For years, ist Magazine has highlighted the efforts of hard-working salon owners across the country; but, there’s more than one way to get a tan. Currently, there are many “sunless-only” salons whose owners are doing their part to help keep America bronzed and beautiful. In this occasional series, we endeavor to see how “the other half” lives… and goes about the business of delivering tanned skin to those who seek it.
- Salon Name: 24K Airbrush Tanning Studio
- Location: Tulsa, OK
- Date Opened: May 2012
- Owners: Paige Christian & Ashley Marcantonio
- Equipment: Norvell Skin Solutions Z3000
- Products: Norvell Sunless
- Staff: 3
- Training: Norvell Basic & Master Certified
- Distribution Partner: Heartland Tanning Inc.
Once Paige Christian and her daughter Ashley Marcantonio discovered sunless airbrush tanning, it changed their lives. “We’ve always loved having tans and being dark, and we were blown away by the detail and precision that airbrush tanning provides,” said Paige. “We purchased a Norvell portable hand-held unit and began spraying each other, as well as our friends and family. After Ashley graduated from college, she decided to launch a spray-tanning salon with me instead of pursuing a career with her degree, and I was happy to join her in the business.”
The ladies opened 24K Airbrush Tanning Studio with the goal of servicing loyal, long-term spray-tanning clients who stop by once a week for their sunless glow, as well as the event-based clients who typically seek a spray tan. “After just passing our 90-day mark, we’re averaging about 30 spray tans a day, and most of those are repeat clients,” explained Ashley. “If this continues to grow, we plan to build the 24K brand with additional locations around Tulsa.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Paige Christian and Ashley Marcantonio to the indoor tanning community. In the months to come, we’ll be meeting many more sunless-only entrepreneurs and highlighting their unique takes on the tanning biz. After all, we’re all in this together!
