We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stacey Fike. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Stacey, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Recently, I took up golf through an all-female league, and it’s quickly become something I genuinely look forward to. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try, but like many entrepreneurs, I spent years prioritizing my business over personal time. Now that I’m at a place professionally where I can be more intentional about balance, golf has been the perfect outlet—it’s relaxing, surprisingly enjoyable, and, to my delight, I’m better at it than I expected! It’s been a refreshing way to invest in myself, connect with other women and professionals, and a welcomed recharge outside of the hustle.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a beauty industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, and the founder of GloGirl Spray Tanning Boutique in Houston, Texas. What started as a passion for sunless tanning has grown into a full-service boutique, a private-label product line, and most recently, an online training platform designed to elevate the industry as a whole.
Recognizing a huge gap in formal education for aspiring spray tan professionals, I created the GloPro Online Spray Tan Certification & Business Development Program. It’s now internationally recognized and serves as a much-needed resource for beauty professionals looking to expand their skills, income, and confidence in the sunless space.
My work has led to national podcast features and industry panels, where I’ve had the opportunity to share insights with other beauty entrepreneurs. I’ve also been selected as a contestant for an upcoming entrepreneurial reality show filming this August—something I’m incredibly excited about as I continue to grow both personally and professionally while networking with 100+ fellow business owners across the country.
Right now, it’s a powerful season of expansion: GloGirl recently introduced red light therapy to our service menu, and GloPro continues to meet a niche need in the industry with tools, training, and mentorship. I’m proud to be a pioneer in sunless tanning—and even more excited about what’s next.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Growing up, I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs—my dad was a police officer and my mom a registered nurse. They were both incredibly dedicated to their careers, and while they didn’t own businesses, they modeled something just as impactful: they loved what they did. That principle—“do what you love and the rest will fall into place”—was ingrained in me and my siblings from a young age. I think I’m the one who really took that to heart and ran with it.
Back in high school, when my friends were researching colleges, I was the one flipping through university brochures while also secretly browsing tanning supply magazines. Who does that? But it makes perfect sense now. I didn’t necessarily grow up believing I’d be a business owner, because I had no blueprint for that. But I did grow up believing in passion and purpose—and those beliefs led me here.
Today, a framed sketch of me as a child hangs above my bed. It was drawn years ago by an artist friend of a family member, and I keep it there as a daily reminder to see the world through the eyes of that little girl. Children are fearless, curious, and uninhibited—they say what they mean, try new things, and don’t worry about getting it all right. That’s the exact mindset you need to thrive in business. So while I may not have believed I was destined to be a business owner, I’ve learned that tapping back into that childlike wonder is one of the most powerful tools for growth and success.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As a single mom with a mortgage and full financial responsibility, giving up was never an option—it simply wasn’t on the table. But I did have to be strategic. For years, I held onto a traditional 9-to-5 job so I could maintain steady income, health benefits, and all the adult necessities while building my sunless tanning business behind the scenes.
In the early days, I started mobile, but quickly realized that it was too time-consuming and didn’t generate the income I needed. So, I got creative. I converted a room in my home into a spray tan studio and scheduled clients around my daughter’s needs. It allowed me to operate within my limitations while still earning and growing.
Eventually, the business outgrew my home. I found a small space to rent inside a neighborhood hair salon—basically a glorified closet—but that move allowed me to finally advertise and build my client base more openly. Then came the turning point: I sat down and crunched the numbers. If I committed to spray tanning full-time, I could not only cover all my expenses—I could exceed them. So, I took a leap of faith, opened my own brick-and-mortar boutique, hired a team, and within a couple of years, I was earning 8 to 10 times more than I had at my 9-to-5.
It was never about giving up—it was about taking intentional steps, staying adaptable, and honoring the responsibilities I carried as a mom. That flexibility allowed me to be present for every PTA meeting, every sports practice, and still grow something sustainable. Today, the business provides financial security, time freedom, and—hopefully—something lasting I can pass on to the next generation. My dream is that my daughter, and others watching, will one day be able to do what they love too.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—and no. The version of me that shows up online and in my business is absolutely real. It’s confident, charismatic, and deeply passionate about what I do. But it’s also curated. The public-facing version of me reflects the energy and professionalism required to succeed in the beauty industry, where connection and visibility are key.
But in truth, I’m much more of an introvert. I value my solitude, prefer quieter environments, and genuinely enjoy doing things independently. I’m very private when it comes to my personal life—I don’t share my relationships or inner circle online. In fact, I often choose to dine or socialize in areas outside of my business neighborhood, just to enjoy a sense of anonymity. It’s not that I don’t love running into clients—I absolutely appreciate them—but I also need clear boundaries between my personal and professional worlds.
So while the public version of me is authentic, it’s just one side of who I am. The other side is quieter, grounded, and reserved. And in many ways, that balance—that yin and yang—is what keeps me energized, focused, and creatively fulfilled.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I believe integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching, and especially when there’s no applause or reward. In business, you have to give your best at all times, even when you know there won’t be a pat on the back or a big payout waiting for you. That’s where true character shows up.
Honesty, ethics, fairness, and moral grounding are the foundation of everything I do. And I truly believe that without those values, you can’t build anything meaningful or sustainable. Success might come for a moment, but it won’t last without integrity behind it.
Much of that belief is rooted in my faith. Principles like “do unto others” and “honor your mother and father” have carried over into how I treat my clients, my team, and how I lead in my business. And that kind of grit—the willingness to show up and give your all without needing praise—is what separates thriving entrepreneurs from the rest. Because in the end, success isn’t about the spotlight. It’s about staying aligned with your values, even when no one’s watching.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glogirltanning.com
- Instagram: @glogirlspraytan & @glopro2024
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-fike
Image Credits
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