John Horváth, owner of Tropical Sunrise Mobile Spray Tanning
So many people have asked and are intrigued about John Horváth and how and why he runs a spray tanning business, we thought the best way to find out was to interview him...
As an opener John, can you tell us, isn't it 'odd' a guy doing spray tanning?
[Laughs]... No! Unusual, sure, but odd, no. As far as I am concerned, I am tanning people to make them feel and look great, and that is both women and men. Although there are a few other male spray tanners, I believe that I am the only mobile male spray tanner in the country.
Women and men? Men get spray tanned too?
Yes, of course. It's true that the vast majority are women, but some men do as well, often as part of a couple, but sometimes on their own.
OK, but going back to the beginning, how did you get into this?
I spent around 20 years working in an office environment, and then, when the company ran into trouble I was made redundant. I set up a small business providing childrens entertainment, mainly Bouncy Castles, but after a couple of years, my back began to suffer due to all the heavy lifting. During an NEC leisure industry show, I saw Spray Tanning demonstrated and was totally 'wowed' by it. So when I decided to close down the first business, I decided it was worthwhile looking into.
But why tanning?
Well for several reasons really. Firstly, I firmly believed there was a good market for it, after all, although most people like to be tanned, we are all concerned about sunbathing, sunbeds and skin cancer. Spray tanning is the safe answer. Secondly, people. I love meeting people and chatting to them. I have met some very interesting ones from all walks of life.
So who have you tanned? Anyone famous?
Yes, but obviously I can't name names without their permission and it's a confidential service. However, I can say that I have tanned models, actresses, an ex-Sky TV presenter, glamour models, a 6 foot 3" rugby player, dancers, a senior political advisor and just recently, a team of lovely ladies who are 'grid girls' for one of the teams at the Le Mans 24 hour race. I have even appeared with Donny Osmond on his TV show, Identity with a spray tan.
Are you planning to offer any other services?
Definitely. The first is Indian Head Massaging, this should start probably in December and other services may follow. (Note: The Indian Head Massage Service has now started)
That sounds good, but going back to tanning again, isn't it a problem with you being male?
No, no problem. I always ensure that a client knows that they would be seen by a male tanner - it wouldn't be right or fair just to turn up and shock them! Occasionally the potential client isn't comfortable with a guy doing a tan, and that's fine, we chat and I tell them what they should look for in a tan service and then wish them well. However, in the vast majority of cases, it either is no problem at all, or after a quick chat, the client is happy to go ahead. After all, it's a professional service and clients are treated in a professional, courteous and caring manner.
But surely, most women want to go topless?
Yes of course, and the vast majority do. Some do decide to wear a bikini, most go topless, and some even tan completely nude. I want the client to tan how they wish and how they are comfortable to get the results that they are looking for. I have even had more than one client tell me that they are actually happier that I am a guy as they believe that I take more care over tanning than female tanners they have previously used.
You're married aren't you? What does your wife think about this?
Yes, married for 17 years and with three daughters ranging from 8 to 14 years old. My wife is fully supportive and happy about this and has even come along to some tanning parties to help out getting clients ready for their tans.
To finish off, is this a franchise you are running?
No, it is my own business so I can run it as I wish and not cut corners. This means I get to choose the tan fluids I use (and I regularly test samples to ensure that I am using the best for my clients), and I can do whatever is needed to ensure that my clients are happy with a perfect tan. I would never want to feel that it's just a 'job' but that it's a service I can feel proud of and that I always leave with the clients feeling happy.
John is available for Interview, TV, or Magazine articles, just contact us.
