By: Joshua Finley
Queen City Tan, an award-winning spray tan salon in Cincinnati, has earned a reputation for redefining the beauty industry through innovation, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Founded by Lizz Schmitz, a multi-master-certified spray tan artist, and international trainer, the salon is known for advancing spray tanning as an art form and empowering professionals worldwide. With its dedication to education and inclusive approach, Queen City Tan stands out as a leader in the beauty industry.
Lizz’s journey to build Queen City Tan began with a vision of helping people feel confident and radiant in their own skin. Over the years, that vision has expanded to encompass a broader mission: to celebrate individuality and diversity in beauty. “Spray tanning is more than just a service—it’s an art form and a science,” Lizz explains. “I’ve dedicated my career to perfecting this craft and sharing that knowledge with others to help raise the bar in our industry.”
A Step Toward Inclusivity and Expertise
Queen City Tan has distinguished itself by placing a strong emphasis on inclusivity in every aspect of its services. The salon’s signature spray tans are customized to suit each client’s skin tone, shape, and size, helping ensure that everyone feels celebrated and confident. A key part of this mission has been Lizz’s development of one of the industry’s earliest plus-size-specific training programs, addressing a long-overlooked gap in beauty education.
With specialized certifications, including one in spray tanning people of color, Lizz ensures that Queen City Tan aims to provide expert service to clients of all skin tones. “At Queen City Tan, beauty has no limits,” Lizz shares. “My mission is to create a space where everyone—no matter their shape, size, or skin tone—feels valued, celebrated, and confident.”
This ethos extends beyond the salon floor. Through initiatives like the Spray Tan Color Theory Course, Lizz helps beauty professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to deliver exceptional, customized results to their clients. These innovative programs not only contribute to raising the professional standard in spray tanning but also support professionals as they navigate a competitive industry.
Photo Courtesy: Lizz Schmitz
A Recognized Leader in the Industry
Recognition of Queen City Tan’s excellence has come through both local and national platforms. The salon has been honored with accolades, including Best Tanning Salon in Cincinnati, Best Bridal Spray Tan, Best Spray Tan Studio in Ohio, and the Cincy Chic Reader’s Choice Award for Best Spray Tan for two consecutive years.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as Cincinnati’s best,” Lizz says. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about the incredible clients who trust me and the amazing team that makes it all possible.”
The recent expansion to a second location, coupled with the relocation of the original salon, marks a new chapter of growth for Queen City Tan. This milestone reflects the salon’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional services to more clients while maintaining its dedication to quality and inclusivity.
A Comprehensive Beauty Experience
Queen City Tan recently broadened its service offerings by adding an Advanced Esthetician, Haley Hershey, to its team, introducing expert skin care services to complement its renowned spray tanning experience. This expansion aims to offer a more holistic approach to beauty, helping clients achieve radiant, glowing skin from head to toe.
“By adding an Advanced Esthetician to our team, we’re not just focusing on tans—we’re helping clients glow from the inside out,” Lizz explains.
Empowering Professionals Worldwide
In addition to serving clients, Queen City Tan plays an important role in educating and mentoring spray tanning professionals globally. As an international trainer, Lizz has taught her techniques to professionals around the world, sharing her expertise and passion to elevate industry standards.
“Education is at the heart of everything I do,” Lizz emphasizes. “Sharing my knowledge isn’t just about teaching—it’s about empowering others to achieve their dreams.”
Community Impact and Giving Back
Queen City Tan’s impact goes beyond beauty. The business is deeply rooted in its local community, actively supporting initiatives such as the Anchor Fitness Limitless Competition and the Women’s Health Expo in Cincinnati. Lizz has been involved with various community organizations, providing financial support and helping to raise funds for important causes.
“We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us so much,” Lizz says. “It’s a privilege to contribute to initiatives that uplift and inspire others.”
Photo Courtesy: Lizz Schmitz
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Lizz envisions continued opportunities for Queen City Tan to innovate and inspire. With the addition of Brittany Christy as Director of Operations, the salon is well-positioned to grow. With plans to expand services, add salon suites, and further develop the salon’s local and global reach, Queen City Tan seeks to remain at the forefront of the beauty industry.
“The journey doesn’t stop here,” Lizz reflects. “My goal is to keep innovating, expanding, and empowering—one client, one spray tan, and one professional at a time.”
Queen City Tan is more than a salon—it’s a movement that celebrates individuality, challenges traditional beauty standards, and empowers people to feel confident in their own skin. Through its unparalleled expertise, inclusive approach, and commitment to education, Queen City Tan is setting out to redefine excellence in the beauty industry.
For more information, visit Queen City Tan’s website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Published by Elle G.
