10 Minutes with Jasmine Scarr

By Louise May

Introducing Jasmine Scarr, a passionate entrepreneur and the visionary founder behind Bella Bronze Tan and several successful beauty ventures. A proud mother of two, Jasmine balances her family life with a dynamic career in the beauty industry. From humble beginnings inspired by her beauty therapist mother, Jasmine has built a diverse portfolio of businesses and continues to innovate and inspire through her work.

Join us as we delve into her journey, exploring the drive and determination that fuel her ongoing success.

Tell us a bit about you.

I am a 38-year-old mother of 2 beautiful kids under 5, engaged to a wonderful man I met at Coachella in 2016 (that’s a fun story!) born and bred on the Gold Coast, and now live just outside of Airlie Beach - Farmer wants a wife in real life! I am the Founder and Owner of Bella Bronze Tan, Bella Bronze House of Beauty salons x 3, The Glow Space, Bella Bronze Tan Academy, Host of Beyond the Tanroom podcast and newly released co-host of Beauties and the Tea podcast with Kayla Zigic.

Where did your love for tanning & beauty all begin?

My mum was a beauty therapist, so I thought having focus in your living room at 7 was normal. She also studied to make her own creams to use which inspired me to do the same. She snuck me into a solarium when I was 16 and my love for salons started there. I then had my first spray tan at 18 and I knew from that day onwards that it would be my career.

With your diverse portfolio of businesses, what inspired you to venture into these different business models?

After mobile tanning for years, I rented a space to tan out of for 2 years. The idea to open a co-work space was due to clients asking me where to get other services from, but as I had no skill set for or (or any interest in it if I am honest) I chose to open salons that other experts could rent from so we all work alongside each other and grow.

The tan brand was to fill the gap in my salon and others on Instagram saw what the tans looked like and started to buy from me via Instagram - I had no website. The academy was after years on training on the road and came to fruition during covid and the podcasts are because I love to talk and educate! It is my favourite thing.

What do you think are the key factors that have contributed to your success across these different ventures?

I have a good sense of judgment when it comes to people, and I am very open about the fact that I only hire clients. People that I have rapport with, that love tans, that respect myself and my business. I know when to give tasks away and outsource (most of the time) and I don’t micro-manage - mistakes make growth.

What do you love most about what you do?

The feeling a tan gives you, nothing beats it! Absolutely nothing.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced, and what strategies have you employed to overcome them?

Moving up to North QLD has been a challenge - I love to train all my staff so not being able to and not being able to jump on the tools (as I say) when a crisis pops up has been very hard for me. Cash flow when opening salons is never fun but it is all an investment. Oh, and having a bad accountant - we have ALL been there!! That has been a hiccup in the past for me - beauty only accountants are so needed.

What drives you to operate several businesses?

I’m nuts, that’s all I can say. I opened 2 salons pregnant across 2018/19 do not recommend it - I lived off Maccas driving between Gold Coast and Brisbane daily ha-ha and had no rest. I thrive on a challenge, and I do first and think later. But I back myself and I know I can so that’s why I do it. I just love it that’s why I keep going.

How do you prioritise your time across all your businesses, to ensure each one thrives?

Living up here has forced me to work on the business only, which is needed but was a hard transition as I am a people person. I honestly fall behind in one area weekly and then play catch up - but I have an amazing team that helps me run the business or it wouldn’t be possible.

You have just launched a new Podcast with Kayla Zigic from Socials for Salons; can you tell us about this?

I can! We are old friends from our early 20’s who are both mums now and love a chat and a laugh. In our opinion, the beauty industry can be too serious, so we are looking to lift the lid and have some fun. Telling real-life stories (anonymously), talking about salon dramas that arise, tax issues, staffing and have really cool guests on that we vibe with.

What is one piece of business/life advice you have been given that has stayed with you?

Not to toot my own horn but the piece of advice is from my mouth that I live by. “Don’t say no, find a way to say yes” - all my staff/students/friends know this one and it means if you can find a way to make it work, do it. Say yes to the things others say no to and watch what happens.

How do you balance business and personal life?

Badly! But I make sure I am as present for my kids as can be, and when I need to be on my phone, I let them know and make it as quick as I can. They know that if they want to be able to get on a plane, staying in a building that Mama needs to work sometimes and I am always honest about this with going away (how many days I’m gone and where etc).I have a great support network also that allows me to fly down to visit the salons and I know my kids are safe and loved. Others may not agree but my kids thrive on this.

How do you like to start each day and why?

Exercise is my therapy - I live for it. Pilates, cycling, weights you name it I love it - 5am daily!

What is your ideal way to spend a Sunday?

Coffee, bike ride with kids, grocery shopping lunch at the Eco resort (with a cheeky rose in hand), then home to play board games and watch a snuggle movie with the whole family

What are you currently watching/reading? I just finished The Bear - loved it! Reading for me is researching as my brain can’t focus (that’s the undiagnosed ADHD).

Fave music/song?

Kyle song, Fred Again - tiny desk version. It’s just beautiful and will play an important part in my life next year....

Fave food?

Asian fusion or Mexican

Fave drink?

AM: Iced long black with a dash of oat, PM: French Dry Rose with ice cubes in the glass or a Tommy’s Marg

What is on the agenda for the next 12 months?

Well, I am nuts... so something in the fitness industry is in my eyesight currently. I would love to do more public speaking in the industry and grow the podcast community. I have a huge party planned for October as its the brand + salon's 10th birthday this year. WILD

Oh, and we launch into a chemist chain in August - 110 stores nationally so I dare say it just the beginning!

@bellabronzetans @theglow.space @bellabronzetanacademy @beyondthetanroom @beautyandthetea_podcast