Episode Two - Jordan Hays
By Katlin Tara
In the second episode of the Prickly Pear Pod, we hear from Jordan Smith of Glo Spray Tans about her story, along with the best advice for those starting their own businesses! Jordan specializes in personal mobile spray tans in Nashville, providing a luxurious tanning experience highlighting one’s natural beauty.
Starting a business from the ground up is no small task, especially starting from scratch in another location – essentially building the business client base twice! Jordan’s experience in this inspires those of us who might be in the starting stages, trying to figure out how to grow and establish a clientele and successful business.
Beginning in Memphis where she’s originally from, Jordan initially took an interest in spray tanning as something to do for fun. But, as her trainer passed on the business to her, little did she know it would soon take off, becoming her full-time work for the next 7 years. While she found success in Memphis through connections she already had, moving to Nashville was a whole new ball game that called for trying different strategies and ways to get her business up and running in a new place. Word of mouth worked wonders as she ran special offers in return for social media posts, reached out to influencers online, and attended small business networking events to put herself out there.
Her first client in Nashville happened to be an influencer she met through a friend referring her business, which goes to show that networking and referring people often lays the groundwork for business. She reminds us that “you’re never going to regret putting yourself out there.”
Jordan relied on faith that the Lord would provide in what He called her to do, as she prayed for Him to prepare the soil before moving and has been following God as He brings the work. She credits the success of Glo to the Lord, because even while she didn’t have a business plan or a vision of where to go, He has always provided the work. She reminds us that even if it looks different from someone else, God will always meet your needs.
While her days and weeks may look unpredictable with varying appointments, she has established boundaries and self-care to maintain not only herself but the quality of the experience that she provides to clients. Business fluctuates during time off but she reminds us that it’s okay because there is room for everyone. Some of her key advice is to be supportive of other women starting a business, even if it’s similar to yours, and to continue being kind and doing your job well.
As daunting as it may be to start, she tells her younger self and anyone listening, “You have no idea who you’re about to meet – people you have looked up to.” How exciting is it that your dream person could be your next client? She leaves us with the reminder that it is a lot of hard work but to be willing to learn and do continued education while putting in the work.
Sometimes all we have to do is start and let God lead the rest. It’s going to take time and work and effort, but God will provide where He guides. As Annika prompts us in this conversation, He has taken you this far and won’t just leave you here, but this is a chance to surrender and trust Him. It may not always be an easy path, but it will be a good one when you’re doing what you are called.
Now that we’ve gotten an inside look at Jordan’s business story, listen more on this episode of the Pod, get to know her on Instagram, and treat yourself to a luxury tan by booking through her website!
