Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Radtke.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Server to Little Miss Sunshine
This isn’t the classic from Rags to Riches story. More of a tell-all of a girl that chased her dreams, showed up every day and didn’t make excuses. I am firm believer that every step, setback, and situation in life brings you to exact moment you are in right now. No one is coming to save you, and if you want something badly enough you have work for it.
I grew up in a middle-class family and worked ever since I was sixteen. I knew from a young age the value of a dollar and what it meant to work for things. I decided to move down to Florida after graduating high school. I was accepted to University of South Florida to attend their business program. I was in school for over six years because I didn’t have scholarships, and I had to pay for it myself. I hustled my way into a job interview at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota, as a cocktail server, and pretended I knew what was in a Cosmo, and landed my first real big girl job, and man what amazing experience that was, and the connections that were made! Here I was 18 years old, in a new city, new college, new career, and all I had was my work ethic.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Fast forward to last year’s pandemic, and the world shut down. I had a fun little “side hustle” that I started in 2019. The LLC was named “Little Miss Sunshine Mobile Spray Tanning” I didn’t really do much with it because, well limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and those silly negative thoughts of I can’t do this. But I had nothing else to lose at this point. I was in a career I was unfulfilled in and knew I was meant for more. We all have the inner knowing, intuition we can call it. I knew this idea I had was my purpose and something I was passionate about.
I like to call it, my pandemic pivot, I felt reborn and more motivated than ever. I decided to take the leap of faith and leave my comfortable position and pursue this side hustle full time. People thought I was crazy. Of course, they did, they are also the same ones now saying “I knew you would crush it”
We were in the middle of a global pandemic, and I started a business going into people’s homes. It was very difficult the first few months. I remained hopeful, followed guidelines, and continued to work as hard as I could to build the business behind the scenes. Events were canceled galas, weddings, concerts. No one really needed a spray tan, but with the handful of clients I did have, word spread quickly!
I think half the fun of building, or scaling anything are the setbacks. If we listen to any success stories of “The Greats” the road was never paved easily. Bumps in the road are part of the journey. I always say my biggest muscle is Adversity, and I love to flex it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Little Miss Sunshine Mobile Spray Tanning?
Little Miss Sunshine was created with an idea in 2019 to make women feel and look their best! I know how I feel after a good spray tan, and I wanted to make this accessible for as many women as possible. We’re a full-service, luxury mobile spray tanning company that brings the glow up to you!
We aim to spread body positivity, and positive energy to each and every client experience. We love this community and all of the women in it. Sunshine was a nickname growing up, because I was always so bubbly and cheerful and looking for the positive in every situation.
I believe that authenticity wins. Always in every way. I have built a business on being myself and making sure no matter how much we grow or scale that will always be a core value. In a world that seems ever-changing, one thing is for sure, trying to maintain positive.
As corny as it sounds, after every storm, comes a rainbow and sunshine.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Our community ROCKS! I can’t say enough about this community. There is a reason why I never moved home to the Midwest. The sunshine, the culture, arts, and sense of community. From local artists, shops, vendors. Little Miss Sunshine would be nothing with the support from our community. We love partnering with other local small businesses and collaborating. The weather couldn’t be better, the food, all of it.
I can’t say anything negative, truly. Our community is a gem. It’s why everyone is moving here! HA
Pricing:
- 65$ Includes Mobile fee, Scent enhancements, setting powder, everything is included in that price point!
- Packages and Monthly Memberships are also available
Contact Info:
- Email: rrachel777@yahoo.com or lmsspraytan@gmail.com
- Website: www.lmsspraytan.com
- Instagram: @lms_spraytanning
- Facebook: Little Miss Sunshine Mobile Spray Tanning
- Yelp: Little Miss Sunshine on Yelp
Image Credits:
@Sota_Creative
@briwatkinsphoto
@lochnessa_makeup_creations
@mahallawild salon
