatable.
This transparency has become a cornerstone of her brand’s identity, setting Dezirable Tanz apart in an industry where authenticity can sometimes be overshadowed by perfectionism.
Building the Dezirable Tanz Brand
One of the key factors behind Dezirae’s success is her ability to create a brand that goes beyond just offering a service. Dezirable Tanz isn’t just a place to get a spray tan; it’s a sanctuary where clients feel valued, comfortable, and understood.
Dezirae has made it her mission to ensure that every client who walks through her doors leaves feeling more confident and beautiful.
Creating a Memorable Customer Experience
Her approach to branding is deeply rooted in the customer experience. From the moment a client books an appointment to the time they leave the salon, every touchpoint is designed to reflect the values of her brand.
This includes personalized service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to making every client feel like they are the most important person in the room.
“Your marketing efforts should always align with your brand’s promise and consistently tell the story of how your services can transform your client’s lives,” Dezirae advises.
This commitment to brand integrity has helped Dezirable Tanz become a recognizable and trusted name in Knoxville.
The Role of Social Media in Brand Building
Social media has played a crucial role in Dezirae’s brand-building efforts. By blending personal behind-the-scenes content with business updates, she has cultivated a loyal following that is deeply engaged with her brand.
Her posts are a mix of professional and personal, showcasing both the high-quality services she offers and the real person behind the business.
This strategy has been particularly effective in attracting a diverse clientele who appreciate her authenticity. It has also helped her build a strong online presence, which has been instrumental in the growth of her business.
Expanding Horizons: Growth and Future Plans
As Dezirable Tanz continues to thrive, Dezirae is focused on the future. She recently hired a second employee, a significant step in expanding her business and delegating responsibilities.
This move not only allows her to serve more clients but also gives her the freedom to focus on personal goals, such as starting a family.
Scaling the Business
Scaling a business while maintaining the personal touch that made it successful can be challenging, but Dezirae is committed to doing just that.
She is exploring ways to maintain the quality and consistency of her brand as she steps back from the day-to-day operations. This includes creating a more autonomous social media strategy that can run without her constant oversight and possibly launching a personal brand that complements her work at Dezirable Tanz.
Expanding Her Reach
Looking ahead, Dezirae is also considering expanding her reach beyond Knoxville. She has received inquiries from clients and other business owners interested in her approach to spray tanning and brand building.
This interest has sparked ideas for expanding her business model to include training programs, workshops, and even franchising opportunities.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dezirae’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to enter the beauty and wellness industry.
Here are some of the key takeaways she shared:
1. Get Professional Financial Help
One of the first pieces of advice Dezirae offers is the importance of hiring a bookkeeper or CPA. Managing finances can be overwhelming, especially as your business grows. Having a professional handle your books ensures that your business remains financially healthy and sustainable.
2. Ask Questions and Seek Mentorship
Dezirae emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and mentorship from others in the industry. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for advice and guidance,” she says.
Surrounding yourself with experienced professionals can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
3. Make Informed Investments
When it comes to investing in your business, Dezirae advises making informed decisions.
“Ensure any money spent is likely to yield a good return, and consult with financial experts before making large expenditures,” she suggests.
This approach has helped her avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on investments that drive growth.
4. Embrace Authenticity
Dezirae’s success is rooted in her authenticity. By being real with her clients and showing them her true self, she has built a brand that people trust and love.
5. Focus on the Customer Experience
Finally, Dezirae stresses the importance of focusing on the customer experience.
“It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about creating an experience that makes your clients feel special,” she explains.
By prioritizing the needs and desires of her clients, Dezirae has created a loyal customer base that continues to grow.
Continuing to Empower Others
Dezirae’s impact extends beyond her own business. She is passionate about empowering others through education and training.
She offers spray tan training for those interested in starting their own businesses, helping women find financial independence and empowerment through entrepreneurship.
Her goal is to create a community of empowered individuals who can take control of their lives and build successful businesses.
Through her training programs, Dezirae is helping to pave the way for the next generation of spray tan artists and entrepreneurs.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Dezirable Tanz?
As Dezirae looks to the future, she is focused on expanding her business while staying true to the values that have made Dezirable Tanz successful. She is exploring opportunities to grow her brand, both locally and potentially on a larger scale.
Whether through franchising, launching new services, or expanding her training programs, Dezirae is committed to continuing her journey of growth and empowerment.
Launching a Personal Brand
In addition to growing Dezirable Tanz, Dezirae is also considering launching a personal brand that aligns with her work but allows her to explore other passions.
This could include speaking engagements, workshops, and online courses focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and personal development.
Maintaining Balance
As she embarks on these new ventures, Dezirae is also mindful of maintaining a balance between her personal and professional life.
Starting a family is one of her top priorities, and she is determined to create a business model that allows her to achieve her personal goals while continuing to grow her business.
Dezirae’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and hard work. If you’re inspired by her story and want to learn more, you can follow her on Instagram at @DezirableTanz.
Keep an eye out for her new website, launching next month, which will provide even more resources for those interested in starting their own spray tan salon.
Thank you, Dezirae, for sharing your story and insights with us. We’re excited to see where your journey takes you next!
For more inspirational stories, business advice, and insights, stay tuned to Daring Made. We’ll see you in the next blog!
From Side Hustle To Six-Figures: Dezirae Sepesi's Spray Tan Success Story