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Andrea Licata-Bernath loves the sun, but her long-term relationship with outdoor sunbathing and tanning booth visits almost killed her. Ten years ago, after a diagnosis of melanoma and a four-and-a-half hour surgery to remove 42 lymph nodes, she got a second chance. She also wanted to find a healthier, sunless way to maintain the glowing complexion she desired.
She used herself as the test case in her search for a safe way to look tan without the wrinkles and threats of UV damage. She and her business partner, ex-husband Chris Bernath, discovered sunless tanning, and now manufacture and distribute more than 450 sunless tanning products, from lotions, creams and sprays to spray guns and tanning booths. They claim more than 10,000 salon and spa customers around the world (like Toledo’s SunSpray by Kathryn), and note that their products have been used on Playboy bunnies, reality TV stars (think Jersey Shore and Toddlers and Tiaras), and ESPN anchors. The company manufactures and distributes the faux glow goods through their Kahuna Bay Spray Tan Company, located in Florida, and also sell it through Artesian Tan Company, based in a South Toledo warehouse, as well as through their website, www.artesiantan.com
While the divorcees work together, it’s Andrea’s personal experience with skin cancer that drives their collaboration with the American Cancer Society and local health care providers by educating consumers about the dangers of exposure to UV rays. “Melanoma doesn’t discriminate,” she says. “People of all skin types and ages can develop it, so
we do our best to support businessesthat are helping to educate consumers about alternatives.”
Artesian Tan Company, 757 Warehouse Dr. 419-386-2387. www.artesiantan.com
