As indoor tanning professionals, there are so many positive things happening in our beloved industry for us to enjoy. For example, there seems to be a large number of people purchasing tanning salons these days. Perhaps they didn’t pay attention to all the “doom and gloom” that some have been preaching – instead, these entrepreneurs chose to follow their instincts and pursue the American Dream, which continues to make our industry stronger. ist Magazine wishes to recognize these tanning “newbies” with this monthly “Welcome Wagon” series, and we invite you, our loyal readers, to join us in giving them the friendly greeting they deserve!
- Salon Name: Lakeside Tan
- Location: Lakeside, OH
- Date Opened: April 18, 2012
- Owner: Michelle & Jim Minton
- Number of Stores: One
- Tanning Systems: Ten (Ergoline, Heartland Tanning & Tanses)
- Tanning Levels: Three
- Staff: Three
- Other Services: Custom Airbrush Tans & Clothing Sales
- Lotions: Australian Gold, California Tan, Designer Skin, Devoted Creations,
- Supre Tan, Millennium, Norvell Skin Solutions
- Distribution Partner: Heartland Tanning Inc.
This year, Michelle and Jim Minton became the new owners of Lakeside Tan, and the couple operates the salon as a true family business. “I’m here five days a week, while Jim is the handyman and our son, Kyle, works part-time while attending college,” said Michelle. “Our Chocolate Labrador, Ginny, is also here with me every day, and she’s developed quite a following. Many clients bring her treats knowing that she will be at the salon to greet them when they come in!” In her short time as owner, Michelle has come to love the friendship and camaraderie she’s developed with her clients. “I also love learning about lotions, sunlamps and everything else about this business!” she added.
It was a chance conversation with Lakeside’s previous owners that opened the door for Michelle and Jim to buy the business, and further conversations with industry professionals, he says, have helped keep it going. “We’ve gotten a lot of help from our friends at Heartland Tanning, as well as from many of the salon owners who post on TanToday.com,” Jim said. “This definitely has helped us grow our business and has us thinking about its future.” Jim says he and Michelle would like to someday open another location in a small town near Lakeside, and they’re also intrigued by the 24/7 tanning concept. “We’ll continue to do our research as we grow our current store and see where everything takes us,” he added.
Thanks for helping us welcome Michelle and Jim Minton to the indoor tanning community – we’re sure they’ll like it here! In the meantime, look forward to meeting many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then… stay sunny!
