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Check Out Emily Kelly’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Kelly

Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
EMK Spray Tan began as a small side hustle, something I never imagined would turn into a full-time career. But every time I got a spray tan, I felt like a completely different person—more confident, happier with how I looked, and walking with my head held higher. So, when the opportunity to get certified came up, I took it immediately!

For me, it was never just about the tan; it was about the confidence it brought. I wanted to create a space where people felt empowered, safe, and loved. That’s the message I started marketing—spray tans aren’t about hiding insecurities, they’re about embracing what makes you unique and beautiful.

I always say: never apologize for stretch marks, belly fat, no fat, scars, being tall, being short, big boobs, small boobs—anything that makes you a woman. We’re all too hard on ourselves, and EMK is here to remind you to own it.
I have to give credit to my clients without them I would be nothing. It’s such an honor to be trusted to have woman in a vulnerable state and be able to make their day a little brighter.

EMK Spray Tan started right in my basement, which we jokingly call “the dungeon.” I was spray tanning before work, after work—whenever I could. It quickly became my passion and recently opening up a store front in pleasant grove Utah. I now spray tan from both locations! I’m always researching how to make tans last longer, finding the best solutions, and learning new tricks to give my clients the best results possible.

I’m constantly looking out for my clients, even beyond the session itself. That’s why I offer products like Hype Girl moisturizer and Liquid Hype Body Oil—to help extend the life of their tans so that every minute of it counts and every penny is worth it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible journey with EMK Spray Tan, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took dedication and hard work. About two years in, I realized I had grown enough to make this my full-time career, and I thought, “Why not go for it?” Of course, not everything comes easily—social media has been my personal Everest. The pressure of keeping up and marketing every day can be intense, but like anything else, it’s just another challenge to overcome!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My clients gave me the nickname “Hype Girl Extraordinaire,” and it’s honestly my favorite title! The best part of my job is taking someone who’s nervous and vulnerable and making them laugh, smile, and leave feeling 100 times better than when they walked in. That’s what I’m most proud of—the incredible community I’ve built where everyone feels celebrated and uplifted.

At EMK Spray Tan, I specialize in truly custom tans. Every person’s skin is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. And orange? That’s never an option here! Identifying undertones is such a fun part of what I do, mixing colors that are perfectly tailored to each individual.

I also specialize in contour tans, which are some of my absolute favorites. Helping tone and define the body has given clients a confidence boost that’s priceless. I’ve even had women text me saying they finally felt comfortable enough to wear a swimsuit after years of avoiding them! Those moments are why I do what I do.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been an extrovert, someone who thrives on connection and building real, meaningful relationships. I was actually born in Bournemouth, England, and lived there until I was 7, before moving to Alaska for a few years, and then to Utah. That experience taught me how to connect with different people and audiences.

I always had a passion for the beauty industry. But growing up, I was influenced by others who told me it wasn’t a “real” career path and that I needed a fancy degree. So, I went on to get a master’s degree and worked in healthcare for five years. But deep down, I knew I wanted to be in beauty. I spent my younger years doing my friends’ hair and makeup, and even in high school, I styled so many girls for prom! It was always calling to me! I talked with my husband dozens of times about going to hair school or learning to pierce.

Thanks to my incredible husband, who pushed me to realize that it’s okay to change your mind and chase your dreams, EMK was born. It didn’t matter that I had a degree in something different—what mattered was following my passion.

Pricing:

  • Basic tan $25 Rapid Tan $32
  • Deluxe Basic Tan $32 Deluxe Rapid $32
  • Sweat proof Basic $35 Sweat proof rapid $40
  • Sweat-proof deluxe $55
  • I have many other options for tans as well!

Contact Info:

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