Meet Ashley Akins | Owner of Sweetly Bronzed

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Akins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Spray tanning and sugaring hair removal may seem like simple beauty treatments to some, but to me, they are my absolute passion and a core part of who I am. I’m not just a technician; I’m a hype girl, committed to turning someone’s day around and making them feel incredible. When people leave the salon, they’re not just transformed on the outside; they’re filled with confidence and positivity.

My job allows me to be with people during their most significant moments. I’ve shared the joy with women finding out they’re pregnant and being the first person she tells. I’ve been there when couples are about to go on a vacation, hoping for an engagement, and I’ve celebrated with them when it happens. I’ve been trusted with the gender and name of babies before anyone else in their lives.

In that room, I become more than a sugarista/spray tan expert; I become a best friend, a confidante, and a source of support. This job has given me more than just clients; it’s brought me lifelong friendships. So, when I say it’s more than just sugaring and spray tanning, I mean it’s about connecting with people, spreading positivity, and being there for them in the most special moments of their lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are Columbus’ premier sugaring hair removal and spray tanning salon. At Sweetly Bronzed, we’re dedicated to creating an oasis where confidence meets luxury. Our mission is to provide flawless spray tans and sugaring hair removal services, featuring a sugaring technique that is efficient and less painful than regular wax, and spray tans so natural looking that you’ll feel confident all year round.

Sweetly Bronzed is more than just a beauty business; it’s a community of strong, encouraging women. We’ve built a brand that attracts incredible clients and staff who uplift, support and empower each other. Our goal is to make every person who walks through our doors feel good about themselves, and we take pride in the positive impact we’ve had on people’s lives along the way. We’re excited to continue spreading positivity and confidence through our services and our welcoming atmosphere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our day would start with a visit to Kitchen Social in Bridgepark. Not only is the food there absolutely delicious, but Bridgepark itself is a fantastic place to explore on foot and has the best farmers market!

Next, we’d head over to Easton for some shopping therapy. It’s a shopper’s paradise with so many options.

For a fun activity, we’d hit up Top Golf because you don’t need to be a pro golfer to have a blast there. For happy hour we would go to my favorite spot, Lincoln Social, where they serve the best espresso martinis.

Columbus is so nice because everything is 20 minutes away and there’s so much to do!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly blessed to have the unwavering love and support of my husband, Nathan McCreery, who has been with me since the very beginning of Sweetly Bronzed. His understanding, encouragement, and unwavering support have allowed me to pour my heart and soul into my business, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life and in this journey.

Equally, my heart is filled with gratitude for my amazing parents. They have always believed in me, pushed me to pursue my dreams, and provided me with the foundation of love and support that has enabled me to thrive. Their belief in my potential has been a driving force behind my success.

These incredible people, Nathan and my parents, deserve the biggest shout-out and recognition for their role in my journey. I am so thankful for them.

Website: https://linktr.ee/sweetlybronzed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetlybronzed/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Sweetlybronzed

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/sweetly-bronzed-columbus

Image Credits
Amber & Elle Photography