More and more people are following their dreams of opening and operating tanning salons, further strengthening the indoor tanning industry. IST Magazine wishes to recognize these “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!
- Location: Sumter, SC
- Number of Stores: 2
- Owner: Michael Linville
- Staff: 2
- Tanning Units: 5 (Hex, SunDash)
- Tanning Levels: 3
- Lotion Brands: Devoted Creations, Fiesta Sun, Ed Hardy Tanning, Pro Tan, Supre Tan & Synergy
- Training: Sun is Life®
- Distribution Partner: Four Seasons Sales & Service, Heartland Tanning, Inc.
Customer service-oriented and family-owned, Angel’s Tans is just the kind of salon the folks in Sumter, SC need!
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[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]While working as a police officer, Michael Linville found tanning at Angel’s Summer Tans helped melt away the stress associated with his job. After being part of the “thin blue line” for nearly eight years, he decided it was time to shift focus to his other business – Three Nails Construction Co. – while the owner of the salon was looking to sell it. “She wanted to spend more time with her grandkids,” said Runette “Scooter” Linville, Michael’s mother. “My son had loved tanning there so much that he decided to purchase the business in order to continue enjoying what he loved.” The newly-renamed Angel’s Tans opened its doors on November 25, 2013, with Scooter behind the counter. “Being retired, this is a great way to get out of the house for a few days a week!” she added.[/one_half]
With customer service as Scooter’s main priority, Angel’s Tans is a positive and friendly environment. She goes out of her way to give every guest the best possible experience each time they come in, and she’s aided in her efforts by salon employee Gail Drexler, who shares Scooter’s love for providing the best guest service possible. “We’re a small-town salon that’s done very well because we add a personal touch to everything we do,” Scooter explained. “We don’t leave our guests standing in the lobby, unattended; everyone who comes in is greeted immediately, and we begin taking care of them.” This focus on service, Scooter says, fosters customer loyalty while attracting new customers, as well.
To help things run smoothly, the staff at Angel’s Tans recently completed Sun is Life® certification. Scooter enjoyed the experience, saying it was more convenient than the all-day classroom session she endured while working in a North Carolina salon many years ago. She also enjoyed Sun is Life’s material, explaining, “Not only was it a great refresher on the training I already had, I also learned many new things. The section on sunlamps was very detailed and the lotion information was also extremely helpful. I’d recommend Sun is Life to every salon owner and their staff.” Gail Drexler echoed Scooter’s sentiments about Sun is Life, adding, “This was the first time I’ve ever had any tanning training and I really learned a lot!”
Currently located in a small shopping plaza, Scooter describes Angel’s Tans as a salon already experiencing “growing pains.” Michael’s future plans for the business are focused upon acquiring Angel’s Tans some much needed “leg room,” she explained, adding, “We’re in between a bakery and a barbershop, and the man who owns the barbershop is looking to eventually retire. Michael has spoken with the property manager about acquiring that space, removing the wall and adding more tanning units to better serve our guests.” Scooter says she’s excited about her son’s future plans for Angel’s Tans, adding, “I enjoy all of our guests and I’m looking forward to serving them better with more equipment choices.”
Thanks for helping us welcome Michael and Scooter Linville to the indoor tanning community. We look forward to meeting many more new faces and salon places in the months to come. Until then … stay sunny! ■
