Meet Nicole Carson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Carson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
One of my favorite quotes is by the incredible Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This quote not only guides how I run my business but also shapes the way I live my life, and it’s something I want to teach my children. One of the most rewarding aspects of running a spray tan business is seeing how it makes people feel. It might sound surprising, but a spray tan really can boost someone’s confidence. It’s such a satisfying experience to watch someone leave my studio feeling happier and more self-assured. I take great pride in ensuring everyone who walks through my doors feels comfortable and welcome. I know getting a spray tan can be intimidating—standing in front of a stranger in your birthday suit can be nerve-wracking for many. That’s why creating a comfortable and positive environment is always my top priority. Every person is uniquely made, and no two bodies are alike, but everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin. If a spray tan can help boost that confidence, then I’m all for it! Helping people feel happy and confident is something I truly love, and I hope every client leaves my studio feeling amazing, remembering that confidence long after they’ve gone.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Running my own business is an absolute passion for me. I love being in control of every aspect, from customer experience and marketing to the not-so-glamorous tasks like inventory management and P&Ls. It’s all part of the process, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. What really sets me apart in this space is the very reason I started my business. After having my fair share of spray tans (and let’s be honest, most were pretty terrible), I realized there had to be a better way. As a fair-skinned redhead, I found it especially nerve-wracking to get a spray tan because I never knew how my skin would look after showering. I was frustrated by the lack of customer service and care for my skin, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I called my husband, venting my frustration, and blurted out, “I’m starting a spray tan business!” With his usual amazing support, he replied, “Ok, great, whatever you want to do.” And that’s how Star Glow Spray Tan was born!

Being a business owner isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of time and sacrifice, not only from me but also from my family and friends. There have been plenty of highs and lows along the way, but instead of focusing on the lows, I take a step back, analyze them, and figure out how to avoid similar challenges in the future. Roadblocks and hurdles are inevitable, but I face them with a positive mindset and flexibility. While spray tans are important to me, I always remind myself that they aren’t life or death — anything can be fixed or adjusted for my clients. Above all, excellent customer service is my top priority.

I’ve had many people in my life who have influenced who I am today, especially in terms of how I treat people and care for my clients. My Uncle Andy is my best friend and mentor, both in business and life. He and his wife, my Aunt Colette, started a business from their basement and grew it into one of the most successful handyman franchises in the country. I’m so fortunate to have them as my support system. They continually inspire me, challenge me, and without a doubt, always have my back. Their guidance has shaped much of who I am as a person and how I run my business.

One of the greatest comforts I have as a business owner is knowing I’m never alone in this journey. I have my husband, whose unwavering support means everything to me; my kids, who are my biggest cheerleaders and tell everyone they meet about my business; and of course, my Aunt Colette and Uncle Andy. I know I can turn to any one of them whenever I need advice or have a question. They’re always there to help.

My story may not be unique, but it’s deeply personal. My business was born out of my own need for better spray tans and a desire to serve my community. I am truly blessed to wake up every day and do what I love!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrive in Denver and head to Cherry Creek for some great shopping and enjoying the scenery. We will head to The Jacquard Rooftop Bar to enjoy a nice cocktails and lunch while soaking up the Colorado sunshine and beautiful views. After that we will do some more shopping followed by dinner at Quality Italian and finishing our evening at The Green Russell which is the cutest speak easy.

Day 2: We will head to Waterton Canyon for a nice hike or bike ride where we are sure to spot a lot of wildlife including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and more. For lunch we will head over to Littleton Brewery for great local brews, lunch and the best rooftop in Littleton! After lunch we will head downtown to catch a game from one of our amazing professional sports teams whether it’s the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche, Nuggets, Mammoth, Outlaws or the Rapids we are sure to have the best time.

Day 3: Golden is calling us for an amazing day enjoying the town. We will start with the Coors Brewery Tour and then head to The Golden Mill for lunch which has incredible views of the mountain and river. Then we will head to Lookout Mountain for a beautiful hike with the best views around. Finally, dinner at The Black Hat Cattle Co. which is the cutest steakhouse nestled in Kittredge.

Day 4: We will head up to Vail to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. We will check into The Arrabelle at Vail Square, which is nestled in the heart of Vail Square and has an incredible spa! Once we get all checked in we will head to La Nonna for dinner and cocktails.

Day 5: Start our day with room service and then head to the beautiful spa in the Arabelle. We will get pampered and have a nice relaxing day and then head to Matsuhisa for dinner and cocktails. After dinner we will head to the Remedy Bar in the Four Seasons for a nightcap.

Day 6: We will have a nice breakfast and then head over to Vail Stables for a fun goat yoga experience. The views are incredible, the goats are adorable and there are many other animals to see and enjoy there. An unforgettable experience no doubt! We will then explore the shopping in Vail Village and the head over to Mountain Standard for lunch. After lunch a little more shopping and then head back down to Denver.

Day 7: Departure day, but we couldn’t send our bestie off without a delicious breakfast from Snooze Eatery!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my amazing husband for being my rock and supporting me 100% when I decided to start this spray tan business on a whim. His belief in me has been unwavering, and I’m beyond grateful for his encouragement, support, and love every step of the way. He’s also my maintenance manager, making sure all my equipment is running perfectly so I can focus on what truly matters—my clients. To my two incredible kids, thank you for your endless love, support, and understanding, especially during the times I’m away working. I know it’s not always easy, but having you two as my biggest cheerleaders means the world to me. A huge thank you to my friends who were my guinea pigs from the very beginning, letting me practice on them until I was ready to take on real clients. Your support in spreading the word about my business, believing in my crazy ideas, and being there through my hectic schedule is something I’ll never take for granted.

Lastly, to my amazing clients, thank you for trusting me with your spray tans and for supporting my business every step of the way. You are the heart of what I do, and I truly appreciate each of you! I’ve been truly blessed with the most incredible support system from day one, and I couldn’t have done it without any of you. You all mean the world to me!

Instagram: @starglowspraytan

Facebook: @starglowspraytan

Image Credits
Rhea McMahon Photography