Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Shepard.
Hi Kaila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story with spray tanning begins long before it became a business. It begins with beauty, memory, and the quiet moments that shape who we become.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching my mom, an esthetician who understood skin, hair, and beauty in a way that felt almost intuitive. I would sit and watch her apply lipstick and blend eyeshadow, completely mesmerized. I admired the care she took, the confidence she gave people. I loved it so much that I showed up to kindergarten wearing bright red lipstick, absolutely certain it was the best thing in the world. Beauty, to me, was never about vanity, it was about expression, confidence, and feeling seen.
As I grew older, that fascination stayed with me. I experimented with makeup, tried every self-tanner I could find (even the painfully orange ones), and spent time in tanning beds once I was old enough, chasing a glow that made me feel more like myself. But when I discovered spray tanning, everything shifted. I fell in love with the process instantly. The artistry, the immediate transformation, the ability to enhance skin in a healthier way, it felt magical. Spray tanning showed me that glow didn’t have to come at the cost of skin health.
In 2022, I became spray tan certified, encouraged by my family member and close friend, Nataly Hope, a makeup artist who has always inspired me creatively. She saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself and encouraged me to do my own thing, believing I would be great at it. We turned the training into a girls’ trip to Chicago, learning, laughing, exploring the city, and dreaming about what could be. That trip wasn’t just about certification; it was the beginning of trusting myself as an artist.
For me, spray tanning is art. Details matter. Undertones matter. Skin types matter. Every body is different, and every tan should be, too. I’m constantly educating myself, testing products, and refining my craft to achieve the most natural, healthy results possible. I intentionally schedule 30-minute appointments because I refuse to rush something so personal. I take my time. I study the skin. I listen. The result isn’t just a spray tan, it’s confidence, thoughtfully created.
In 2023, I lost my mom to cancer, and my world went quiet. I stepped away from work to grieve, to sit with the absence of the woman who taught me everything I knew about beauty and care. For a long time, I didn’t know if I could return to what I loved without her.
About a year later, something gently called me back. I reopened my spray tanning business, first mobile and from my home studio, and eventually stepped into my own private suite. That moment felt like coming full circle, like continuing a conversation she started with me years ago. Every appointment, every detail, every client carries a piece of her influence.
Today, I’m a wife and a mom to three incredibly busy kids, my daughter is a. competitive dancer and my two football-playing boys. Life is full, loud, and beautiful, and my work fits into the rhythm of it all. My business is built on connection, trust, and intention. I believe that when someone steps into my space, they should feel cared for, unrushed, and truly seen.
I’m a Plymouth, Michigan native, and I now work out of my private suite at Canton Cosmo Salon Suites off Ford Road. What began as childhood curiosity has grown into a deeply personal artistic business, rooted in love, loss, and the belief that beauty, when done with care, can be healing.
Today, that work lives on through Hello Glow By Kaila. A space where artistry meets intention, and every glow is created with purpose with you in mind.
My new location will be open at Cosmo Suites in Canton at the end of March!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business is a challenge. The first year there is a lot to figure out. My husband is my number one fan. He has helped support my dreams for my spray tanning. Without him by my side, I wouldn’t be able to survive my busy weeks and my slow seasons! The kids have multiple places to be at all times and we make it work, so then I can make it to my work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a spray tan artist who specializes in all natural looking tans. I offer body contouring and face contour. It’s when you shade parts of the body darker to look sculpted.
I am mostly known for working with undertones. I color match, mix, and determine what color spray tan would be best for you.
I like to determine based on your natural undertones. You could be cool, neutral, or a warm. I also consider skin type based off the Fitzpatrick scale. Eye color, and hair color.
For events or vacations I love to know what your wardrobe contains. Because everything matters!
Every formula I carry I have tried on myself. I also know that some
Skin types take differently to different spray tanning products. So there is a lot of variety I carry when it comes to skin type, for example a client with eczema or dry sensitive skin. I know exactly what products would take better or not irritate the skin.
What sets me apart is I only specialize in spray tanning. I do not offer any other service. I am constantly training and I do keep in the loop of the spray tanning industry with other spray tan artists around the country!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people are surprised when I tell them I am a mom of three and married. I love when clients come in and they talk to me about what they have going on! It’s your appointment and you deserve the ME time!
Another thing is clients are always wowed by my collection of many different solutions and all my knowledge on each one!
I am constantly adding and trying new products to help my clients spray tan lasts longer, and fade evenly. I recently added a hydrating barrier spray for the hands and it works wonders for all the girls with dry hands from this harsh winter.
Pricing:
- $45 for The Famous Rapid Glow
- $55 for The Luxury Hydration Glow
- $140 For Bridal Package Includes (3 tans and gift)
- $80 for BFF tans- bring a friend!
- $110 Package of 3 Rapid Tans!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helloglowbykaila.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @helloglowbykaila
