Elodie Messika
Elodie Messika: Founder/CEO Jolie TanStar
Instagram: @jolietanstar
Spray Tan Artist and owner of Jolie Tanstar Beauty
Can you share some of your background and how you got into this industry?
What began as a side hustle quickly became my main Jam. I began my multi-role journey when I attended Business school in Paris and obtained a degree in Financial Management, quickly climbing the career ladder with positions at prestigious financial firms and International Banks. In true multi-role fashion, I was also in a host of French TV shows, performed at theaters and clubs in Paris, sang at weddings and Bar Mitzvas, and composed music in my free time (the little that I had).
The last few years brought challenges for my personal life and business. My mother’s illness and death forced me to face inevitable pains and difficulties of life and taught me a lot about myself – about happiness, well-being, and love for others.
This path ultimately led me to move across the world and pursue my true somewhat hidden passion: Helping people feel beautiful. I do this in my salon in South Florida. The road is often long and difficult but I work hard everyday to lead and stay true to my mission!
What do clients request most at your salon?
Clients often request spray tanning. They feel thinner, healthier, more beautiful and ready for their cruises, photo shoots, or vacations.
What treatments or services do you recommend and why ?
The skin is the largest organ in the body and we often forget to take adequate care of it. Skin issues often reflect deeper health problems beneath the surface. The skin is also the first to receive all external “aggressions” : burns, Irritations, Sores, Sun burn, Scars, Crusts, Bulbs…That’s why protecting the skin is so important from the outside and inside. Washing and exfoliating the skin consistently and moisturizing drier areas can help protect the skin. Eating clean foods and exercising regularly all contribute to better skin. Taking care of your body is an ongoing process of dedication on the inside and outside. I see spray tanning as one piece of the puzzle and a way to avoid the sun and still look sun-kissed. It’s a healthy approach to looking good, especially with the organic formulas I use which are beneficial for the skin.
What are some beauty/skin tips that you recommend ?
Devote 10 minutes a day to your skin. A little bit goes a long way.
Can you share a personal and/or professional challenge you have faced, how you managed to get through it/them, and what lessons you learned?
Every day is a challenge : each person is different and has different skin, and I have to respect these differences and adjust my work to meet clients needs, whether it’s deciding what type of formula to use(pressure, distance, color…), or figuring out how to get to a client’s house when they are in need of an emergency tan (which happens more often than you might think). One big lesson I have learned is that we ALL have scars, and nobody is « perfect ». The best way is to be comfortable with your own body is to love yourself, and care for yourself.
How do you balance parenting and career? Can you share any tips that have helped you navigate being a multi-role woman?
I try to anticipate things that might come up- mostly the unexpected. For example, I will cook whenever I have time so there is food in the fridge in case I am home late one night and my kids are starving. I also assign tasks and chores to each of my kids which is a win-win because it helps me out and promotes their autonomy. Most importantly I always adopt a positive attitude and try to see every challenge as an opportunity.