2023 Tanning Salon Owners Cruise Mastering Sunshine!

Early in 2023, Ty Godwin, Owner of several Hollywood Tans salons in Maryland, attended an industry trade show. While he has long been an active supporter of such events, he had an idea for a salon operator seminar … with a twist!

“What salon owners are looking for when they attend such events are open-minded, round-table-type discussions that address and offer solutions to the day-to-day challenges we face,” Godwin states. Scribbling notes on a cocktail napkin at the hotel bar, he outlined an idea for bringing salon owners together for a working seminar to be held on a luxury cruise ship – (much like the popular IST Magazine “Solar Seminar at Sea” cruises we enjoyed back in the day). He “floated” the idea by a few fellow salon owners attending the trade show and they enthusiastically committed their support.

Without hesitation, Godwin booked (and personally guaranteed) 25 cabins on a five-day Carnival cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel, departing from Tampa, FL on November 27, 2023. Within just a few days, all 25 cabins were reserved and he quickly had to book 20 more to handle the demand!

“There is absolutely nothing like spending a week on a cruise ship with other salon owners who understand your day-to-day life, the ups, the downs, the laughs, the struggles, the accomplishments. The drive that so many salon owners have to never stop learning and wanting to constantly grow their business makes you want to do better and be better! Thanks to Devoted Creations for the AMAZING swag bag!

Victoria Cordes, Bear Naked Tanning

All Aboard!

A group of 48 people attended the inaugural event, representing 25 different businesses and 75 salon locations. They arrived in Tampa a day before departure and were treated to a fun-filled day of meeting and greeting held at the Devoted Creations headquarters in Oldsmar, FL.

Hosted by DC President Lewis Henry, the day’s agenda included first-class hospitality and a tour of the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities. Devoted Creations provided all attendees with swag-bags that rivaled those at a Hollywood movie premiere.

On the day of departure, Brook Taylor, Owner of All Hours Tanning Distributors in Nampa, ID sponsored a mimosa-infused breakfast and also provided a luxury chartered bus to transport the entire group to the port. Salon software provider Tan-Link furnished I.D. badges, etc.

“This week taught me how to be more productive; how to be more creative, how to be more intentional; how to be a better boss; how to be a better business owner. More importantly, I learned how to let go of what I cannot control and to be more confident about this industry – which I love more than any other! Cannot wait for the bigger, the better and what’s next!”

Audra Brown, Exclusive Tans & Spa

Getting Down to Business

Once at sea, the cruisers would break out into informal discussion groups and then circled back together to share ideas, strategies and real-world experiences. Topics of discussion included:

Finding, Hiring & Keeping
Qualified Employees
Increasing the Spray
Tanning Business
Building Memberships & EFT
Programs for Year-Round Income
Spa Services including
Red-Light & Sauna
Promoting Your Business
on Social-Media
Competing Against
Online Product Sales
Knowing When to
Expand Your Business
How to Produce a Successful MEGA Pink Wednesday & Black Friday
How to Offer Benefits to Employees
How to Negotiate a Strong Lease
Various Tools and Systems Used
to Collaborate & Train Staff

“Met some fantastic people, especially fellow salon owners. Their insights on running tanning salons have fueled my motivation to keep growing. Setting big goals for 2024 and 2025!”

Leslie Mills, Soleil Body Salon

The group would then meet each night to recap the day’s events over cocktails and dinner.

Plans are in the works for a 2024 seminar cruise! Space is limited; for more info on attending and for sponsorship opportunities, contact Ty Godwin – ty@hollywood-tans.com