- Number of stores: 1
- Location: W. Berlin, NJ
- Years in Business: 2
- Owners: Susan and Bill Lebb
- Staff: 3
- Tanning Systems: 7 (Ergoline, Dr. Müller, SunCapsule & TanAmerica)
- Tanning Levels: 5
- Lotion Brands: Australian Gold, Designer Skin, Fiesta Sun, Ed Hardy
- Tanning, JWOWW, Mystic Tan, Pro Tan and Snooki by Supre Tan
- Software: TanTrack
- Other Services: Mystic Tan Sunless
- Distribution Partner: Heartland Tanning, Inc.
Since taking over Bronze Bodies in 2012, Susan Lebb has discovered a love for indoor tanning and an even greater appreciation for tanners.
The desire to own a business and some spare time on their hands led Susan and Bill Lebb to purchase Bronze Bodies. “For 34 years, Bill worked at an oil refinery,” Susan explained, “and then one day, it closed. We began talking about opening our own business and we were looking for something small that both of us could manage.” It so happened that the former owner of Bronze Bodies was looking to sell the salon, which was located in a popular shopping center. Although Susan wasn’t much of an indoor tanner at the time, she and Bill bought the business on April 23, 2012. “I absolutely love indoor tanning now!” she exclaimed.
Shortly after purchasing Bronze Bodies, the couple’s concept of cooperation went through a slight adjustment. “Bill found work at another refinery,” she said, “so it was up to me to run our business; but Bill still comes in on his days off and our Manager, Caitlin Donahue, runs the salon on the weekends. We all love meeting so many wonderful people in our community.” Susan says she also appreciates the friendships she’s developed within the tanning industry. “Nicole Valentine-Barton is our sales rep at Heartland Tanning,” she added, “and she does a wonderful job for us. She’s always been there when we’ve needed her, and we feel she goes above and beyond to take care of us.”
After taking the Sun Is Life® “Got Sunless?” module in April, Susan says she’s become fascinated with the education and certification program. “I’m very impressed with the Sun Is Life policy of avoiding health claims when we promote tanning,” she said. “That’s something we never do because we’re not doctors, and nowadays, it’s too easy for someone to try to use something you might have said against you.” In addition to preparing to earn Sun Is Life certification, Susan says she also learns a lot about salon operations from John Farr’s Sun Is Life Webinars.
After two years as a salon owner, Susan says she sees plenty of potential in her chosen career. “This year, we’ll be putting in more time at the salon,” she said. “We have the potential to make it our best year yet, and I’m determined to achieve it!” While continuing to maximize her sales opportunities, Susan also plans to continue doing what she loves most – building relationships with her salon guests. “Whether it’s someone who comes in just to get a tan or those who like to hang out and chat,” she said, “I make sure every guest enjoys their experience at Bronze Bodies!”
