Tan Hub Mooloolaba crowned Sunshine Coast’s best spray tanning specialist

The dynamic duo behind a Sunshine Coast spray tanning studio offering 24/7 access, and complete privacy for clients, has revealed the inspiration behind the business.

Shaye and William McBurnie from Tan Hub Mooloolaba were over the moon to be crowned Sunshine Coast's best spray tanning specialist. Photos: contributed

A tanning salon focused on complete privacy and comfort for their clients has been crowned best on the Sunshine Coast.

Shaye and William McBurnie launched Tan Hub Mooloolaba in November, 2021, after they were inspired during a holiday in America.

They arrived in the middle of summer after a cold winter and decided a spray tan was much needed, prompting a visit to a salon in Lafayette which was their first experience trying out a sunless tanning spray booth.

“We got back in the car, heading towards New Orleans, and both said simultaneously, out of the blue, ‘we need this at home’,” Ms McBurnie said.

Tan Hub Mooloolaba are Sunshine Coast Daily poll winners of the best tanning business on the Coast. Staff, Zarli Grant, Lizzy Tucker, Belinda Johnson and Lara cammack. Photo: Patrick Woods.

The aim for their studio was to welcome people of all ages and sizes and offer spray tans in automated private booths to allow clients to feel comfortable.

“Being in the beauty industry already, I had heard so much feedback from clients being nervous to get a conventional spray tan or men not feeling comfortable or welcome in some other spray tanning salons,” she said.

She also said there was a need to bring a safe, sunless alternative which was accessible 24/7 with Queensland recording the highest skin cancer rate in Australia.

“We love being able to provide a service that leaves our customers feeling good about themselves.”

One of their oldest clients is in her 80s who has opted for weekly tanning sessions.

Ms McBurnie said their business has recently been specialising in private bridal parties and will soon produce an app which allows 24/7 access for non-members.

The couple also have plans in the works to expand to another Sunshine Coast location.

Since opening in 2021, their business has provided more than 15,000 spray tans.

They’ve now been crowned the best tanning specialist by Sunshine Coast Daily readers, scoring 55 per cent of votes.

Tan Hub Mooloolaba team Zarli Grant, Lizzy Tucker, Belinda Johnson and Lara cammack. Photo: Patrick Woods.

Ms McBurnie said she was astounded by the “overwhelming support” they had been shown.

“There were many other distinguished salons known for their exceptional spray tans and artistic talents - being recognised alongside them made us feel so grateful and proud to have gained that recognition in the industry,” Ms McBurnie said.

“We are beyond appreciative that our customers took the time to vote for us.”

Ms McBurnie said when they opened the Sunshine Coast’s first 24/7 spray tanning salon, they were uncertain whether it would gain traction.

She described the win as “incredibly gratifying and rewarding”.

“All the Bunnings trips during the fit out, the long days and nights, the workshops we have attended, the 3am phone calls on the 24/7 phone and wiping tan from the white walls everyday is beyond worth it.”

She thanked her team of tanning specialists who “live and literally breathe spray tan” for their effort, passion and dedication in helping their business thrive.