Katie Nelson - Owner
Professional Spray Tan Artist
Hi, I’m Katie, your local spray tan artist. After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, I finally rejoined the workforce a few years ago. Before I had kids, I was a licensed cosmetologist. I loved helping people feel beautiful and confident. For years, I’ve been thinking about spray tanning. I kept putting it off and finally decided to jump in and get certified. I LOVE it. Once again, I get to help people build confidence and feel beautiful in their skin.
With my background in cosmetology, I feel comfortable and confident formulating your own unique solution for your custom spray tan. Not to mention, I understand the need for proper sanitation of tools and implements, and how to complete that process.
When I am not at my studio, you can find me relaxing with my family. My two high school-aged daughters keep my husband and me pretty busy. When we are not running them to and from practice, activities, and social commitments, you can find me curled up on the couch watching true crime documentaries or Bravo.
Meet the 218 Tan Team
Delaney - Spray Tan Artist
Delaney brings warmth, attention to detail, and a calming presence to every appointment. She’s known for creating natural, sun-kissed medium glows that enhance your features while keeping your tan effortlessly believable.
Outside of 218 Tan, Delaney works as an RN Supervisor for General Surgery and Plastic Surgery at Essentia, balancing the fast-paced world of healthcare with the fun and creativity of spray tanning. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her enjoying Pilates, practicing a little self-care, grabbing a great coffee, or meeting friends for cocktails at Altitude and a burger from Burger Paradox.
What Delaney loves most about spray tanning is the positive energy and confidence it brings to every client—and she’s dedicated to making sure you leave feeling just as amazing as you look.
Kay - Spray Tan Artist
Kay is passionate about helping every client leave feeling confident, refreshed, and glowing. Her favorite tans are soft, effortless, sun-kissed looks that enhance your natural beauty while still looking like you.
When she’s not at 218 Tan, you’ll likely find her coaching with the Esko volleyball program, working toward her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at UMD, or spending time with friends. On a day off, she loves relaxing on her family’s pontoon out on the lake she grew up on. If she’s grabbing a local treat, you’ll probably spot her at Wild State Cider or 190° Coffee.
For Kay, the best part of spray tanning is seeing women feel more confident in their own skin—and she can’t wait to help you find your perfect glow.
Avery - Spray Tan Artist
Avery loves creating natural-looking, sun-kissed results that leave clients feeling radiant and confident. Seeing someone step out of the tanning room smiling and glowing is her favorite part of the job.
Outside of the studio, she enjoys staying active with her two dogs, Teddy and Zeev, taking walks, reading, and soaking up sunshine whenever she can. On her ideal day off, you’ll find her curled up on the couch with popcorn, watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with her pups nearby. She’s also a regular at Pulse Barre Studio, where she loves starting her day with Pilates.
Whether it’s your first spray tan or your fiftieth, Avery is dedicated to making sure you leave feeling beautiful, comfortable, and ready to bronze with confidence.
Abi - Spray Tan Artist
Abi loves helping clients look and feel their absolute best, with a special knack for creating beautiful vacation-ready glows that leave you looking refreshed and radiant. Her goal is always to make every appointment feel comfortable, personalized, and confidence-boosting.
When she’s not at 218 Tan, she’s usually outside making memories with her kids or enjoying some of her favorite local spots, like Social House or Ursa Minor. Her ideal day off includes relaxing on a boat with plenty of sunshine—and, of course, a fresh tan.
For Abi, there’s nothing better than watching someone leave the studio feeling like the best version of themselves.
