#WIB – Q&A With Melissa Bekker Managing Director Of The Tan Lab
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. THE TAN LAB was originally founded by Shannon Mathie with over 15 years experience in the beauty industry. Sunless tanning is something she has always been passionate about. The dangers of the sun and the damage it can cause were made even more real to her after a life-changing Melanoma scare and surgery.
With an obsession for sunless tanning products, she used various brands in her Spa, many of which were imported and came at a price! With many years of spray tanning experience, it was evident that locally produced products were limited and lacked the exceptional quality of the imported brands.
Based on her knowledge, Shannon knew there was room in the market to develop a premium product range that met the criteria of imported brands she had used over the years. For this reason, she set out to develop a high-quality range of sunless tanning products. THE TAN LAB was born after two years of in-depth research and development.
Shannon Mathie is no longer involved in THE TAN LAB, but her directorship and vision won’t be forgotten. Shannon has been an unbelievable mentor and role model to me, I am forever grateful to her for sharing her knowledge with me and believing in me.
Formulated with 2 active ingredients.
With a “less is more” approach, the focus was to develop the most natural-looking tan for any skin tone – A tan that would never go ORANGE or look unnatural! The innovative mix of 2 active ingredients was tested extensively and consequently proved to deliver! The result was the most natural-looking tan that lasts longer and fades evenly. A range unmatched by DHA only products.
A brand with a conscience.
All our products are vegan-friendly.
The Brand is endorsed by Beauty without cruelty – The Tan Lab adheres to the Beauty without Cruelty regulations and consumers can be assured that all products are endorsed by this organisation. So, wear your tan proudly and with peace of mind knowing that your tan has not, and will never, be tested on animals.
THE TAN LAB consists of professional solutions and equipment for salons/spas and mobile tanners, as well as a full retail range. THE TAN LAB supports local business as much as possible and we have some of our equipment locally manufactured. This ensures that we provide our clients with quality local products at affordable prices.
Innovation excites us!
THE TAN LAB added three new retail products to our range in 2017. We have also launched a new range called Athlete Competition Tan. We are set to create a stir in the Competition Tanning market!
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I have been in the beauty industry for over 10 years, and after parting ways with my beauty salon, I started a new venture at THE TAN LAB as National Consultant and Training Facilitator. My passion and love for the sunless tanning industry made me the ideal new owner for THE TAN LAB. I took over ownership of the business along with my dad as my partner from October 2020.
With the major negative effect the covid-19 pandemic had on the beauty industry, I was retrenched by The Tan Lab at the end of March 2020. I then endured 7 months of unemployment and managed to get by with small jobs and perseverance and the mere fact that I refused to give up (along with an amazing support structure, family, and friends!)
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I am currently the Managing Director of the business. I manage the day-to-day responsibilities of running and growing the business. My duties include everything from sales, stock control, accounting, client relations, HR, social media interaction, marketing, and more…
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I obtained a Certificate in Marketing Administration through Intec College. This was a 3-year long distance study I completed part-time while working. I believe that experience is the best teacher, and my entrepreneurship is something I was born with. I am absolutely passionate about succeeding and being an independent and strong woman.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. It was brought to my attention by my previous employer that she is planning to sell the business. Initially, I brushed the idea off as silly, however, with enough motivation, I started a business plan and forecast sales projections, and presented the plan to my stepbrother who is currently residing in Canada. He was very impressed with my projections, however, was unable to invest at that stage as he had just started a new position at a Company and had just purchased a new home.
My next attempt was approaching my father who was in the process of buying another business at the time. After working through my business plan, he decided to invest in The Tan Lab instead. We drew up an agreement and currently, I am exceeding his expectations.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. I almost want to start answering this question with a ‘giggle’ as I don’t think that anything about my workday is average! It is most definitely enjoyable. I like to start my day off with a good workout/run / brisk walk to get the blood flowing. I have a much-needed cup of coffee with a satisfying bowl of oats. In between that, I will tend to my phone numerous times to respond to e-mails/WhatsApps/social media DM’s; Tags; comments.
I feel that a personal relationship with all my clients is vital, and I try to be as responsive as possible and attend to their needs and enquiries as soon as possible. I do all marketing myself. I am responsible for generating quotations, invoicing orders, arranging shipping of orders, stock control and communication, sales projections, forecast, and Purchase Orders with our product manufacturer. I have an absolute love for what I do, and therefore the days fly by!
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. I believe that a good balance is key to success. No matter which aspect you refer to, if it is not balanced, chaos is sure to follow. With covid-19 playing such a huge role ever since my take-over, it was imperative that my office is home-based. I have a 10-year-old boy who is the absolute apple of my eye. School has been very unpredictable and in between keeping clients happy, keeping orders going out, and keeping my boy entertained, schooled, and fed is nothing short of a Kilimanjaro climb every day. I am blessed that I am in a position where multi-tasking and juggling still allows me to be a great mom whilst building an empire!
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. First and foremost, my son! Being able to show him what hard work and dedication is, is a privilege. I am driven by the idea of independence and being able to give my son and myself the life I believe we both deserve. I am not merely referring to financial freedom, but also being able to be a little more in control of your own time, because in the end, time is precious, and we never know how much of it we still have. I am inspired by other women being successful and not allowing others to put their dreams to sleep, but rather wake them up and realize them.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I think most great ideas come to us while we are supposed to be sleeping. Being an entrepreneur means lying awake many nights thinking up new ideas, concepts, running through client feedback in your mind, and trying to find inventive ways to meet their needs. I do believe that two minds are always better than one and will also take advice, ideas, criticism, and inspiration from others.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. Living in the modern day has allowed individuals and businesses to make use of great social media platforms for marketing their products, brand, and service. It has given us the opportunity to reach out to a large audience on a regular basis. Social media is a quick and convenient way of targeting your audience, interacting with your clients, and personalize your business relations.
We have a lovely website www.thetanlab.co.za which includes our online shop as E-commerce has become a huge part of people’s lives. Our social media platforms include Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
As much as I enjoy social media and the benefits thereof, I still believe that a personal relationship with clients is vital. Regular calls, e-mails, WhatsApp messages, and our monthly Newsletter generates new business for us. Word of mouth is always the best advertisement!
11. What is next for your business?
A. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag prematurely, but I can say that we are planning a new product to add to our amazing range soon (no date confirmed yet). Planning, formulating, etc has begun and we are very excited to extend our range and provide clients with even more from The Tan Lab.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Without a doubt, I would tell them to grab the bull by the horns. The greatest thing you can do for yourself is believe in yourself! We as women are often put down and we tend to believe that we are average and capable of nothing more than ordinary. That is NOT true! We all have a fire inside of us and it is up to you to ignite it and keep it burning.
Once you have an idea, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Learn as much as you can from as many people as possible. Everyone has something to teach. Be disciplined. Be determined. Be relentless. Be confident. And above ALL, stay humble and kind.
I have a great vision for THE TAN LAB and will go above and beyond for my customers and will ensure that all products remain the same quality and standards as everyone is accustomed to.
Thank you for the opportunity to give insight on myself and I hope that this inspires another amazing woman to become everything she has ever dreamed of becoming.