New North Loop Business Offers Ways to Glow
What started as a mobile spray-tanning business four years ago has now found its new home in the North Loop. Blend, a new studio offering spray tanning, teeth whitening, tooth gems and body sculpting has opened in the Whitney Square Building.
Clients wait for their appointments in Blend’s colorful lobby.
Owner Erin Shelby says that most clients see her to prepare for a special event, but many end up returning regularly because of the confidence boost her services bring.
“I love being a part of that story for an individual,” said Shelby. “You can see their confidence increase immediately. I even have women who get these services to feel confident in the workplace, who have a job interview or a really important presentation.”
As the pandemic was winding down, Shelby found herself burned out at her sales job. She clicked onto a social media ad for spray-tanning certification that had been tempting her for awhile, and was inspired to try it. “At that same time, my best friend was diagnosed with melanoma from being in tanning beds and laying outside when she was younger, all the things we did when we were younger. It made me feel like this was a way I could promote a safe tan. I took the course and fell in love with it.”
Today, Blend has expanded to its other services that fit into today’s philosophy of self-care. “I do think the pandemic helped people see that they needed to take care of themselves,” said Shelby. “And for women especially, that might be feeling better physically when you look in the mirror. You walk with a pep in your step, and I think when women are confident, they can do anything!”
Blend’s body sculpting room.
Blend serves both male and female clients, with most clients being women between the ages of 20 and 45. “They’ll start spray-tanning because they’re getting married, going on vacation or have a special event,” explained Shelby. “And then they’re like, ‘Wow, I love how I feel, I love how I look, I want to start doing this regularly.'”
Blend’s spray tanning services are mobile or in-studio.
Blend is open for business now, but will host a Grand Opening party on Sept. 28 from 11am to 3pm. In addition to a vintage clothing retailer, North Loop businesses Bound jewelry and Vivid Violet Aura photography will join Shelby to celebrate. “I love how other North Loop businesses are eager to collaborate, work together. There’s so many cool businesses here!”
Blend’s spray tanning and teeth whitening services can take place in the North Loop studio, or Shelby can come to you with her mobile option. Tooth gems and body sculpting are done in-studio. The studio can also host group parties.
Scheduling for all services is done through Blend’s website. Blend is located in the Whitney Square Building at 210 N. 2nd Street, in Suite 040 on the lower level.
By Mary Binkley, North Loop volunteer