Wedding Q & A with Jojo of Southern TAN

I recently caught up with Jojo, the owner of Southern TAN in Invercargill. Jojo has tanned many of my beautiful brides over the last few years and it's through this awesome wedding industry that I have come to know this gorgeous woman! 

When I asked Jojo if she'd be a guest on my blog for my Wedding Q & A series she insisted I come down for a spray tan because I've actually never ever had a spray tan before in my life and I had so many questions for her! I'll admit I was a little nervous about getting pretty much naked and standing there having my body sprayed by someone I'd just met - but Jojo made the whole process so easy and chatty, while at the same time being a total professional. Even for a spray tan novice I could tell Jojo knew all the tricks to a perfect tan! And the results were beautiful!

Everyone I know who has been to Jojo before has rave reviews for this lady. Not only is she a master at spray tanning but Jojo is a beautiful, bubbly person who is surrounded by good vibes. And I just love the backstory to Jojo's business so I'm excited to share it with you on the blog today!

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JOJO, TELL ME HOW DID YOU GET INTO TANNING & HOW WAS ‘SOUTHERN TAN’ BORN?
Good question Heidi – firstly, I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d end up being a spray tanner! I left school & went straight into the NZ Army for years as an Infantry Soldier, then travelled and thought what now?! I knew I’d struggle with being a new mum and soldier doing tour of duties etc back in the Forces. Then when my husband Greig got a job opportunity in Southland eight years ago we went for it. One day I was chatting with my Mum about what I could do at home work-wise with two young children, and she suggested it. Boom! Southern TAN was born! I think mum’s exact words were “Darling you are so used to having a gun in your hand, swap it for a spray tan gun! Plus you are a lil’ OCD & you love to tan!” I booked myself onto a couple of spray tan courses but I wasn’t completely happy with the products so we started looking into making some of our own. We are very lucky we have family friends in the organic brewing business that helped us out!

WHAT IS YOUR VERY FAVOURITE PART ABOUT TANNING?
100% the clients & the banter we have! My tan room has a beautiful, private energy and I’m very grateful for the trust my clients put in me, plus seeing their faces with the tan results! I love being able to work from home & be there for my family. I’ve also made the most incredible friendships though this wee busy business!!

YOU USE ORGANIC, NATURAL PRODUCTS - TELL ME ABOUT THEM & WHY YOU USE THEM? 
Yes! Delicious Southern TAN goodness! We use beetroot juice, aloe vera, black walnut, cocoa, manuka honey, kelp, witch hazel, vitamin C, etc and the finest organic DHA % agents. I have to be confident in the products we source and apply to my trusted clients - plus I’m breathing it in all day every day!

ARE THERE DIFFERENT SHADES OF TAN OR CHOICE OF HOW ‘TANNED’ YOU CAN GO? BECAUSE ALL YOUR TANS LOOK SUPER NATURAL!
Yes! Absolutely! Thank you! I’ll always discuss tan options & colours with the clients first. Sunkist, medium or dark are the general rule of thumbs – depending on the client’s skin tone & event they are tanning for. I can custom make the DHA % to the look they require & that will work for their skin tone.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE WHEN PLANNING TO GET A SPRAY TAN FOR THEIR WEDDING?
Definitely PREPARATION! Hydration, exfoliation, avoiding sun-burn & tan lines! I always give my clients preparation information when they contact me so we get the best results possible. I advise brides & bridal parties to spray tan with me 3 or 2 days before the big day – depending on their busy schedules, we’ll make it work!

ANY AFTER-TAN CARE INSTRUCTIONS? OR TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR TAN?
Loving these questions Heidi! I give my clients heaps of information after their tan appointment – mainly keeping cool in summer months, avoiding water (rain is a tanners nightmare!), wearing dark loose clothes, showering off the spray tan residue at the discussed time, avoid using SLS (sodium laurente sulphate) products. And TONNES of moisturising!