Getting to Know Rhawnie Kraak, of Sun Safe Tan

With summer coming to an end, it doesn't mean your glowing tan skin has to pale. Dixon Patch caught up with Rhawnie Kraak, of Sun Safe Tan, who is offering community members a safe, UV-free tanning alternative to laying poolside or under tanning bed lights.

To help readers get to know her and her business a little better, Rhawnie answered this week's 10 Questions business spotlight.

Rhawnie, originally from Weed, CA, moved to Solano County in 2004 where she met her husband. Now the couple and their son call Dixon home.

1. What exactly is your business and how long have you been doing it?

Sun Safe Tan is a mobile spray tanning service that offers custom spray tans to clients in the comfort of their own home. By custom, I mean that I am the tanning technician who sprays the solution to ensure a seamless application, and the colors can be custom-blended to suit each client’s skin-type and preference.

I offer pricing packages, a referral program, monthly deals, and a great incentive to host tanning parties.

I also hold tanning parties in a few salons around Solano County, and will group up with other home-based business to have parties filled with merchandise, makeup, fun, food and drink.

I serve Dixon, Davis & Vacaville mainly, but for a small increase in price will also go to Woodland, Winters, Fairfield and West Sacramento.

It will be four years in January.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

What I love the most is positive feedback from the happy women who love the immediate gratification of tanned skin. When I get an email, text or phone call that simply states how happy they are, I am very pleased, because that’s what I strive for.

3. How did you decide that you wanted to operate your own business and base it in Dixon?

I am stay-home mom and college student, so this form of business suited my schedule best.

4. What did you do before this?

I was a front desk manager at a fitness facility in Vacaville, and an accounting assistant a distribution center in Vacaville.

5. What do you do for fun, outside of work?

When I’m not working, I like to watch sports with my husband, host BBQ’s, and do anything that gets me out of the house, including the chance to mow my lawn. It’s a great stress-reliever.

6. What do you do to stay active in the community and promote your business?

I am a member of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, as well as an ambassador to the Chamber. I also donate spray tan certificates to raffle at local fund-raisers.

7. Do you find it more challenging being a home based business?

Because I don’t have a large sign above a door to lure people in, it is challenging, but not “more” challenging. I think all businesses are tough to run. However, with spray tanning in particular, it is challenging to break through the “orange” image that the 1960’s & 1970’s put on it, because it’s not like it used to be.

8. What is your favorite guilty pleasure food?

Food itself is my guilty pleasure. Really, I love it. If it tastes good, I’ll indulge.

9. What are the benefits to spray tanning? How long does it last? What occasions would you suggest it for?

Just like many other things, spray tanning is not for everyone, but I recommend everyone try it at least once, maybe twice. I say that because the benefits range depending on the client. Many of my clients cannot be in the sun at all. It may be that their skin is too sensitive for traditional tanning methods, or they have been directly affected by skin cancer, either themselves or a loved one, so they seek my services rather than UV rays.

In addition to that, another benefit to spray tanning is the immediate effect of tan skin, without having to sweat! Many of us just don’t have the time or energy to lay outside in the sun or the time to visit a salon on a daily basis to use traditional tanning booths… so it’s also about convenience. Other tan clients are regulars who just want to be tan all the time because I offer great deals for returning clients.

Then there are others that just like spray tans for weddings, vacations, prom, outdoor BBQ’s and holiday weekends where they will be in a lot of photos.

Spray tans last 7-10 days, depending on how the client prepares her skin, as well as how she cares for her skin once the tan is applied (and I give thorough advice in both areas).

10. If you could vacation anywhere where would it be?

I want to go to Montana, rent a cabin and relax.

For more information contact, Rhawnie Kraak, Owner & Spray Technician, (707)-689-6262, e-mail rhawnie@sunsafetan.com or visit www.sunsafetan.com