Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Vorhis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Kaitlyn, and I am the proud owner of a female-founded custom airbrush tanning business built on determination, courage, and the belief that beauty can empower from the inside out.
I started my business during the pandemic with a newborn baby, at one of the hardest times in my life. I was living in an extremely violent marriage and desperately searching for a way to build independence for myself and my daughter. While caring for my infant during the day, I began offering custom airbrush tans from home when my husband was away. Within a few short months, my side hustle began to grow — and when he was arrested, I finally had the financial stability to remove my daughter and me from that dangerous environment.
Fast forward five years, and that leap of faith has turned into a thriving, full-time business. Today, I serve nearly 200 clients per week, collaborate with several beauty brands, and operate out of my own salon space. My business has been our sole source of income for the last four years, allowing me to provide a stable, happy life for my daughter as a single mom.
This year, I’m focused on growth — expanding my team by hiring my first employee and launching a white-label retail line. while continuing to deliver the personalized, confidence-boosting experience my clients have come to love.
I’m deeply grateful for how far this journey has brought me, and I’m excited to keep growing, inspiring, and showing my daughter what’s possible when you lead with resilience and purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a female business owner in the beauty industry, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from persistence. When I first launched my custom airbrush tanning business five years ago, I was a new mother navigating a difficult personal transition and building a company from nothing but determination and late nights. What began as a side hustle quickly evolved into a full-time business that now serves nearly 200 clients a week — but getting here has required constant balance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
Each day, I manage the many moving parts of entrepreneurship — the demands of a full salon schedule, client communications, product orders, and the never-ending details that come with running a small business. On top of that, I’m also a mom to a bright, energetic little girl whose needs and schedule are every bit as important as any client appointment or marketing campaign. There are mornings when I’m answering messages before school drop-off and nights when I’m editing social media content after bedtime.
Social media itself has become both a lifeline and a full-time job. It’s the heartbeat of my brand — where I connect with clients, share results, and tell my story — but it requires constant creativity and authenticity. Balancing the image of the business with the realities of motherhood can be challenging, but it’s also where my story resonates most: real, hardworking, and honest.
There are moments of exhaustion, of course. Days when the to-do list feels endless or when I’m pulled in too many directions. But then there are the moments that make it all worth it — watching a client light up after a tan, seeing my daughter proud of what her mom has built, and knowing that I’ve created something lasting out of what once felt impossible.
Being a female entrepreneur and single mom isn’t easy — it’s a constant dance of scheduling, resilience, and grace. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean having everything under control; it means moving forward with purpose, even when things feel messy. My business is not just a career — it’s a testament to strength, independence, and the beauty of building a life on your own terms.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run a custom airbrush tanning boutique in the heart of New Braunfels, Texas — a business built on hustle, heart, and a whole lot of determination. What started as a small side project during one of the hardest times in my life has grown into a thriving, in-demand salon that now serves nearly 200 clients a week.
I’m known for my work ethic and drive, but also for the heart I put into every single client experience. My goal has always been to create more than just beautiful tans — I want every client to leave my boutique feeling confident, cared for, and glowing from the inside out.
Over the years, I’ve built not only a loyal client list but also a strong, recognizable social media presence that reflects my brand’s authenticity and personality. It’s been incredible to watch my work and my story resonate with so many people online and in my community.
As proud as I am of my business, my greatest motivation will always be my daughter. Being a single mom has shaped everything about the way I approach my work and my life. I strive to show her what it means to lead with courage, build something from the ground up, and never lose sight of your purpose.
My journey has been far from easy, but it’s been worth every step. This business is my passion, my livelihood, and my proof that when you lead with hustle and heart, you can create something truly beautiful.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that not every day will be a good day — and that’s okay. Owning a business, being a single mom, and striving for growth means there are highs and lows, wins and setbacks. There are days when everything flows effortlessly, and others when it feels like I’m treading water. But I’ve learned to embrace both.
True success isn’t about perfection or constant progress; it’s about resilience. I’ve come to understand that successful people aren’t afraid of failure — they’re afraid of standing still. Every mistake, every challenge, and every hard day has pushed me to evolve, to think creatively, and to keep moving forward even when things get uncomfortable.
Growth happens in motion. The uncomfortable days, the uncertain moments, and the failures are where strength is built and clarity is found. I remind myself often that as long as I’m learning, adapting, and staying true to my purpose, I’m exactly where I need to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tanbykait.com
- Instagram: tanbykait
- Facebook: tanbykait
