Visionary

Leader

Authority

Professional

Founder

Pro

Advocate

Mother

Traveler

Mom

Dancer

Pioneer

Leader

Clean Beauty

Award Winner

Wife

CEO

Heather Shaw

I’m Heather—founder of heather®tans and The Heather® Method and I’m bringing about the next evolution of the tanning industry.

I’m just a girl who fell in love with the transformative power of a great tan and turned that passion into a lifelong journey. 

my goal:

To provide you with the guidance and support you need to help you navigate your path with confidence, avoid the pitfalls of burnout, and build a business that offers both time and financial freedom—just as I’ve been fortunate to achieve after decades of trial and error.

I firmly believe that a great spray tan is more than just a beauty treatment—it’s a boost of confidence that empowers us to show up as our best selves, especially on life’s most important and memorable occasions.

So my Dad told me to get a job at the tanning salon to fund my first tan. 💰Fast forward to today, and little did I know, the tanning industry would become my calling.

From those early days making $8/hour at Sunset Tan, where I was giving Hollywood’s elite their glow, to launching my own brand on Sunset Boulevard, heather®tans, and achieving perennial Best of Beauty accolades, I’ve experienced it all—the highs, the lows, and the pure moments of human connection that come with helping others feel confident in their skin.

My story began at the most popular tanning salon in La Jolla, San Diego, where I was just a high school student wanting a tan for prom…

This belief has inspired me to perfect my craft and share it with others. ‘The Heather® Method’ is my way of giving back to an industry that has given me so much and that I believe deserves this new direction.

Now...

The Heather® Method

The Heather® Method is the culmination of two decades of industry expertise, refined through both successes and challenges. It’s a platform where I share insights on what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate your journey with greater ease. With my firsthand experience, I’m here to guide you at any stage of your spray tanning career, helping you build a sustainable, health-conscious business that balances professional success with personal well-being.

Then

heather® tans

heather® tans started in my backyard, became the top-demand spray tan studio on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood for nearly a decade and is now my award-winning mobile tanning service trusted by celebrities and clients alike.

My Tanning Journey: Building a Brand, Changing an Industry

A business built on two decades of passion, innovation, and a deep love for beauty.

My Tanning Journey: Building a Brand, Changing an Industry

A business built on two decades of passion, innovation, and a deep love for beauty.

2021

I embraced a major pivot in my business

Heathertans transitioned to a mobile-only service, and what initially seemed like the biggest loss turned into the greatest industry insights I’m now ready to share with you.

2020

Covid turned my world upside down

Then came Covid. Retail beauty was shut down, and my dreams felt shattered overnight. I knew it was time to pivot—for my business and for the industry as a whole.

2004

My journey began as a high school employee

At the most popular La Jolla tanning salon in San Diego…where Mystic spray tans were all the rage #RossFromFriends.

2006

Dreams of a performing arts career

When I moved to LA to pursue my performing arts career, I needed a side gig to support myself. Working at a tanning salon was a natural fit. I quickly became a top performer at Sunset Tan, the iconic salon that introduced airbrush tanning to the masses through their reality TV show on E! Network. During my five years there, I became a certified airbrush tanning artist, averaging 20 spray tans per day for Hollywood’s elite. This experience honed my skills in client service, product knowledge, and mastering a technique that delivers flawless results every time.

2011

Backyard dream to the beginning of something fame

I took a leap of faith, launching ‘Airbrush by Heather,’ now famously known as heather® tans from my backyard in North Hollywood. Despite humble beginnings, my reputation quickly grew, driven by stellar Yelp reviews and word-of-mouth. 

2012

My inner teacher and coach was developed

Within a year, I moved closer to West Hollywood, where my business skyrocketed, attracting clients from all over the country. To my surprise, they didn’t all want a tan from me—many wanted to learn how to tan from me. With growing demand for this under-served need in the industry, I pioneered the concept of personal brand ‘spray tan certification’ programs, training aspiring spray tan artists across the U.S. and Canada. My in-person training sessions, held at WeWork offices in LA and NYC, helped launch many of today’s successful spray tanning businesses.

2013

From the Jenner Show to Sunset Boulevard

I was featured as an expert guest on The Kris Jenner Show, solidifying my status in the industry. Shortly thereafter I signed a lease on Sunset Boulevard, where heather® tans became a landmark for eight years, further establishing me as the go-to spray tan artist for celebrities and clients worldwide. Owning the most in-demand spray tan studio in Los Angeles for nearly a decade is a story worth writing about (stay tuned for stories).

A CEO & Mom:

Being a mom and running a business has taught me the importance of creating balance. I’ve reshaped my business model to ensure I can dedicate time to both my business and my children. It’s about making it all work together, so I can be there for the moments that matter most while still pursuing my passions.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

We moved to Costa Rica for a more natural environment to raise our children, and I’ve continued to run the spray tanning business I started in my backyard back in 2011 with greater ease than ever. This journey highlights the importance of building a strong reputation and knowing when to pivot, enabling me to live the life of my dreams while maintaining a fulfilling career.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

I’m a three-time recipient of Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty Award for Airbrush Tanning in Los Angeles. I’ll never forget the day someone casually handed me the magazine at my salon on Sunset – “Have you seen this? You’re in Allure Magazine” jaw on the floor, completely stunned to see my name listed. It was one of those pinch-me moments that made me realize I was on the right path, doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

I’m deeply passionate about clean beauty, clean food, and clean living. I believe that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in them, and I’m always seeking out the best natural ingredients for the products I personally use.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

In 2007, I was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, and that experience taught me the power of movement in all aspects of life. I believe that my background in dance has played a crucial role in my success as an artist. Spray tanning is like a dance—a precise routine where technique and flow are key. The rhythm and artistry I honed on the dance floor translate directly into the flawless results I achieve with each client.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

I’m a sucker for Human Design, Astrology, and any method that helps me understand myself on a deeper level. I believe self-discovery is a lifelong journey, and I’m always eager to learn, grow, and gain a deeper understanding of how we all relate in this world. :)

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

Have you heard of Dr. Emoto’s research on how positive words change the structure of water? I’m a believer! We’ve infused all our products with positive words like love, gratitude, thank you, harmony, peace, happiness, and hope to enhance their vibrational frequency—ensuring that only the highest and best vibes get misted onto every pore of your body.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

I’m fascinated by the holistic science of flower essences—natural remedies that capture the energetic imprint of flowers in water. These essences are known for supporting emotional and mental well-being, helping to balance emotions and promote inner harmony. By infusing them into our spray tanning products, we bring beauty beyond skin deep, allowing the healing and beautifying power of flowers to touch every pore.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

A CEO & Mom:

There was a time when my business consumed every aspect of my life, leaving little room for anything else. The pursuit of success made it difficult to find balance, to meet a partner, or to start a family. Recognizing this, I made a conscious decision to reengineer my entire business model, creating a life where I could truly have it all—family, freedom, and a fulfilling career. This transformation taught me that real success is about designing a life that aligns with your deepest values and aspirations.

Triple Threat

An International Business Woman

Fascinated By Flower Power

A Believer in the Power of Words

Into Redefining Success

A Clean Beauty Advocate

Life Long Dancer

A Self-Discovery Devotee

From CEO to Clean Beauty Advocate and Everything in Between