As summer fades into fall, many people find themselves missing that fresh, healthy glow that comes naturally after days spent outdoors.
Fortunately, keeping that sun-kissed look no longer has to come at the expense of your skin. At goGlow in The District at Deerfield, husband-and-wife team Wayne and Jodi Achterberg are helping guests achieve a natural-looking glow through customized sunless tanning. For the Loveland couple, it's never been about changing someone's appearance–it's about helping people feel like the best version of themselves.
Sunless tanning has come a long way from the one-size-fits-all solutions of the past. Today's customized formulas and techniques allow guests to achieve a personalized glow tailored to their skin tone, lifestyle and goals.
For Wayne, opening goGlow marked a career change after more than 25 years in healthcare IT. As the father of two daughters involved in dance, he saw firsthand the growing demand for spray tanning and how inconsistent the results could be.
"I wanted to transition to something new," Wayne explains. "The opportunity to help people feel better about themselves and be happy was very attractive."
Jodi, who has an MBA and a background in project management, was equally inspired by the company's “skin first, tan second” philosophy.
"Once I learned the spray solutions and products aren't filled with many of the common chemicals found in other products, I knew I wanted to be part of it," she says. “goGlow offers you a much safer alternative to the sun. You can have a beautiful glow without negative effects.”
That commitment to healthier skin is what first drew the couple to goGlow.
Rather than relying on an automated spray booth, every guest begins with a personal consultation. Trained technicians evaluate skin tone, undertones, lifestyle and upcoming events before selecting a custom, hand-applied tanning solution designed to create a natural-looking result.
For founding member Brooke Duke of Morrow, that personalized approach made all the difference.
"I've always had a really light complexion, and no matter what I've tried over the years, I just don't tan naturally," Brooke admits. "I wanted a healthy, natural-looking glow without damaging my skin."
Unlike previous experiences with self-tanners and spray booths, she says goGlow delivers a result that actually complements her skin tone.
"The staff genuinely wants you to feel confident and look your best," says Brooke. "They take the time to customize everything instead of treating you like just another appointment."
That personalized experience begins well before the tanning appointment itself. Proper preparation, including exfoliating, moisturizing and following simple before-and-after care steps, helps create a more even, longer-lasting result.
"We talk with every guest about their skincare routine," Wayne tells us. "Our products are designed to maximize the results while keeping skin healthy."
Vegan, sulfate-free and paraben-free, the products reflect goGlow's skin-first philosophy and commitment to helping guests care for their skin beyond the appointment.
That approach often surprises first-time guests, many of whom arrive with outdated ideas about spray tanning.
"People think they'll turn orange, smell badly or ruin their sheets," Wayne explains. "Not with us. And darker isn't always better. Sometimes people simply want a light, healthy glow."
Jodi understands those first-time nerves because she once shared them.
"I never had a spray tan before experiencing goGlow," she acknowledges. "Now I realize how much a quality spray tan can balance your skin tone and give you a youthful, healthy glow."
Since opening in May, the studio has been busy welcoming guests from across the community.
"It's been rewarding to see customers leave with such big smiles after their first experience," Wayne shares.
For the Achterbergs, those moments are the reason they love what they do. A customized spray tan is about more than adding color – it’s about creating an experience where guests feel comfortable, confident and cared for.
"The staff genuinely wants you to feel confident and look your best. They take the time to customize everything instead of treating you like just another appointment."