Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kelly Callaghan

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelly Callaghan. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Honestly, my days are a mix of business and motherhood with a sprinkle of self-care when I can fit it in. I usually start the day early with my son—getting him ready and soaking in some time together before diving into work. Most mornings, I’ll check in on my businesses, respond to emails, and review what needs my attention first, whether it’s marketing for X-Tan Sunless, planning for Slay the Spray, or coaching clients on building their online courses.

I like to use my energy accordingly, so if I’m feeling a rush of energy I will create content or do other types of deep work from home. Afternoons can look like running errands, visiting the X-Tan Sunless warehouse, working with my team, or brainstorming big-picture ideas for the brand. I’ve learned to prioritize freedom and flexibility, so I don’t overpack my calendar like I used to—there’s space now for school pick-ups, park days, and just being present with my son.

Evenings are all about family and recharging. We’ll have dinner, play, and then I wind down with a little reading or journaling. My life used to feel non-stop hustle, but now I design my days intentionally so I can grow my businesses while also enjoying my life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Kelly Callaghan, and I’ve spent over a decade in the beauty industry building multiple businesses—from owning my own salon to creating X-Tan Sunless, an e-commerce brand that provides spray tan solutions and retail products for beauty professionals. I’m also the founder of Slay the Spray, the largest event in the world for spray tanning entrepreneurs, where I help artists learn how to grow their businesses with confidence and strategy. I’ve recently transitioned into helping beauty professionals grow their own coaching and training businesses online as well. So, that’s been my main focus of business the past few years.

What makes my work unique is that I’ve been where most beauty professionals start: hustling long hours, trying to figure it all out on my own. Through years of trial and error, I built a life and business that now gives me freedom and flexibility, and I’m passionate about teaching others to do the same. Beyond products and events, I coach beauty professionals on creating and selling online courses, helping them expand their income and impact without burning out.

At the heart of everything I do is a mission to empower beauty business owners—especially women—to step into leadership, believe in their potential, and design a life and business they truly love.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the biggest moments that shaped how I see the world was losing my dad to cancer recently. Watching someone you love go through that is heartbreaking, and it was a huge wake-up call for me. It made me realize, on a whole new level, that the most valuable thing we have isn’t money or success—it’s our energy and our health. Without those, nothing else matters.

Since then, I’ve been far more intentional about how I take care of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s shifted my priorities and made me want to help others understand the same thing: your health is your foundation for everything you want in life. That perspective has truly shaped the way I live, work, and support the people around me.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could. The hardships and pitfalls forced me to step back and really look at everything I was doing. In those moments, I had to dig deep within myself, build resilience, and have full faith that what I was going through was teaching me the exact lessons I needed to reach the next level of success.

It also taught me true gratitude. If everything flowed easily all the time, it’s so easy to take it for granted. But without the dark, we can’t fully feel or appreciate the light. Those hard seasons gave me perspective, strength, and a deep appreciation for every win—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to believing in myself. I believe I’m capable of doing hard things, of rising from tragedy, and of figuring things out—whatever ‘it’ is—if I want it badly enough. I’ve learned that when I stop believing in myself, everything around me stops growing, too. So I constantly remind myself of all the things I’ve already accomplished that once felt impossible, and that I can continue to grow and rise no matter what life throws my way.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have this deep belief that we’re all here on this earth for a purpose. That purpose is going to look different for everyone, but I think at our core we all want the same things: to be happier, more free, and to live life on our own terms. When I really started to grasp how short life can be, I began making decisions that looked ‘out of the ordinary’ to most—like leaving home the moment I turned 18, quitting my corporate jobs just to have a summer off, moving to Hawaii on a whim, and starting a business that gave me freedom, travel, and fun. All took risk but the rewards surpassed any of that in my mind.

What I understand deeply is that most people are too scared to live outside of the societal box they’ve been encouraged to stay in. But life becomes so much richer when you’re willing to take risks. Every time I’ve stepped out of that box, it’s led to massive rewards and experiences I could have never imagined.

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