Tan on the Run is a mobile spray tanning service designed to help those who desire a tan but want to avoid sun damage.
Whether for the everyday, or an important event such as a wedding, prom, graduation or vacation, the company offers spray tans in-studio or in the comfort of the client’s home.
Sherri Picard is the representative for Innisfil, Barrie, Bradford, Alliston, Caledon, Tottenham, Bolton, Brampton, Thornhill and surrounding areas.
She was drawn to the company after seeing the founder, Nicole Hyatt, on Dragons’ Den in her second appearance 11 years ago.
“Within a week (of seeing the Dragons’ Den episode), I invested and became a franchisee … I went on to open franchises in Brampton, Vaughan, Caledon and Orangeville. About six years ago, I moved to Innisfil and have made my home here, serving Simcoe County and Friday (Harbour) as well,” Picard said.
In the original Dragons clip that aired in 2009, Kevin O'Leary worried each franchise owner may be capped at a certain income level.
“I would say that’s definitely not the case,” Picard said. “I have a team of women that work with me ... this has grown our demand and also offered our customers more flexibility.”
“This allows our customers to book in the mornings, afternoons, and into the late evenings — making us a very reliable service. I have a clientele that has been around since the beginning of my journey 11 years ago … I would say there is lots of room to expand.”
Hyatt didn’t get a deal the first time around, but she was offered one that she turned down in the seventh season. In an update available online, Hyatt explained the business had grown and expanded internationally since her last appearance in 2013.
Founded in Toronto, Tan on the Run has 40 franchises that include three locations in the United States and one in Mexico. They have been the official tan of the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Argonauts since 2017.
“Being a mobile spray tanning service, I am able to accommodate requests from actors, singers, and TV personalities,” Picard said.
She says she's sprayed musicians The Reklaws and Karl Wolf, professional wrestler Trish Stratus, and television personalities Cheryl Hickey, Meredith Shaw and Dina Pugliese among others.
“Tan on the Run is the go-to for many actors that come to GTA including Lady Gaga, Bebe Rexha, NKOTB, Pauly Shore and more. Our biggest project was tanning 400 people for the X-Men: Apocalypse movie a few years ago.”
With homes in both Toronto and Montreal, Wolf's used Picard’s services more than 50 times. He said he used to rely on tanning beds ahead of concerts or making television appearances before learning of Picard’s services from a friend about 10 years ago.
“It caters perfectly to someone like me, who travels regularly for concerts and events and spends a lot of time recording in my home studio,” Wolf said. “Sherri has been so accommodating and professional that I really use the sessions as a time to wind down and relax. I also love that no harmful products are used. As we all know, tanning beds and even sunbathing can be harmful to our skin and accelerate the aging process.”
Picard said the company uses its own solution that is odourless, vegan, and paraben-free.
“We are able to listen to the wants and needs of our clients, and modify and tweak our solution, to make it as natural and long-lasting as possible,” Picard said. “You can only use our formula within the franchise locations offered. We do not sell our solution outside of that.”
“Our solution is all made fresh with small batches and manufactured under the Proposition 65 law. We are always the leaders of the spray tanning world with new innovations making our company stand out.”
The tans last seven to 10 days and range in price from $60 for in-studio to $80 for mobile service.
“I’ve been here for over six years raising my two boys, aged 14 and 10. Innisfil has been an amazing place to grow as a business and grow as a family. My clients and I always talk about how Innisfil is the best place to live — the people, the nature, the community. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Picard said.
When asked what advice she gives to new franchisees, Picard said, “After working with Nicole side-by-side for 11 years and counting, (I) can truly say that I love this business so much and what it stands for. Being able to grow within the company, becoming a franchise trainer, and helping future women in business get started on their journey to becoming entrepreneurs has been a tremendous opportunity.”
To learn more about the company, check out its website or contact Picard directly at 647-909-8314.
