I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years since I started Gotham Glow. Time has flown, but the memories, growth, and experiences of these two decades are deeply cherished.
As someone who has never written a blog post before, I thought this milestone was the perfect opportunity to reflect on this incredible 20-year journey. It’s also a chance to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful clients who have trusted us over the years, as well as the hardworking and dedicated employees, both past and present, who have helped make Gotham Glow what it is today.
The Journey Begins: From Mobile Tanning to a Brick-and-Mortar Salon:
Most people don’t know the story of how Gotham Glow began—it’s a real doozy! Honestly, it’s almost unbelievable, but I promise, I’m not making this up.
At the time, I was pursuing a career as a comedienne, performing in comedic plays, stand-up, and one-woman shows. I needed a job that offered flexibility and allowed me to work on my own schedule. That’s when Gotham Glow was born.
It all started with just a suitcase, a tent, and a vision. I’d go from house to house, bringing my service directly to clients. I started with one client—a single, pivotal connection that changed everything. She’d attend galas and glamorous New York City events, and people couldn’t help but comment on how amazing she looked. When she told them her secret was a spray tan, they didn’t believe her. It looked too natural, too subtle, too real.
Word began to spread, and what started as a small side hustle quickly grew into something much larger.
Building the Brand: Challenges, Milestones, and Funny Stories
About two years into running my mobile business, things got incredibly hectic. The demand was overwhelming, and I found myself working 80-hour weeks, constantly on the go. House calls all day, navigating NYC traffic or crowded trains—it was a lot, both physically and mentally.
Little by little, I started inviting select clients to come to my apartment instead. That’s when things got… interesting. At the time, I was subletting my apartment from none other than the puppeteer who plays Cookie Monster on Sesame Street. He lived in Chicago but would come to New York to film. Whenever he was in town, I had to vacate the apartment and crash at a friend’s place.
Things escalated quickly. My apartment turned into a round-the-clock tanning hub—some might even say a brothel of bronzing! I had no boundaries, and clients would come at all hours, even as late as 3AM, for their glow.
Then, the New York Times called. They wanted to do a feature on mobile beauty services and interviewed me for the piece. During the interview, they asked for the address of my salon. I froze. Giving out my apartment address felt unprofessional, and in that moment, I knew it was time to take the next big step.
A Big Move: Opening the Salon in the Flatiron District
After four years of tanning people in my apartment, I finally found a brick-and-mortar location. I never set out to be a business owner—it just kind of happened. I like to say I’m an accidental entrepreneur, but what a wild and rewarding ride it’s been!
Gratitude to Our Clients and Team
I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for trusting Gotham Glow to be part of your most important moments. Whether it was your wedding, baby shower, engagement, award ceremony, photo shoot, or even a funeral, your trust in us has meant everything. The list of occasions we’ve been honored to be part of is truly humbling, and I am so grateful for the role we’ve played in helping you feel your best.
I also want to acknowledge the incredible people who have worked at Gotham Glow over the years. Every single receptionist and tanning technician brought not just their skills but also their heart to this business. They cared deeply—about the tans they perfected, about booking clients at just the right times, and about asking the right questions to ensure every detail was thought through. Their dedication to excellence and their genuine care for our clients have been the foundation of Gotham Glow’s success.
And yes, I know I’ve sometimes come across as a bit of a stickler. But I truly believe in the power of details. It’s those little things that set us apart from the competition. At Gotham Glow, we go the extra mile by writing detailed notes on every client, ensuring that each visit is tailored and personalized to perfection.
The Media Attention and the Journey Without PR
Over the decades, Gotham Glow has been featured in just about every magazine and publication imaginable. It still blows my mind that I achieved this with zero PR help. It took years of relentless hustling and networking, and there were definitely moments of discouragement. Watching new businesses pop up and get instant press coverage—just because they had the funds and connections to hire PR firms—was tough.
But looking back, I’m grateful that things unfolded the way they did. Those years of grinding it out on my own, building real relationships, and getting the word out without relying on a big PR budget have shaped the authenticity and reputation of Gotham Glow. It wasn’t the fastest route, but it’s the one that built a true, solid foundation.
The Evolution of Gotham Glow’s Neighborhood
When I opened my salon in the Flatiron District, it was one of the only luxury businesses in the area. It certainly didn’t look like it does now. There were no Nomad Hotel, no Eataly. In fact, Jay Z’s business, the 40/40 Club, and I both moved into the neighborhood around the same time. And I’m proud to say I outlasted his business. It’s been a journey of resilience, and I’m so thankful to still be here, thriving, in a neighborhood that has grown with me.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has changed—and how much I’ve grown—over the past 20 years. When I first started, we were tanning clients with small handheld airbrush makeup guns. Yes, that’s how long I’ve been doing this! The tools, techniques, and expectations have evolved so much, and staying ahead of those changes has been a big part of Gotham Glow’s success.
Entrepreneurship, however, has taught me lessons far beyond tanning. Over the years, I’ve weathered two economic downturns, a global pandemic, and countless shifts in how business is run. I’ve learned to adapt, to stay resilient, and to keep moving forward no matter what. Each challenge taught me something new about problem-solving, leadership, and perseverance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gotham Glow
Exciting new products and upcoming projects we can’t wait to share with you.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting things on the horizon at Gotham Glow. I’ve been working on developing a body wash and moisturizer that can be used not only before and after tanning but also as part of your everyday routine.
I’m absolutely obsessed with using clean, non-toxic products, and that commitment has guided every step of this process. Growing up in Beirut and traveling extensively through the Middle East, Asia, South America, Denmark, and beyond, I’ve been immersed in a world of beauty rituals that have shaped my approach to self-care. You could say I have a PhD in bathing culture!
With 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, I’ve tried just about every product imaginable, and I know what works. My goal is to create products that embrace modern clean beauty standards while delivering a luxurious experience. I can’t wait to share them with you soon!
As part of our 20th-anniversary celebration, we wanted to show our appreciation with a little something special. We’ve sent out an email to all our clients with a $10 coupon, but in case you didn’t receive it, don’t worry! Our promotion is running until January 31st—just mention GG20 at checkout to redeem it.
Thank you again for 20 incredible years of trust, support, and connection. Here’s to the next chapter of Gotham Glow!
xo,
Tamar
