FAKE BAKE continues their Stateside Story: a date with Ladonna Sheridan…

 FAKE BAKE continues their Stateside Story: a date with Ladonna Sheridan…

Here at Team Fake Bake we like to think we know a lot about the world of self tanning, but when it comes to getting the full lowdown there is one gal on our speed dial: Ladonna Sheridan. Ladonna is a beauty industry expert extraordinaire and has been with the brand since its inception. When we planned our trip to Beauty Con, Ladonna was in the US driving seat and also welcomed us to LA with open arms. So we decided to find out more about her, while she showed us around The City of Angels, and worked like a true team player from the moment we touched down until we waved our final farewells.

Ladonna, you have experienced Beauty Con at its finest in LA - what was it like for you?

Here in the US we do a lot of shows where we meet our salon customers, but Beauty Con LA gave us the chance to also mix with our retail clients: it was a real end users forum! It was wonderful to get their feedback and listen to their suggestions. The industry has changed beyond recognition and it was great to meet Jake Jamie, who I know has a huge following, and some of our US influencers, too, like Dana Patterson. These guys create content and they really do influence - the real girl/guy at home can follow influencers they identity with, and hear their valuable views on what they like to try and buy. This development really came through at Beauty Con - I still love a glossy magazine, of course, but I like to see how products work in real life on someone similar to me, and that seems to be universal now, and as brand Fake Bake embraces that. Fake Bake USA is all about building our Insta right now and increasing our reach. But events like Beauty Con provide a real time, real life experience that’s about human connection, and that always counts!

Fake Bake is so at home in the US - what is it about the brand that makes it so popular?

Fake Bake is SO natural looking - it’s our USP - Unique Selling Point! It has made us unique for two decades, and in a busy market, it still sets up apart. Pardon the pun - we are the Original and the best, IMHO! Here in the US we really do like to look good - it’s that simple. Fake Bake has stood the test of time because we have taken our winning formula, created lots of new innovations, but always kept impeccable standards. Clients know that if they go for a Fake Bake spray tan, or purchase a Fake Bake product, they are going to get results that work with their skin tone to create a natural finish. Also, we are really getting the message about sun damage now. I used to be a sun lover, but now I know I can get a golden glow without it, and it really has saved my skin. So Fake Bake allows you to get a sunkissed look, it never lets you down, and helps you look after your skin - as a brand we are still flourishing!

You get to work with some amazing people - we noticed you are friends with Ashley Alexiss - how do you think the industry is changing and becoming more inclusive?

Beauty is not a size. I love that Sports Illustrated has taken note of this and their recent campaign really illustrated this.

Ash, who participated in the campaign, at 5ft 3ins is not traditional model height, and I call her curvalicious! She really has presence - she is authentic and healthily confident and I think it is wonderful that we get to see people who really represent us in all areas of the media. Brands that have a slim focus are now becoming outdated - contemporary brands involve us all and I love that, so that we can now all step up, to feel and look great. And I am so proud that Fake Bake has always been inclusive, right from the get-go.

You are really experienced in what you do and all about the hard work - any tips for readers who are new to the industry?

Having been with Fake Bake USA since its beginning, the brand has a family feel and over the years I have done everything from answering phones, attending photo shoots, and literally being involved in any area of the business where I could add some input. Being familiar with so many areas of the business enables me to do a good job - I am a naturally inquisitive person and I never stop learning. I am Director of Sales and Marketing at Fake Bake USA now so my advice to anyone is - get involved, work hard, and you can move on up in the industry.

Cover shot of ‘Society’ magazine (image courtesy of @lelaradulovicphotography)

If you could Fake Bake anyone on the planet, who would it be and why?

As a brand we are so lucky at Fake Bake USA that we have worked with so many high profile names and they have supported us all the way.

Rumer Willis stood out to me as she’s such a natural beauty.

More recently working with famous faces like Ruby Rose has been amazing - we love seeing Fake Bake on the red carpet!

Personally, I would love to work with Melissa McCarthy - she is an outstanding actress and so talented.

But in my working life, it is my role to tan anyone and everyone! I really love to tan people who have been undecided or nervous, and break down barriers as I go. Fake Bake is for everyone, and it’s my aim to make every girl and guy FLAWLESS!

So there you have it. We had an absolute ball spending time with Ladonna, and as a brand, it is always amazing to have someone around who knows her stuff, is so positive and upbeat, and really embraces the future and where the brand is heading. Her belief in Fake Bake is infectious, and her championing and support of others is a beautiful thing. In a time when we are all about self promotion, Ladonna is quite happy to take a selfie but when it comes to being all about the brand, she’s a real go-getter.

Plus, she does a mean Scottish accent. You see, we left a bit of Glasgow in LA when we left.

It would be rude not to, right?

Find Ladonna on Insta @thefakebakeguru

Follow Fake Bake in the US on Insta @fakebakeusa

For further information go to www.fakebake.com