‘The Euro Tan’ Founder, Tugba Mimi, shares the inspiration that led to Australia’s premium tan accelerator product
They say we exist for a divine purpose and that we all have a destiny waiting to unfold. If you believe that, then you’ll also believe Tugba Mimi was born to be an entrepreneur.
Tugba journeyed into business when she was 26-years-old as a custom-cake creator for weddings and birthdays whilst still working in a corporate office. In little to no time she realised her side-hustle was more profitable than her office job so decided to take the plunge and become an entrepreneur full-time.
Her years of working in hospitality when she was younger had enriched her with a sound understanding of how the hospitality industry works so she decided to open a cafe, ‘Sticky Moss’, in Brunswick, Victoria.
Despite its success in its two years of operation, Tugba didn’t have enough support or financial backing to sustain it for any longer. She made the tough decision to close it down and embarked on a new idea, her soon to be life-changing ‘golden idea’; the creation of ‘The Euro Tan’.
Tugba actually came across the idea for ‘The Euro Tan’ whilst travelling in Cyprus years earlier and was gobsmacked by the fundamental ingredient, ‘carotene’, which wasn’t available in Australia at the time. ‘I brought some back with me and I was using it on myself just thinking ‘this stuff is incredible!’ she claimed. ‘Even when I had the cafe I was always thinking, ‘there’s no carotene in Australia’!
When she closed her Melbourne hotspot down she decided to create an Australian version of this product, dubbed ‘The Euro Tan’. It differed from the European versions as it was water-based with the ability to be mixed with sunscreen. ‘That’s what makes it Aussie-friendly’ Tugba admitted. ‘You can tan safely, not be exposed to the harsh rays in Australia, and get a nice glowing European suntan all at the same time.’
On top of running a highly successful online business, Tugba is passionate about mentoring other up and coming entrepreneurs through her consulting business. It is true that every second lived is the collection of another skill which may come in use when you least expect it. Tugba drew on her customer service experience from her years of working at David Jones.
She also put her time in banking to good use. ‘Whilst I was working in banking part of my role involved coaching other staff members on how to communicate effectively with customers’ she said. ‘I would create templates for various situations, like: complaints, general enquiries, how to acknowledge customers, etc.’
Another aspect of her mentoring is the importance of social presence and creating a strong brand online. Tugba helps startups with the overwhelming parts of a business up and running. ‘I mentor other visionaries on things, like: where to start, how to execute the business idea, how to create a website, and more’ she said.
So if you want to be the next e-commerce success story, what’s her biggest advice? ‘My biggest advice is just to start!’ Tugba stressed. ‘If you’ve found your name, buy your domain and create your Instagram account’. ‘One of my favourite sayings is ‘if you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting a lifetime’. So just start!’With summer just around the corner Tugba Mimi is devoting her focus on ‘The Euro Tan’ as it’s peak season for the beauty must-have. Come 2022, she will focus on building her consulting business. In saying that, it is not too early to enquire. Contact Tugba and find out how she can help you achieve your entrepreneurial dream today.
