SprayChic Airbrush Tanning
Donation protected
**UPDATE** SprayChic is desperate for more help. We have officially hit our slow season. Fall/Winter is extremely difficult for us as those in our area aren't wearing shorts, dresses, or bikinis anymore. Usually, we are able to stay afloat because clients are going on vacations, going to holiday parties but COVID-19 is preventing all this from happening. In addition, in the past, we were able to capitalize on the Auto Show Gala in January but that doesn't even happen in January anymore.
If we aren't able to raise an additional $7500 I will have to close down and layoff employees again.
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unforeseen tragedy for all of us. Businesses, families, and individuals have all been impacted in some way by the coronavirus. I am asking for your help to maintain the business I love which supports our team members and our families.
SprayChic Airbrush Tanning was established during a time reminiscent of the challenges that we are all facing today. Although not as extreme, 2008 was a very trying time in terms of the economy. When I made the decision to close our doors on March 16, 2020, due to coronavirus I was scared of what that meant for my business. I was devastated that after 12 years of slowly growing and hitting certain levels of success that a pandemic could just take it all away. I just reminded myself that when I started SprayChic it was out of necessity to make ends meet. I reminded myself that those early years of business were often very dark and scary times and if I could do it then, I can do it now.
The difference now is that I have a team that depends on me. I am also proud to say that the business has gained an incredible following and reputation and I don't want to let our clients down.
Over the years, the business has been unintentionally cyclical. So, it's ironic that this is happening now. You see, I started SprayChic as a side business out of my former apartment in Farmington Hills, Mi. The first four years I was spray tanning clients in a tent in my dining room, as well as traveling to them and spray tanning them in their homes. By 2012, my husband and I were able to buy our current house and we decided that it was time to separate business from our home. The second four-year span was in the 450 sq. ft. space in downtown Farmington where I was able to hire a staff and have 2 spray tanning rooms.
Then in 2016, I moved to our current space in Wixom, Michigan. Our current location has allowed us to see more clients utilizing 3 spray tanning rooms (one with an automated booth that can be used for handheld spray tanning as well). So, here we are at the end of our third 4-year cycle and I don't want it to be the end of SprayChic Airbrush Tanning altogether.
My husband always told me that it was going to take baby steps to grow in the beginning. He was so smart to guide me in that way and to remind me to be patient. We saw so much potential in SprayChic, as well as the sunless industry. For me, it has always been about making others happy. Connecting with clients and being there for them for their big occasions - or just because. Through Homecomings, Proms, Graduations, Dates, Engagements, Interviews, Vacations, Weddings, Babies, and even Funerals.
I want to continue to be there. I want to continue to provide amazing service. I want to continue to provide jobs for my current team members and future team members. I want to continue to develop and grow SprayChic, as well as other sunless businesses. I want to continue to give back to the community as we've done over the years with donations, sponsorships, and volunteering.
We could've never imagined that a global pandemic would threaten our small business. Closing our doors was a tough decision but then not being able to open for 3 months was so extremely stressful. The bills didn't stop. Although I was able to qualify for the Oakland County Grant and the PPP, the funds have been used to maintain jobs and our rent obligation. March - September are our busiest months and we have lost 95% of our revenue.
SprayChic re-opened on June 17, 2020, and unfortunately, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of cancellations and slowness due to COVID-19. We are grateful to be open and are strictly adhering to CDC guidelines in order to maintain a safe environment for our clients and our team. I find myself increasingly nervous that Governor Whitmer may have to make the decision to shut down the beauty industry once again. With already reduced hours and decreased clientele, I don't know how we are going to stay afloat. I am passionate about this business and serving all of our amazing clients. I want to do what I've loved doing for the past 12 years for a long time to come. Your help and support are GREATLY appreciated!
If we aren't able to raise an additional $7500 I will have to close down and layoff employees again.
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unforeseen tragedy for all of us. Businesses, families, and individuals have all been impacted in some way by the coronavirus. I am asking for your help to maintain the business I love which supports our team members and our families.
SprayChic Airbrush Tanning was established during a time reminiscent of the challenges that we are all facing today. Although not as extreme, 2008 was a very trying time in terms of the economy. When I made the decision to close our doors on March 16, 2020, due to coronavirus I was scared of what that meant for my business. I was devastated that after 12 years of slowly growing and hitting certain levels of success that a pandemic could just take it all away. I just reminded myself that when I started SprayChic it was out of necessity to make ends meet. I reminded myself that those early years of business were often very dark and scary times and if I could do it then, I can do it now.
The difference now is that I have a team that depends on me. I am also proud to say that the business has gained an incredible following and reputation and I don't want to let our clients down.
Over the years, the business has been unintentionally cyclical. So, it's ironic that this is happening now. You see, I started SprayChic as a side business out of my former apartment in Farmington Hills, Mi. The first four years I was spray tanning clients in a tent in my dining room, as well as traveling to them and spray tanning them in their homes. By 2012, my husband and I were able to buy our current house and we decided that it was time to separate business from our home. The second four-year span was in the 450 sq. ft. space in downtown Farmington where I was able to hire a staff and have 2 spray tanning rooms.
Then in 2016, I moved to our current space in Wixom, Michigan. Our current location has allowed us to see more clients utilizing 3 spray tanning rooms (one with an automated booth that can be used for handheld spray tanning as well). So, here we are at the end of our third 4-year cycle and I don't want it to be the end of SprayChic Airbrush Tanning altogether.
My husband always told me that it was going to take baby steps to grow in the beginning. He was so smart to guide me in that way and to remind me to be patient. We saw so much potential in SprayChic, as well as the sunless industry. For me, it has always been about making others happy. Connecting with clients and being there for them for their big occasions - or just because. Through Homecomings, Proms, Graduations, Dates, Engagements, Interviews, Vacations, Weddings, Babies, and even Funerals.
I want to continue to be there. I want to continue to provide amazing service. I want to continue to provide jobs for my current team members and future team members. I want to continue to develop and grow SprayChic, as well as other sunless businesses. I want to continue to give back to the community as we've done over the years with donations, sponsorships, and volunteering.
We could've never imagined that a global pandemic would threaten our small business. Closing our doors was a tough decision but then not being able to open for 3 months was so extremely stressful. The bills didn't stop. Although I was able to qualify for the Oakland County Grant and the PPP, the funds have been used to maintain jobs and our rent obligation. March - September are our busiest months and we have lost 95% of our revenue.
SprayChic re-opened on June 17, 2020, and unfortunately, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of cancellations and slowness due to COVID-19. We are grateful to be open and are strictly adhering to CDC guidelines in order to maintain a safe environment for our clients and our team. I find myself increasingly nervous that Governor Whitmer may have to make the decision to shut down the beauty industry once again. With already reduced hours and decreased clientele, I don't know how we are going to stay afloat. I am passionate about this business and serving all of our amazing clients. I want to do what I've loved doing for the past 12 years for a long time to come. Your help and support are GREATLY appreciated!
Organizer
Carissa Serylo
Organizer
Wixom, MI