From Startup To Celeb Favourite Tanning Brand: The VANI-T Success Story with Tania Walsh

In the world of business, facing unexpected challenges is inevitable. But how you navigate through these difficulties defines your success. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Tania, a remarkable entrepreneur who shared her incredible journey of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity.

The Unexpected Challenges

Tania's story is nothing short of inspirational. Having been deeply involved in her business for over three years, she encountered numerous challenges that tested her strength and determination. One of the most significant hurdles was going through a divorce while taking on the primary caregiving role for her children and her parents. To add to her difficulties, she was blindsided by a trusted colleague in the business, which led to an emotionally charged and difficult situation.

For many women, being disconnected from the financial side of their business can be a major vulnerability. Tania's experience highlights the importance of being actively involved in the financial management of your business. Regularly checking financial statements and understanding your business's financial health is crucial. If you don’t feel comfortable with financial documents, seek the help of someone you trust to guide you. Empowering yourself with this knowledge can prevent you from being taken advantage of and ensure that you control your business's future.

Resilience and Strength

Despite these challenges, Tania's story is one of incredible resilience. She emphasises the importance of keeping your finger on the pulse of every aspect of your business. From product development to marketing and regulatory issues, having a broad understanding of all facets is essential.

One of Tania's guiding principles is to trust your gut. Throughout her journey, her intuition has proven to be a reliable compass, guiding her through difficult decisions and ensuring the success of her business. She reflects on a particularly challenging period, describing it as the best thing ever happening to her. While emotionally stressful, it revealed a strength she never knew she had, ultimately strengthening her in business.

The Importance of Vision

As a visionary, Tania embodies the lifeblood of her business. Her passion and dedication are evident in everything she does. She recalls countless moments of inspiration, often staying up late into the night researching new ingredients or technologies. This unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence has allowed her to create amazing products and set the pace for other brands in the industry.

Tania's dedication to her brand is unparalleled. As a die-hard tanning enthusiast, she uses her products religiously, ensuring she understands the consumer's needs and preferences firsthand. This deep connection with her brand and community has been instrumental in her success.

 

Celebrating Achievements

When reflecting on her proudest moments, Tania highlights three significant achievements:

1. Reaching $1 Million in Sales: Within the first 12 months, hitting this milestone was a pinch-me moment, validating the hard work and dedication she and her team put into the business.
2. Celebrity Endorsement: Another defining moment was receiving a phone call from Conrad’s personal stylist, a huge fan of her products. The endorsement from such a high-profile figure was a significant milestone.
3. Heartfelt Feedback from Clients: The most rewarding moments come from heartfelt emails and client feedback. These messages of appreciation and satisfaction are the best rewards and constantly remind her why she does what she does.

 

Building Celebrity Relationships

Tania’s brand has garnered a substantial celebrity following over the years. Many high-profile individuals, from TV presenters to makeup artists, use and love her products. What’s remarkable is that these celebrities purchase the products at a total price, a testament to the quality and appeal of her brand. This organic celebrity endorsement and numerous awards have significantly boosted her brand’s reputation and reach.

 

Words of Wisdom

For business owners navigating their own journeys, Tania shares some invaluable advice:

1. Trust Your Gut: Your intuition is a powerful tool. Trust it and let it guide your decisions.
2. Follow Your Passion: If you do something you love, it never feels like work. Passion drives success.
3. Persevere Through Challenges: Remember that the universe has your back. No matter how hard it gets, push through, and you will become stronger on the other side.

 

What’s Next for Tania and VANI-T

Looking ahead, Tania is excited about the future of her business. She has a new hair care range launching soon, focusing on hair growth and health with innovative ingredients that her team loves. Additionally, she is unveiling a complete rebrand, keeping the brand fresh and chic.

You can visit VANI-T's website for those interested in exploring Tania’s products. Her favourites include the Velocity Spray Tan and the Powder Foundation, which are highly recommended.

Tania’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and intuition in business. Her story inspires business owners everywhere, reminding us that no matter the challenges we face, with determination and a clear vision, we can achieve great success.

If you find these insights valuable, subscribe to The CEO's Wing Woman® podcast and share this post with other business owners who could benefit from these strategies. Let’s continue to grow, scale, and succeed together. Excited to learn more? Chat with Olivia through her DM @oliviajenkins.co.