[gap height=”15″]
1. How did you get into the tanning industry?
[gap height=”15″]
Ten years ago, I left my executive position in corporate America to follow in my parents’ footsteps and become an entrepreneur. I stepped into a tanning salon and fell in love with the industry and the people who are passionate about the education of UV exposure. The company had ten locations when I started and within three years, we had 22 salons across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. “Fun” fact: my first day on the job was July 1, 2010 – the first day the Tan Tax was imposed (ugh!)
[gap height=”15″]
2. What do you like most about your job?
[gap height=”15″]
I adore every aspect of my job. I get the best of all worlds – I get to interact with salon owners across the country and help them with state and federal regulations. I love hearing their stories and finding more ways for them to bring in new business and retain their current customers. I also am deeply rooted in Washington, D.C. and have established an immense number of relationships to ensure that legislation like the Tan Tax doesn’t happen again. The daunting task of rolling back regulations and working with regulatory agencies is a challenge that I take head-on. I get to work with renowned scientists from all over the world who want to change the public’s perception of UV light.
[gap height=”15″]
3. When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
[gap height=”15″]
A lawyer! I could argue with anyone who would talk to me! I loved the suits women wore and the prestige of a courtroom. I am highly competitive and I thought, for sure, that’s where my career path would lead.
[gap height=”15″]
4. What’s your biggest “pet peeve?”
[gap height=”15″]
When people don’t know that they’ve already “made the sale” and keep talking. I see it in all facets of life, from the tanning salon front counter to asking a lawmaker to help me with something. Once the “customer” says “yes,” STOP talking and take their money!
[gap height=”15″]
5. What would you sing at Karaoke night?
[gap height=”15″]
Easy Question! 1980 song, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar. Let me be clear – I totally cannot sing!
[gap height=”15″]
6. Necessities aside, what one thing could you not go a day without?
[gap height=”15″]
My curling iron! I have wavy hair that looks terrible if I wear it natural. I keep 4-5 backup curling irons at all times!
[gap height=”15″]
7. If you were a super-hero, what power would you have?
[gap height=”15″]
The kids and I are HUGE Marvel character fans. We have this conversation weekly! I love super heroes, especially female super heroes. My power would be Chaos Magic just like Scarlet Witch – she’s my favorite character.