What was the moment you realised “I’m on to something here with this Fake Bake idea”?
Having sourced Fake Bake from the US following a melanoma scare in the family, I asked some of the customers in my solarium and nail salon to try the product. They loved it, and this was probably the time I realised the product could be really successful. The increased awareness of skin cancer and risk of exposure to UV rays through the use of solariums or sun meant that people were looking for a safer alternative to achieving that sunkissed look.

Was there a point when you thought it might not work? 
The first two to three years were really tough, as they are in any business, but I was always sure that I had a fantastic product and knew that people would love it once they tried it.

What’s your number one beauty tip?
Remember to moisturise all over your body. It’s not just your face that ages.

What can you not live without?
Fake Bake Aerosol – I look ill with no colour!

What is the key to a flawless tan? 
Prepare, apply and maintain – we call this the three step process. Getting the exfoliation and moisturising right is as important as the actual tan application.

What was it like having your own reality show?
A fantastic experience – we have just completed four weeks of filming in fact. It was gruelling but very fulfilling. Having to pick one and let the rest go was really difficult, but hopefully we’ve ensured that we’ve given our candidates a new set of skills and afforded them the opportunity to explore their strengths and weaknesses in a real operating environment.

How did it work out? And would you do it again?
The process demonstrated the calibre and differing qualities which a candidate can bring to a particular job role. Each candidate responded differently in each of the scenarios and we were very fortunate to work with them all. We always viewed this as an opportunity to coach and mentor individuals in a real operating environment, rather than a recruitment exercise. Having the opportunity to appoint a successful candidate who has demonstrated the right skill set, drive and ambition is just a bonus. And of course we would love to do it again!

How do you make it work with two kids and a tanning empire? Any advice for working mums?
Striking a balance can be difficult at times, but I always ensure that my weekends are devoted to my kids. I switch my mobile off on Friday night and don’t switch it on until Monday.

When you met the Queen, did you give her any tanning advice?
The Queen has fantastic skin for her mature years and definitely didn’t show any signs of over exposure to the sun. I don’t think I need to give her advice, she looks as though she’s doing everything right.

Who do you most admire?
My mother and working mothers everywhere – it’s difficult to be successful and still have a happy home life.

Which celeb do you think most needs some tanning advice?
Katie Price (aka Jordan). Enough said!

What products do you splurge on?
I use Dermalogica skincare and have regular facials at the Fake Bake Beauty Boutique so I don’t really have the urge to spend hundreds of dollars on overpriced skincare.

What questions are you most asked by your friends?
The most common question my friends used to ask me is which products we have in the range to suit their skin tone. They’ve all found a favourite and now they’re experts in application after a quick lesson.

Spray or lotion?
Spray for quickness but lotion for longer lasting colour.

Did you have any tanning disasters in your pre-Fake Bake days?
I was burned a few times…

Were you a ‘tanorexic’ in your youth?
Definitely. Everyone in Scotland was because we hardly have any sunshine.  When I went on holiday I cooked on the beach and in between I was constantly on sun-beds. I’m horrified at the thought of all the damage I’ve done to my skin over the years – I wish I had known better!

What do you think about men and fake tanning? 
Men are just as aware of the risks of UV exposure as women and Fake Bake has many male fans.  Infact, we have our Fake Bake Man Tri-Kit available just for them, which includes a shaving gel, facial scrub and a bronzing gel ($64.95, 1300 787 587).

Fake bake is available at salons nationally. Check out www.fakebake.net.au for more information.