We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Burcu Kulaksiz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Burcu, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values instilled in me early on. Growing up, I saw the importance of hard work and dedication in everything my family did. These principles carried over into my own life, especially as I balanced academics and part-time jobs during undergrad and law school.
Working at a tanning salon for four years during undergrad gave me firsthand experience with the importance of consistency, reliability, and building genuine relationships with clients. I built strong connections with my clients without even realizing it. When I left to start law school, so many of them reached out, asking what they should do now that I wasn’t there. That moment showed me the impact I’d had and inspired me to create On The Go Glow. I was juggling demanding studies and running a business, which taught me how to prioritize, stay organized, and give 100% to everything I take on.
For me, work ethic isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart and staying passionate about what I do. Whether it’s preparing a legal brief or providing the best possible experience for my spray tan clients, I believe in putting my best foot forward every single day.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder and owner of On The Go Glow, a mobile spray tan business that provides luxury, customizable tanning services. I started the business while I was in law school, inspired by the connections I built during my four years working at a tanning salon during undergrad. When I left to pursue law school, so many of my clients reached out to me, wondering where they could go for the same personalized service they’d come to rely on. That moment made me realize the impact I’d had and motivated me to create a business that brought convenience, professionalism, and confidence to my clients.
What sets On The Go Glow apart is our commitment to delivering a high-end, completely mobile experience. We meet our clients where they are, whether that’s in their homes, at hotels, or even at events. It’s about more than just a tan—it’s about giving clients a boost of confidence and helping them feel their best.
Right now, I’m focused on growing the brand and continuing to offer a service that’s reliable, innovative, and tailored to each client’s needs. An exciting new development is that I’m planning to host exclusive Founders’ Dinners to connect and inspire others in the spray tan and other similar businesses. These events are designed to foster collaboration and innovation among like-minded professionals.
Beyond the business, I’m also an attorney, and while it might seem like two completely different worlds, they both require the same values: building trust, delivering excellence, and staying adaptable. It’s exciting to wear both hats and know that I’m making a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s through my business or my legal work.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: adaptability, relationship-building, and time management.
Adaptability: Starting a business while in law school taught me how to pivot and respond to challenges effectively. Whether it was balancing academic deadlines with client appointments or navigating the unique demands of running a mobile business, being flexible was key. For those early in their journey, I’d recommend embracing change as an opportunity to grow. Seek out challenges that push you out of your comfort zone—it’s where the best lessons are learned.
Relationship-Building: Building genuine connections with clients was foundational to the success of On The Go Glow. Those relationships not only inspired me to start the business but continue to be the driving force behind its growth. For anyone starting out, focus on creating meaningful interactions with people—whether they’re clients, collaborators, or mentors. Listen more than you speak, and always look for ways to add value to others.
Time Management: Balancing law school and entrepreneurship required prioritizing and staying organized. Time is the most valuable resource, and learning how to manage it well has been critical. My advice is to plan ahead, set clear goals, and use tools like calendar apps to stay on track. Most importantly, make time for self-care—it’s hard to pour from an empty cup.
These qualities have shaped my journey, and I believe they’re valuable for anyone striving to make their mark in any industry.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was always supporting me and my goals, no matter what they were. Knowing they’re in my corner, rooting for me, has been invaluable to my success. You need people you love and trust cheering you on, especially during the tough times.
Their support shows up in so many ways. My mom is my biggest promoter—she’s an avid user of Facebook groups and makes sure everyone in town knows about On The Go Glow (and my legal services!). My dad has always been there for me, too, like driving me to appointments in bad weather because he’d get worried.
It’s the big and small gestures that have made all the difference. Their unwavering encouragement has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and build both a business and a legal career I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onthegoglowmobiletan.com/
- Instagram: onthegoglow_
- Other: Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/HjmT6tv
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