Franchise FunJuly/August 2019Women in Franchising Article

Franchise Fun: Tan on the Run

From Paulie Shore to Kate Beckinsale, Tan on the Run has spray-tanned some pretty big names. Describing herself as ambitious, calm, and thankful, Nicole Hyatt, the CEO of Tan on the Run – a franchise concept that provides luxury, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free mobile spray tanning services – has grown the franchise into a thriving system with 40 units across Canada. Tan on the Run has even expanded overseas with franchises in exotic locales such as Namibia and Egypt. Franchise Canada caught up with Nicole for a little bit of Franchise Fun to see what she and Tan on the Run are all about!

The most interesting thing I’ve done recently is…

Tanned Lady Gaga.

In its best form, work is…

Not really work because I’m enjoying it!

A good franchisee…

Is a hustler.

A good franchisor…

Stays hands on no matter how big they get.

My top advice for prospective franchisees is…

Rome was not built in one day. If you’re not excited about what you do every day when you wake up, you’re likely in the wrong business.

My top advice for new franchisors is…

You’re only as good as your worst franchisee. The most important thing in life is… Family, health, and wealth.

One of the most enjoyable things to do is…

Brainstorm new ideas while on vacation.

The hardest thing for me to do is…

Give myself “me” time.

My favourite drink is…

COFFEE. Morning, afternoon, and even at midnight.

If I could change one thing…

My head office would be in the Caribbean.

If I could meet anyone…

Justin Bieber. My son has been hoping that I would tan him one day and he would get to meet him so I’ll give this wish to him. Fortunately, this business has allowed me to meet so many of my idols that I would have never imagined possible.

The person who has had the most positive influence on me as a businessperson is…

My Noni. She owned her own retail store and my father owns a large log hauling company that I grew up with. It helped me learn the ins and outs of being a business owner.

Canadian franchising is…

Very important to the future generation of entrepreneurs. It’s vital to support Canadian brands. The new generation of franchisees are very innovative and Canada has great resources to help kick start up and coming business. Many Canadian franchises also use Canadian products and resources to operate.

My franchise system began because…

I was a single mother wanting to help other women become independent business women.

The key to success is…

Hard work.

I’d like my friends to describe me as…

Passionate, driven, and influential.

The accomplishment I look forward to the most is…

Building a platform for like-minded women to start their own business and to be successful.

My personal motto is…

Be the best at what you do, rather than just OK at everything.

One necessary item on my life’s “to do” list is…

Spray tan Kim Kardashian. I’ve tanned her friends so I’m getting closer!