Community Highlights: Meet Ashley Bird of Sunny Daze Sunless

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bird.

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in marketing and started out working in sales, but everything changed when I had my daughter. As a single mom raising her on my own, I wanted a career that gave me the flexibility to be there for all the little moments; school events, field trips, the things I didn’t want to miss.
I’ve always been passionate about the beauty industry, so I decided to combine that passion with my marketing background and create something of my own. That’s how Sunny Daze Sunless was born. A business that allows me to work for myself, set my own schedule, and help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
Now, I get to show my daughter that she can grow up to run her own successful business if she wants to, and that confidence comes from taking care of yourself, inside and out. For me, it’s about more than just a spray tan, it’s about empowering people to feel good in the skin they’re in.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was finding my own confidence to take the leap and start a business from the ground up. It’s a huge leap of faith to put yourself and your dream out there.

Balancing work and motherhood is always a challenge, especially when you’re the only parent. I’ve had to learn how to juggle client needs with being fully present for my daughter.

Another hurdle was investing in my Sprinter van. I thought it would be a turnkey setup, but quickly realized it needed a lot more work and funds to become the mobile spray tan experience I envisioned. In the end, those extra hours and resources were worth it because now the van truly reflects the Sunny Daze brand and the quality I want to deliver.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sunny Daze Sunless is all about bringing a premium service, convenience, and confidence straight to you. I’m a double-certified spray tan artist, and I’ve recently expanded my services to include professional ear piercing. What I’m most known for is my fully customized spray tan experience. There’s no “one size fits all” here. I match each tan to my client’s undertones for a natural, flawless glow, and even offer sweat resistant solutions for my fitness-loving clients.

One of the things I’m most proud of is having the only mobile spray tan van in the Midwest. Yes, the tan actually happens in the van! That means no mess or setup in your home. I can come to your driveway, workplace, gym, school; wherever is most convenient for you.

It’s perfect for accommodating bridal parties, ladies nights, sorority events, formals, or proms for the high school girls. Anywhere a group wants to get ready together and look their best.

What truly sets Sunny Daze apart is the combination of high-quality, customized results with unmatched convenience. My mission is to help people feel confident in their own skin, while making the process as easy, convenient and enjoyable as possible.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The sunless industry is such a welcoming and supportive community. Since starting my journey, I’ve followed a few of the legacies in the sunless world. Including one right here in the Kansas City area — and they’ve been so open to answering my questions and helping guide me. I’ve also done a lot of research on my own, but having that community to lean on has made all the difference. Their willingness to share advice and cheer each other on has helped me not only find success, but also continue to grow my business.

My advice to others would be: don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire in your industry. Be respectful of their time, come prepared with specific questions, and genuinely connect. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help when they see your passion is real. Also, really get to know your ideal client – where they spend their time, what they enjoy doing, and what part of the city they hang out in. Then, find other businesses in the beauty and wellness world; salons, med spas, estheticians, fitness studios and collaborate. Cross-posting to each other’s audiences introduces you to similar but different communities who may have never heard of you, but are already interested in your type of service.

Pricing:

• In-home studio spray tans start at $55
• Mobile spray tans start at $70 and can increase depending on your location
• I offer bridal spray tans that start at $140, they include a trial spray tan and a wedding day spray tan
• Student pricing is $40, with student ID
• All first time clients receive $10 off their first service with Sunny Daze Sunless

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunnydazesunless.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnydaze_sunless/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sunny-Daze-Sunless-Mobile-Spray-Tans-Lawrence-KC/61562939668314/
• Other: https://share.google/qrJ01zm4yq6cHxp6Y