Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolette Hennemann.
Hi Nicolette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I actually started spray tanning in college as a side job just to make extra money, but somehow it kept pulling me back in. What started as a college hustle turned into a hobby, then eventually turned into me realizing I wanted something bigger for myself.
At the same time, I’ve always had a very entrepreneurial personality. I’m someone with a million ideas, strong opinions, and a constant desire to improve things, which probably makes me a difficult employee long-term. I realized pretty quickly that I wasn’t meant to spend my life building someone else’s vision when I had such a strong vision of my own. So while working my full-time corporate job, I started building On the Glow on the side- nights, weekends, early mornings, wherever I could fit it in.
What I thought would maybe stay a small side business quickly grew into one of Nashville’s go-to luxury mobile spray tanning companies. In our very first year, we were voted Top 3 in Nashville’s Best of the Best for Best Mobile Business, which honestly still feels surreal.
The coolest part is that we’re still just getting started. We’re expanding, growing the team, and building something much bigger behind the scenes. I still work full-time while growing the business, but the long-term goal has always been to eventually go all in on On the Glow full time.
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that sometimes the thing you start “on the side” ends up becoming the thing you’re most passionate about. And for me, that’s been building a brand that makes people feel confident while also creating something entirely my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh definitely not – but I think if it feels too smooth, you’re probably not building anything very exciting.
One of the biggest challenges has been building On the Glow while still working a full-time job. There were a lot of nights going straight from my laptop to spray tan appointments, weekends spent working, and moments where balancing both felt slightly unhinged. When you’re growing a business on the side, there’s really no “off” switch.
I also learned very quickly that being good at spray tanning and running a business are two completely different things. Suddenly you’re the marketer, scheduler, accountant, customer service department, content creator, and occasionally the IT team.
Social media makes entrepreneurship look very glamorous, but behind the scenes it’s a lot of trial and error, long hours, and figuring things out in real time. Honestly though, I think that’s been part of the fun. Some of the best things that happened for the business came from taking risks, trusting my instincts, and learning as I went.
We’ve been impressed with On the Glow Nashville, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
On the Glow is a luxury spray tanning company based in Nashville offering both mobile and in-studio appointments. While we’re especially known for our mobile services for brides, bachelorette groups, events, and busy men and women, the heart of the business has always been creating an experience that feels personal, elevated, and genuinely confidence-boosting.
We specialize in custom airbrush spray tans tailored to each client’s skin tone, undertones, lifestyle, and desired result, with a huge focus on natural-looking color that never feels orange or overdone.
What means the most to me, though, is the client experience. From the beginning, client happiness has always been my number one priority, and I truly believe that’s what has allowed the business to grow so much through word-of-mouth and referrals. I always try to go above and beyond to make clients feel comfortable, cared for, confident, and excited to come back.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building something that feels both elevated and personal at the same time. I never wanted On the Glow to feel transactional- I wanted it to feel like an experience people genuinely look forward to and a brand they feel connected to.
How do you think about happiness?
Honestly, the relationships I’ve built through this business are what make me the happiest. One of the coolest parts of what I do is getting to be part of so many important moments in people’s lives. I’ve had clients who started coming to me for their engagement photos, then their wedding, bachelorette trip, honeymoon, pregnancy photoshoots — all of it. Watching those milestones happen over the years and continuing to be part of them is really special to me.
At the end of the day, it’s never just been about spray tanning. It’s about making people feel confident, taken care of, and comfortable enough to keep coming back through different seasons of their life. Those relationships and the trust clients place in me are honestly what mean the most and what keep me passionate about continuing to grow the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ontheglowtans.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontheglownashville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/On-the-Glow-l-Mobile-Spray-Tanning-61567699802581/
