“Our salons are designed so that our guests really feel that they have a place to relax and enjoy the entire experience.”
[gap]Owner: Onyi Odunukwe
Locations: Fayetteville & Fort Smith, AR
Years in Business: 7
Number of Staff: 35
Number of UV Tanning Units: 69
Number of Spa Units: 17
Lotions Brands: Designer Skin, California Tan
Salon Software: Sunlync
Other Services: Red-Light, Teeth-whitening, Automated Massage, Cocoon
Salon Operator Training: Sun is Life®
Distributor Partner: Four Seasons
Best-selling Lotions: Miss Designer, Stunner, Forever After
Most Popular Tanning Package: VIP (all access)
Website: Glotanning.com
[gap]As we turn the corner toward another new season, I had a chance to catch up with a truly innovative salon owner, Onyi Odunukwe of Glo Tanning. As we chatted, I knew that with his facilities located in Razorback Country (University of Arkansas), I should probably steer clear of SEC football topics. So I did. I definitely learned a few things from this entrepreneur … read on and enjoy!
[gap]IST: Onyi, this my typical “lead off question”: How did you get started in the tanning business?
[gap height=”15″]Onyi: Well, my story is probably somewhat different than that of many salon owners. In 2009, I was looking for a business opportunity – something that could be combined and “dovetail” nicely with my fitness background. And this is where it gets a little different. Many who get into the industry are indoor tanners, themselves; however, I’m a black American with a large build, and was looking for a business that I could turn a profit on. I did a lot of research and decided on indoor tanning. This salon wouldn’t have an owner with a look that speaks to the products and services being offered. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that! It’s just that for me, it was all about profit- ability, and I found it with indoor tanning.
[gap height=”15″]A black American with a large build, Onyi was looking for a business that he could turn a profit on. After a lot of research, he decided on indoor tanning. His salons wouldn’t have a typical owner who has a look that speaks to the products and services being offered. For him, the business had to be all about profitability, and he has found it with indoor tanning.
[gap]IST: Certainly, the last several years have been challenging for many small business owners – our industry included. What have been your biggest challenges?
[gap height=”15″]Onyi: One problem is something many small businesses are faced with: staffing. Training and keeping quality staff members is very difficult. I really filter potential employees and select “the best of the best.” Then, I train them thoroughly and integrate them into the Glo Tanning atmosphere. Our salons are great places to tan!
[gap]IST: So, is it high-quality equipment that sets you apart?
[gap height=”15″]Onyi: Candidly, it’s not. I wanted to create a different style of tanning facility. Of course, you can’t offer substandard products and expect to excel. But I focus on decor. Our salons are designed so that our guests really feel that they have a place to relax and enjoy the entire experience.
[gap]IST: How has the government-imposed Tan Tax affected your business?
[gap height=”15″]Onyi: It hasn’t. The Tan Tax is a “pass through” tax. Yes, it’s 10% for tanning salons, but when you break it down, it’s a dollar or two on most sessions. No offense, but if you’re operating your business properly, you should be able to justify it to your guests by continuing to offer the best products and customer service that you can, with a well-trained and educated staff and be able to accept it and move on.
[gap]IST: So, has anyone helped you on your journey to success in tanning?
[gap height=”15″]Onyi: I don’t like to do anything by chance. One of your IST contributors is Mike Blore of California Sun Centers (CA). He’s a wealth of information; in fact, I just got back from a quick visit to pick his brain on some new ideas. So, a quick shout – thanks, Mike!
[gap]IST: Some of your staff have recently taken and passed our Sun is Life® Training and Certification program. How important is it to have a trained and educated staff?
Onyi: Joe, training is everything! My staff is trained to answer almost every tanning question that you can think of. Sun is Life Training & Certification puts my team in that position. It’s an incredible program to get all of my staff on the same page when it comes to providing our guests with factual information.
[gap]IST: Okay, get ready for another requisite question. What are your business goals? Where do you see Glo Tanning in five years?
[gap height=”15″]Onyi: I establish both three-year and five-year goals. I’ve achieved my first goal to broaden my reach and operate salons in both Fayetteville and Ft. Smith. My next goal will probably include adding new salons; but, the biggest one is to become debt-free in five years, which I think that I’m in position to achieve.
[gap height=”15″]Onyi, thanks for taking time to share some of your insight. All the best to you and Glo Tanning in 2017!
