Mobile business owner worried about rebuilding business after COVID-19 hit
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A local small business owner says she may have to close permanently due to the pandemic impact. The entrepreneur picked up two part-time jobs after shutting down at the start of quarantine.
It’s called Bronze2U and is a mobile spray tan business, where clients can get a sun-kissed look from the comfort of their own home.
Michelle Keogh-Edwards started the business 10 years ago. Pre-COVID-19, her monthly income was around $4,000 from tans alone. When quarantine hit, she closed and lost around $8,000. It forced her to pick up a part-time job as a pharmacy technician and a personal grocery shopper for Shipt. Since reopening, her monthly income has not been the same. She’s only making about $1,000 a month in spray tans.
“I have amazing clients who are completely loyal and tell other people about me,” Keough-Edwards said. “That really helped especially during quarantine. Like friends will invite a few friends over and just make a girls’ night of it. It’s a self-confidence builder that I provide and just a glow. You will not be orange. I just love making people feel better about themselves.”
There were three full-time staff members who cover Indianapolis and suburbs around the city. Now, it’s just the mother of two and she works 10 to 12-hour days. She’s hoping when clients begin to start rescheduling that she can rehire.
The business relies on social media for new clients and followers. You can learn more here.