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: Bella Glow Spray Tanning
- Location: Ellsworth, ME
- Date Opened: April 2011
- Owner: Carol Fusco
- Equipment: MaxiMist Pro HVLP
- Products: Sjolie Sunless Solutions & It Works Bodywraps
- Employees: One Distribution
- Partner: Sjolie Sunless
After literally giving her tanning salon away, Carol Fusco returned to her home state of Maine… and opened a sunless-only business. “I wanted to move back home so I tried to sell my salon – Bronze Touch in Seminole, FL – but no one wanted to purchase it,” said Carol. “One day, I finally said, ‘I’ll give this business to the next person who walks through the door.’
Just then, a friend walked into the salon and was surprised to discover that I was serious!”
Last April, Carol opened Bella Glow Spray Tanning in Ellsworth, ME and began attracting lots of tanners looking to get a glow for weddings, graduations and other special events. “I tell my clients they don’t have to come in for a full-body tan each week; but, it’s always good to come in for touch-ups, and that’s helped create some regular repeat business,” she added. “To accommodate them, I began offering unlimited packages, such as $50 per month and $75 for two months. Creating loyal sunless tanners is the best way to grow this business, and I’m committed to it!”
Thanks for taking the time to meet Carol Fusco of Bella Glow Spray Tanning. In the months to come, we’ll be introducing many more sunless-only entrepreneurs and highlighting their unique takes on the tan biz. After all, we’re all in this together!
