Nicole Hyatt revolutionized sunless beauty with Tan on the Run, a mobile spray tan franchise empowering women.
The phone wouldn’t stop ringing. It was 2005, and Nicole Hyatt found herself juggling spray tan appointments from her Toronto home, racing across the city with bottles of solution and her portable equipment. What started as a side hustle to make professional tanning safer and more convenient quickly consumed every hour of her day. Standing in her kitchen at midnight, mixing another batch of her signature formula, Nicole faced a choice: stay small and manageable, or take the leap that would transform an entire industry.
Two decades later, that late-night decision has revolutionized how North Americans think about sunless beauty. Tan on the Run has become one of the leading mobile spray tan and beauty franchises across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, built on Nicole’s vision of delivering luxury, eco-friendly tanning services directly to clients’ doors.
In addition to spray tanning, Tan on the Run now offers ultrasound technology teeth whitening with no sensitivity, providing clients with a complete, luxurious beauty experience.
The Spark That Started It All
Nicole’s journey began with a simple frustration. Traditional tanning salons required clients to travel, wait, and expose themselves to harmful UV rays. While the spray tan industry existed, it was largely confined to brick-and-mortar locations with inconsistent quality and limited availability.
“I saw women canceling appointments because they couldn’t find childcare, or missing important events because they couldn’t fit salon visits into their schedules,” Nicole recalls. “There had to be a better way to deliver professional results while prioritizing both convenience and skin health.”
Her solution was radical for its time: certified technicians who would travel to clients, equipped with professional-grade equipment and formulas infused with natural, skin-loving ingredients. The concept was mobile luxury, bringing the spa experience to homes, offices, photo shoots, and special events.
Building Through Skepticism
The early years weren’t without challenges. Mobile beauty services were largely unheard of, and many potential clients questioned the quality and professionalism of at-home treatments. Nicole had to prove that mobile didn’t mean amateur.
She invested heavily in training protocols, developed rigorous certification standards for technicians, and refined her signature formulas to deliver consistent, salon-quality results. Each appointment became an opportunity to convert skeptics into advocates.
The breakthrough moment came when Toronto’s fashion and entertainment industries began taking notice. Makeup artists, photographers, and talent agencies started booking Tan on the Run for photo shoots and red carpet events. Words spread quickly through networks where flawless skin isn’t just preferred, it’s essential.
The Dragons’ Den Validation
Recognition reached a new level when Nicole appeared on Dragons’ Den, Canada’s premier entrepreneurial showcase. The national exposure validated what industry insiders already knew: Tan on the Run had created something special. The appearance marked a turning point, establishing the brand as a trusted mobile spray tan service and opening doors to franchise opportunities.
“That moment on Dragons’ Den wasn’t just about our business, it was about proving that mobile beauty services could be professional, profitable, and scalable,” Nicole explains. “We weren’t just offering convenience; we were pioneering an entire business model.”
The Celebrity Connection
Today, Tan on the Run’s client roster includes models, athletes, and public figures, with the brand gaining recognition through prestigious events such as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoots, Fashion Week, and the Toronto International Film Festival. This celebrity connection reflects the brand’s commitment to high-quality service, and its discretion and professionalism make it the go-to choice for the entertainment industry.
Each technician undergoes comprehensive training to meet the exacting standards required by high-profile clientele, ensuring that every tan is flawless.
A Franchise Model Built for Women
What sets Tan on the Run apart in the franchise world is its accessibility. Unlike many beauty franchises that require substantial upfront investments and retail locations, Tan on the Run offers a mobile model with lower barriers to entry, making it particularly attractive to women entrepreneurs seeking flexible business opportunities.
“We’ve intentionally designed our franchise model to empower women who want to build something meaningful without the traditional overhead of retail space,” Nicole notes. “Our franchisees can start serving clients immediately while building their business around their life, not the other way around.”
The franchise system provides comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to proprietary formulas and techniques that have made Tan on the Run an industry leader. Franchisees benefit from nearly two decades of refinement, a proven business model, and brand recognition that opens doors in competitive markets.
Leading the Sunless Beauty Movement
With over 40 franchisees and counting, Tan on the Run continues expanding across North America, maintaining the quality standards that built its reputation. Each location upholds the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly formulas, professional service, and the convenience that revolutionized the industry.
The brand’s social media presence demonstrates the wide range of applications for mobile spray tanning, from bridal parties to corporate events, showing how the service has evolved beyond simple cosmetic enhancement to become an integral part of professional and personal preparation.
The Future of Mobile Beauty
As the beauty industry continues evolving toward personalized, convenient services, Tan on the Run’s model appears increasingly prescient. Nicole’s early bet on mobile luxury has positioned the brand at the forefront of a movement that prioritizes both quality and accessibility.
For entrepreneurs looking to enter the beauty industry, Tan on the Run represents more than a franchise opportunity, it’s entry into a proven system that has consistently delivered results for nearly two decades. With low startup costs, comprehensive training, and strong brand recognition, Tan on the Run offers a foundation for sustainable business growth.
If you’re ready to join North America’s leading mobile spray tan franchise and bring the “glow on the go” experience to your community, Tan on the Run offers the training, support, and brand recognition to build a thriving beauty business. Learn more about franchise opportunities and discover how you can become part of the sunless beauty revolution at tanontherun.com.
About Tan on the Run
Founded in 2005 by Nicole Hyatt, Tan on the Run is a leading mobile spray tan and beauty franchise across North America, with over 40 locations in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. The brand delivers professional, eco-friendly spray tanning services directly to clients’ doors, trusted by celebrities, TV networks, and major events. Tan on the Run empowers women entrepreneurs with flexible, low-cost franchise opportunities that blend luxury beauty services with business success.
Connect with the brand on Instagram and explore franchise opportunities at tanontherun.com.
